Send emails as text messages

How it works

1. 1

   Forward the email to your ForwardThis address with some simple instructions, like "text Mick on +44 7700 900418: the delivery is now Thursday 7am".

2. 2

   The text is drafted as per your instructions and sends from your own Twilio number, one message to one person.

3. 3

   You approve the text before it is sent: ForwardThis shows you the exact words first, because a text cannot be unsent, then replies to confirm once it has gone.

FAQs

How do I send an email as a text message?

Forward the email to your ForwardThis address with some simple instructions, like "text Mick on +44 7700 900418: the delivery is now Thursday 7am". ForwardThis shows you the text it is about to send, sends it once you say yes, and replies to confirm. The first time, you will need a free ForwardThis account with Twilio connected - it takes about 30 seconds.

What number does the text come from?

Your own Twilio number. Texts send through the Twilio account you connect, so the sender is a number your contacts can recognise and reply to, and Twilio's usual per-message rates apply. ForwardThis does not provide phone numbers.

Can't I use my carrier's email-to-text address?

You can, for many carriers. Most US carriers give every phone an email address, like number@vtext.com on Verizon, and an email sent there arrives as a text. It is free, but you have to know the recipient's carrier, every carrier has its own format, delivery is best-effort, and long messages get cut or dropped. ForwardThis sends a real SMS to any number and shows you the words before they go.

Will a text ever send without me seeing it?

No. Every text is shown to you for a quick OK before it is sent, because a text cannot be unsent.

Can the person text back?

Yes. Replies go to your Twilio number, and you can ask ForwardThis for them: forward any email with "what did Mick text back?" and the recent messages come back in the reply.

Can it text more than one person at once?

No. One text goes to one number, and texting a second person is just another forward. ForwardThis is for passing a message on, not for bulk sends or campaigns.

Is there an app for sending emails as texts?

You don't need one. ForwardThis works from the email app you already have: forward the message, add the number and what to say, and the text goes out once you approve it. Nothing to install on your phone or computer.

Is there a free email to text service?

Carrier gateways are the free route, with the limits above. ForwardThis's free plan covers 10 actions a month, and the texts themselves send through your own Twilio account at Twilio's usual per-message rates, which are typically about a penny per text.

How do I convert an email into a text message?

Forward it with the number and, if you like, a shorter wording: a text is not an email, so the best conversion is the one line the person actually needs. ForwardThis drafts that text, shows it to you, and sends it once you approve.

Does it work with Outlook and other email apps?

Yes. ForwardThis works with any email provider: Gmail, Outlook, Apple Mail and everything else. If it can forward an email, it works.

What happens to my email afterwards?

It gets deleted. ForwardThis holds your email briefly, then removes it completely. Nothing is stored long term.