Member Avatar for philpense

Have an Android 4.1.1 just for Wifi use. No cellular contract for it. Looking for some android app choices...How can one get a texting address

Guidance sought

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asked how to get SMS on a Wi‑Fi‑only Android and several members (, , , ) suggested app-based approaches. App messaging still works, but the landscape changed since 2015; the practical choices today fall into two clear categories and each has tradeoffs.

If the goal is real SMS/MMS (send to ordinary phone numbers), use a service that issues a phone number you can use from your tablet. Examples that still work over Wi‑Fi include providers that give a free ad‑supported number or a paid number you keep. These services let the device act like a normal phone for texting, but note providers recycle inactive numbers and some websites block VoIP/virtual numbers for verification. See the providers’ get‑started and number‑policy notes for details: TextNow (free number and how it works) and TextFree (free number/ texting). Google’s Voice product also provides a persistent U.S. number but has verification/linked‑number steps to complete. (TextNow: https://help.textnow.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043031633-Getting-started-with-TextNow, TextFree: https://textfree.us/, Google Voice setup: .)

If both ends can run the same app, pick an Internet‑first messenger instead of SMS. Apps like Signal and Telegram run entirely over Wi‑Fi after initial registration and offer richer features; Telegram also supports public usernames so other people can message you without seeing your number. Bear in mind these apps still require number verification at signup and won’t replace SMS for contacting people who don’t use the same app (Signal: https://support.signal.org/hc/en-us/articles/9932632052378-How-to-protect-yourself-on-Signal; Telegram usernames/FAQ: https://telegram.org/faq?setln=en).

Quick, practical checklist: 1) decide whether you must reach regular SMS recipients (choose a number‑issuing VoIP app) or only app users (choose Signal/Telegram/etc.); 2) claim a number, test sending/receiving right away; 3) keep the account active so the number isn’t recycled; 4) avoid using free VoIP numbers for critical verifications — many services block them (see Microsoft’s verification guidance). (VoIP block explanation: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/account-billing/troubleshooting-verification-code-issues-409090c4-92b5-42b9-8ae6-bcc97e62fc48.)

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Member Avatar for rproffitt

I've been using it a few ways. Now before I reveal them, some member just couldn't get it done. I don't know why but for me, I can text using Ring.to and Google Hangouts. I can't understand what their issues were but here, all working. That is, they went round and round refusing to get an email account or do whatever it takes to get it working.

You might want to look up XDA Forums and see if you can kick up the Android version a notch or two.

Member Avatar for seoaceindia

why not use some free sms service provider like way2sms

Member Avatar for hibatahir

there are many other applications which do the same thinkg you can find them from google play store

Member Avatar for CimmerianX

KIK messenger is a good alternative. Works for wifi only devices.

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