Free SMS Text Messaging Through Instant Messengers

Free SMS text messaging can be done through such services as yahoo instant messenger, Gmail chat and AOL instant messenger (AIM). This is good if you do not have a cellphone, or have to pay for each incoming and outgoing text message. These free SMS text messaging options do show your instant messenger user names or emails on the receiving end.

Yahoo Instant Messenger

Free SMS text messaging through yahoo instant messenger is really easy.

1: Go to Actions and select Send SMS Message (Ctrl-T)
2: Enter the phone number of the person you wish to send a SMS text message to. There's a handy little cheat sheet at the bottom to let you know how to enter the phone number.
3: Hit Ok, then write your message like a normal instant message (136 characters max) and hit enter to send.

This is what is received through Yahoo Messenger's free SMS text messaging:
A Yahoo user is trying to send you a text message. When it arrives select reply to continue the conversation. For more info visit mobile.yahoo.com. User name and text.

Gmail Chat

Free SMS text messaging through Gmail Chat has a few more steps, but SMS text messaging is still easy.

1: Go to Settings in Gmail.
2: Click on Labs then enable Text Messaging (SMS) In Chat. You can also enable SMS In Chat Gadget, which makes the free SMS text messaging even simpler.
3: Go back to Gmail Inbox, and now on the Gmail Chat you will see the option to Send SMS.
4: Enter the phone number of the person you wish to text.
5: Add as contact.
6: Send SMS text message just like a regular instant message.

This is what is received through Gmail Chat's free SMS text messaging:
Gmail email - Sent you a SMS from Gmail You can send a reply to this message or send STOP to opt out or HELP for more info. Text.

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)

Free SMS text messaging is the same as instant messaging in AOL Instant Messenger (AIM).

1: Go to Menu, then click on New IM (Ctrl-N).
2: On the Start A New IM screen, under the text entry section it will ask you if you wish to send a text message instead. Click on that.
3: Enter a 10 digit U.S phone number.
4: Hit enter and proceed as with a normal AIM instant message. The person that you text message will show up under your Recent Buddies list.

This is what is received through AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)'s free SMS text messaging:
Username. Text. Reply. Block to stop this user.