TEXT MESSAGE APPS CAN ALSO BE USED FROM YOUR PC

Tired of struggling with a tiny smartphone keyboard while tapping out long text messages? There’s an easier way. Both iPhone and Android smartphone users can now link their phone’s messaging apps to a desktop or laptop computer, enjoying the convenience of full-sized screens and keys.

Apple’s iMessage is the Apple messaging service you get automatically with your Apple ID. It’s long been a popular way to send messages between iPhones, and now you can also use it to send messages from your Mac computer. Simply look for the Messages icon on your Mac; if you’re logged in to your Apple account, you’ll be able to use it from your desktop the same way you do on your iPhone.

Android smartphone users can send and receive text messages, photos, voice messages, and video using Android Messages on a smartphone and desktop. To link the mobile app and the web version:

  • Open the Messages app on your smartphone, tap the More options menu (three vertical dots), then tap Messages for web.
  • To pair your computer with your phone, click here using one of the following browsers: Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge. Internet Explorer isn’t supported.
  • On your smartphone, tap Scan QR code and point it at the QR code displayed on the computer. Then, select Yes under Remember this computer if you’re using a trusted device, so you only have to do this once. You might have to re-pair your phone with your desktop from time to time.

It’s important to note that to use either messaging app, your phone has to have service and your computer needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. But with your usual connections in place, you’ll have the ability to easily text from your phone or computer.

37 Thoughts on "TEXT MESSAGE APPS CAN ALSO BE USED FROM YOUR PC"

  1. Sam says

    And where on my Android smartphone do I find the “Scan QR code” app?

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Hi Sam, all you should need to do is open your camera, get the QR code within focus, and tap on the QR code on the screen. If that doesn’t work, then you can find QR Code scanning apps in the Play Store.

  2. Kelvin j Titus says

    Getting real sick of all the updates. I have the 3 G plan and almost 2 G go to updates monthly. I have to be very careful with my data usage due to updates.

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Hi Kelvin, updates are essential to make sure that apps are working properly, but you can turn off automatic updates in the settings of the Play Store, or set it to only update when connected to Wi-Fi.

  3. Linda Andrews says

    If you’re going to use your desktop or laptop to send a lengthy message, just send an email instead of texting. Lengthy messages are a pain to text.

  4. Stacy C. says

    Stupid question, I would like to have WiFi with plan currently . Or is it better to ask , I need WiFi service for this iPhone. How does this work?

    • Hi Stacy, thanks for your questions! We don’t offer WiFi home internet services but we do have data plans that the phone can work with. Give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with us here for further assistance with that.

  5. Laura Jacoby says

    My phone (Moto G) doesn’t have the Messages for web option in the More options menu. Now what?
    Thanks, Laura

    • Hi Laura, thanks for your post. In this case, you would need to download “Messages by Google” from the Google Playstore if you would like to have access to that feature. Once you have that, then you can follow those steps to finish setting that up.

  6. Daniel Nason says

    My SIM card is not working. Can I purchase a replacement SIM card?

    • Hi Daniel, I’m sorry to hear about that trouble you’re having! Depending on the error message that you’re receiving from the phone about the SIM card, we may be able to assist with it before you have to get a new SIM card. Give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with us here and we’d be happy to look into that for you.

  7. ISABELLE GRENITZ-HUTCHINS says

    I scanned it – now where do I find it on my computer

    • Hi Isabelle, thanks for your post. We aren’t able to help with locating things on your computer for the set up of different features since all computers are different and we don’t want anything to get messed up for it. If you have any questions about your phone though, let us know!

  8. Raymond R. Miller says

    I have used the directions sent to Laura earlier and it seems to work rather well.
    Thanks.

  9. Elaine says

    My phone will not pick up internet, WiFi, or download my pictures. I have a Samsung S9

    • Hi Elaine, thanks for your post! We definitely would like to help with that today. It looks like you’re using a phone that wasn’t purchased from us so we’d like to make sure that all the sendings are set up correctly in there for you. Give us a call at 800-686-4460, or chat with one of our agents here for further assistance with this.

  10. Julia says

    Can I use this Android messaging on my Apple laptop?

  11. Marlys Mickelson says

    I returned the Smart Phone – I have no connection/business with Consumer Cellular

    Marlys Mickelson
    Owatonna, MN

    • Hi Marlys, thanks for your post! If you returned a phone to Target or to a third-party company, it does not cancel your account. If you’re needing help with your account for ordering a new phone or closing it down, give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with us here.

  12. Af says

    How do you cancel your old account and keep others from becoming administrator of your accounts without your permission?

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      That’s a great question, Af. Only the account holder or an existing secondary user can authorize someone on the account. If you’re the account holder and you don’t want anyone authorized on the account, you can call us at 888-345-5509 to do so. You can also add a security passcode to the account, which would be required when calling or chatting.

  13. Terri says

    I do not have a smartphone, have a flip phone (doro) but do have a ipad. Is there a way to send/receive messages on my ipad?

    • Hi Terri, thanks for your question! Since the phone isn’t an iPhone, it can’t sync up with that phone number or Apple account. You can use a messaging app on the device though to send and receive messages.

  14. Terri King says

    Hi Jacob, thanks for the input. A family member has verizon, they provide a message app for ipad. Was hoping you did too, so I could convert everyone to CC.

  15. Dixie says

    Can I forward a message that I have received to someone in my contact list and if so how?

  16. Joe Bryson says

    Do you know what the format is for texting to a Consumer Cellular phone from a PC? I am a Realtor that wants to set up notifications to my client whenever their lockbox is opened.

    Joe Bryson
    Real Estate Alliance, Inc.
    Austin, TX

    • Hi Joe, thanks for your question. The process will depend on if those people are connected to our AT&T towers or our T-Mobile towers for service. Have them give us a call at 800-686-4460 or chat with one of our agents here for further assistance.

  17. Lewis Young says

    How do I do this from an iphone XR?

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Hi Lewis, if you have a Mac computer then you can use the Messages app on the computer to send texts that would normally come from your cell phone. If you don’t have a Mac, then you can use applications like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

  18. Kathy mueller says

    My Samsung a12 won’t send pics or long messages with cc. I’ve been on multiple chat sessions. Nothing is working. Is there another messenger app I should try?

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Hi Kathy, there are a number of reasons why that might be happening. I recommend getting back in touch with our customer service team so that we can continue troubleshooting the issue. You can give us a call at 888-345-5509 or chat with us here.

  19. Vicki Hardey says

    How can I see if my text messages have been read by the recipient.

    • Nicole at Consumer Cellular says

      Hi Vicki, the recipient will need to turn on “Read Receipts” on their phone.

  20. Chris says

    my Moto g power 2021 got a text from consumer cellular saying that text messaging is disabled due to extreme use what does that mean ?

    • Hi Chris, thanks for your post. Generally, this means that a larger than normal amount of usage went through and the system is pausing that feature so that it can be looked into. Give us a call at 888-548-6490 or chat with a live agent on our website here to follow up on this.