Lesson 6
Send Text Messages
A text message is a short written note you send to someone's phone. It's a quick, quiet way to stay in touch when a call isn't needed.
First, tell us which phone you have
Not sure which you have?
If your phone has an apple on the back, it’s an iPhone. If it has anything else, it’s almost certainly an Android.
Step 1 of 7
Open the Messages app
Find the Messages app. Its icon looks like a speech bubble.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, this is the green app called Messages.
On your Android: On Android, this is usually the app simply called Messages.
Texting is a great way to reach family who are busy. They can read and reply whenever they have a moment.
Step 2 of 7
Start a new message
Tap the button to write a new message. It often looks like a pencil or a plus sign.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, tap the pencil-and-paper icon in the top-right corner.
On your Android: On Android, tap Start chat or the pencil icon.
Step 3 of 7
Choose who to text
Type the person's name to pick them from your contacts, or type their phone number.
If you saved them as a contact, just their name is enough. No need to remember the number.
Step 4 of 7
Type your message
Tap the blank box near the bottom and type your note using the keyboard that appears.
If the letters feel small, don't worry. The 'Make Your Phone Easier to See and Hear' lesson shows how to make text bigger.
Step 5 of 7
Send it
Tap the send button, usually an arrow or a paper airplane, to send your message on its way.
You'll see your message appear at the top. When they reply, it shows up right below.
Step 6 of 7
Send a photo in a text
You can attach a photo to a text. Tap the photo or paperclip icon, choose a picture, then send it.
On your iPhone: On iPhone, if you're texting someone who has an Android phone, make sure MMS Messaging is turned on in Settings under Messages, or your photos may not go through.
Sending pictures this way is a lovely way to share family photos.
Step 7 of 7
Get back a text you deleted
On your iPhone: On iPhone, open Messages, tap Edit or Filters at the top left, tap Recently Deleted, choose the message, and tap Recover.
On your Android: On Android's Messages app, a text you swiped away is usually just archived, not gone. Tap the menu (three lines) at the top left, tap Archived, hold the message, and tap the unarchive icon to bring it back.
A message you fully deleted and confirmed can't always be brought back, so pause a moment before you confirm a delete.