How to Text Message on an Android Phone or Tablet

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Your Android device can send and receive text messages just like any other mobile device. As long as you have the mobile phone number or a contact for someone you would like to send a message to, you can send a text message to that person.

Text messages (sometimes referred to by its technical name of SMS or Short Message Service) typically contains only the text you type into them. Additionally, you can also send photos and videos while sending text messages (this can sometimes be called MMS or Multimedia Message Service).

This guide will assist in making sense of how to send text messages on your Android device.

2. Add Google Account

When you add your Google Account to your Android device, it will synchronize contacts and other data automatically with your device.

1. Tap Settings.
   

1. Select Accounts.
   

1. Then select Add account.
   

1. Select Google as the account type.
   

1. Select Existing to sign into an existing Google Account.
   

1. Enter your Google Account credentials and select > to continue.
   

1. Select OK to agree with the Google Terms of Service to complete adding your Google Account to your device.
   

1. Congratulations! Your Google Account has been added to your device. Any contacts or data your Google Account contains should begin automatically synchronizing to your device.
   

3. Compose a Text Message

1. On your home screen, locate and tap the Messages icon.
   

1. Tap the New Message icon in the corner of the screen.
   

1. Type in the telephone number of the person you would like to text, or begin typing their name. If you have that person saved as a contact, their name will appear below as a "matching contact." Tap their name to choose them as the recipient of your text.
   

1. Tap the Enter Message box, and use the on-screen keyboard to type your message to the recipient.
   

4. Add Photo or Video to a Text Message

1. While composing your text message, tap the Paperclip icon to the left of the message field.
   

1. Tap on the desired media or type of media you would like to insert. Recently added photos and videos will be above, while categories to see all items of a certain type will be below.
   

1. Tap on the photo or video you would like to add to your message, and then tap DONE.
   

1. Your media will now appear in the composed text message.
   

5. Send Text Message

Once you have composed your text message, we can now send it onto its intended recipient.

1. Tap the Send button on the right side of the message box.
   

1. Your message has now been sent!