January 31, 2011 by Vincent
Send Free US/International SMS from iPhone/Android
(iDevices/Android) If you text very frequently to local or international numbers and the cost is sucking your wallet dry, you should check this out.
HeyWire is a free app for both iDevices (iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad) and Android that provides unlimited free text not only in the United States, but also to numbers in any of the 146 supported countries.
It is not a BBM-like messaging app like Whatsapp and KakaoTalk. The recipient need not to have the same app installed. All he need is a phone that is capable of receiving text messages, be it a monochrome Nokia 3210 or a cheap Chinese knock-off.
When you first sign up for the service after downloading the app, you will receive a real free US number. The recipient will see your text message as a regular SMS originating from that number. If he decides to reply to that number, he will be charged at the same rate texting to any other US number by his carrier.
Supported Countries & Carriers
At the time of writing, you can send free text internationally to any numbers in the 146 supported countries. You can find the full list of supported countries on this page (select region on the left pane, list of countries and carriers on the right)
I have personally tested texting myself to both my Google Voice number (US) and my Malaysian number (Digi, but both Celcom & Maxis is also supported according to the list). Both worked great. The message arrived almost instantly.
If you are sending a text outside US, make sure the number is formatted correctly with the country and area code.
Pros:
- Free text to almost anyone in any country, to any number
- Free US number, capable of both sending and receiving SMS
- The app is free, available in both App Store and Android Market
- Send a message to up to 10 contacts at a time
- Facebook Chat and Google Talk integration (optional)
Cons:
- App is ad-supported to pay for your free texts
- HeyWire promotional signature in all outgoing texts by default (you can change it easily to your own personalized signature or remove it all together. No biggie)
Download: App Store | Android Market
(or just search for “HeyWire” in the store or market)
nazimwarriach - February 6, 2011 @ 5:38 pm
Thanks for sharing such a useful article about free App. I was in search of any such application for my Apple iPhone from last couple of days. I am very glad to read about it on your blog.
I am going to download and install it on my iPhone but I am not sure that if it will work outside USA or not.
Vincent - February 8, 2011 @ 3:34 pm
It will probably work, unless you are intending to text someone in a country that is not supported. It’s unlikely though since the number supported countries is huge.
sudeep - February 11, 2011 @ 5:01 am
I was using a service called 160by2 and way2sms..thanks for sharing some new service…
Phil4 - March 24, 2011 @ 10:41 pm
Check Free SMS (RefineAndroid): http://refineandroid.doodlekit.com/
– worldwide;
– several providers (a huge number of countries and carriers/operators);
– with replies (for USA/Canada);
– it’s free for the SMS recipient. Some providers do charge for receiving SMS if the recipient sends a confirmation SMS;
– history (removable).
Providers add minor ad block at the end of SMS messages.
Phil4 - March 24, 2011 @ 2:44 pm
Check Free SMS (RefineAndroid):
– worldwide;
– several providers (a huge number of countries and carriers/operators);
– with replies (for USA/Canada);
– it’s free for the SMS recipient. Some providers do charge for receiving SMS if the recipient sends a confirmation SMS;
– history (removable).
Providers add minor ad block at the end of SMS messages.
nn models - November 26, 2012 @ 12:26 am
@Phil4, nice service
nobre - March 7, 2012 @ 6:40 am
I tried this, and it didn’t work. I am in Germany, and it wouldn’t allow me to text my friends in the States. I’ve been trying to find an app that would allow me to text them, and allow them to reply from any phone. This is not it.
YO YO YO YO YO YO - May 12, 2012 @ 8:06 pm
YO YO YO!
Thanks for the great info and share. I really do appreciate it.
Have you seen this website as well?
http://www.UseFreeSMS.com
Completely Free and NO Registration.
Thanks again!
JB
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