As a tech expert with years of hands-on experience helping users streamline communication, I've relied on email-to-SMS gateways countless times. These carrier-specific addresses let you send texts directly from your email inbox—no apps required. While popular messaging apps like these 7 options for phone and computer offer great alternatives, email gateways provide a simple, free fallback. Learn how below.
Each major US carrier offers an SMS gateway that converts your email into a text message. Just compose an email to the recipient's formatted address.
Sending SMS Texts via Email
Use this format: [10-digit phone number]@[gateway]. Examples:
- AT&T: [10-digit number]@txt.att.net
- T-Mobile: [10-digit number]@tmomail.net
- Sprint: [10-digit number]@messaging.sprintpcs.com
- Verizon: [10-digit number]@vtext.com
- Metro PCS: [10-digit number]@mymetropcs.com
- Google Fi: [10-digit number]@msg.fi.google.com
- Cricket: [10-digit number]@sms.cricketwireless.net
- Virgin Mobile: [10-digit number]@vmobl.com
- Alltel: [10-digit number]@message.alltel.com
- Republic Wireless: [10-digit number]@text.republicwireless.com
Sending MMS (Multimedia) Messages via Email
For pictures, videos, or attachments, use MMS gateways: [10-digit number]@[MMS gateway]. Examples:
- AT&T: [10-digit number]@mms.att.net
- T-Mobile: [10-digit number]@tmomail.net
- Sprint: [10-digit number]@pm.sprint.com
- Verizon: [10-digit number]@vzwpix.com
- Metro PCS: [10-digit number]@mymetropcs.com
- Google Fi: [10-digit number]@msg.fi.google.com
- Cricket: [10-digit number]@mms.cricketwireless.net
- Virgin Mobile: [10-digit number]@vmpix.com
- Alltel: [10-digit number]@mms.alltelwireless.com
- Tracfone: [10-digit number]@mmst5.tracfone.com
Pro Tips for Reliable Delivery
Based on real-world testing across carriers:
- T-Mobile limits SMS to 160 characters; longer messages convert to MMS.
- AT&T recipients can reply directly, landing in your inbox.
- Google Fi supports attachments up to 8MB, including images, videos, and audio.
- Always attach media files—don't embed them in the body.
Don't Know the Carrier?
For unknown carriers, international numbers, or non-US services, use the free CloudHQ Send Your Email to SMS Chrome extension with Gmail. Enter the number, send as text or link—replies route back to your email. Grant permissions initially, but revoke anytime at myaccount.google.com/permissions. Watch the demo video below for setup.
