Email & messages
Send a text message
A text lets you reach family and friends in seconds. It is quick and easy to do. You already know how to type. So you are almost there. If texts cost money on your plan, a free chat app like WhatsApp works the same way. Let's do this one small step at a time.
~5 min Always free
A text is just a short note you send from your phone. Let's send one together, nice and slow.
On most phones (iPhone and Android)
- Find your Messages app on your screen.
- Look for a small speech-bubble icon.
- Tap it once to open it.
- The app is almost always called Messages.
- A few Android phones call it Messaging.
- Look for a button to start a new message.
- It is often a pencil or a plus sign.
- Tap it. A new, empty message will open.
- Find the To box at the top.
- Tap a saved contact's name if you see it.
- Or type their full phone number, with the area code.
- Tap the wide empty box at the bottom.
- Type your short note there.
- To add a photo, look for a small camera or plus icon.
- Tap it, then pick a picture.
- When you are ready, look for the send button.
- It is a small arrow, usually blue or green.
- Tap it once to send your note.
Buddy’s tip
Practice by texting yourself, or a friend who knows you are learning. There is no wrong way and no rush.
Type your note, then tap the arrow to send it.