Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Texting to a 5 digit number

Sep 8, 2017 12:04PM PDT

Have the HTC Android 5.1 phone with No contract. Wanted to join a survey. Over Wifi... can this phone text to a five digit number? Is an extra app required? Guidance sought

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Clarification Request
Is the question "Over WiFi"?
Sep 8, 2017 12:16PM PDT

Then no, you won't be doing this in a normal way. Try the workarounds at
https://www.google.com/search?q=send+sms+without+cell+service&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8

That said I used the CNET CheapSkate advice and snagged a no-cost service that gives me 100 minutes a month and 100 texts. http://www.cnet.com/cheapskate/
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-get-a-free-data-plan-for-your-tablet/

Getting the sim and the right free plan is downright hard but I have mine and have used it in a pinch now and then. Over a year now and just 10 bucks total for the entire year.

-> This is for my second phone. My real phone? I'm on Ting.com which runs from about 6 to 20 a month.

- Collapse -
Answer
Re: texting
Sep 8, 2017 12:16PM PDT

Texting (SMS) doesn't work over WiFi.
What happens if you try?