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Help No network, how to SMS via wifi?

T

tidriver

Lurker
in my office i have little to no at&t network signal, i do have access to wifi though.
is there an app I can use to send/receive text messages via wifi while keeping my cell #? or maybe a settings change to enable sending/receiving text via wifi?
Here's some additional info:

Network - AT&t
Phone - Samsung S4
OS - 4.4.4
Unlimited text and data plan
 
Could you not just use an IM app such as WhatsApp which is linked to your phone number but messages are sent over wifi? Android users can also use WhatsApp on the web which could be handy if you have no network signal.
 
I have whatsapp and it's great when the other person also has it. The problem with apps like whatsapp is that both sides need to have whatsapp. I'm surprised the sms/text apps don't offer a toggle to wifi if there is no network connection.
 
I think the problem is that sms's have to go through a cellular connection eventually to get to the other device so someone has to pay the carrier for that.
I know my carrier has an app that lets you sms and call over wifi and the sms/minutes comes off your plan
 
There are numerous methods of sending SMS messages over WiFi, the problem is receiving them on your own number. Think about it: when your telco receives an SMS destined for your phone, how would it know to send it to some app or PC program? The answer is your telco must provide a method.

Here in the UK, some of the mobile phone companies have apps that will switch calls and SMS to WiFi if there is no network signal. I don't know if a similar situation exists in the US, you would need to ask AT&T - they are the only ones who can reroute an incoming SMS to somewhere other than your phone antenna.

Failing that, WhatsApp is your best bet. Once you install it you can instantly see which of your contacts also have it. You may be surprised at how many do.
 
McG said:
There are numerous methods of sending SMS messages over WiFi, the problem is receiving them on your own number. Think about it: when your telco receives an SMS destined for your phone, how would it know to send it to some app or PC program? The answer is your telco must provide a method.

Here in the UK, some of the mobile phone companies have apps that will switch calls and SMS to WiFi if there is no network signal. I don't know if a similar situation exists in the US, you would need to ask AT&T - they are the only ones who can reroute an incoming SMS to somewhere other than your phone antenna.

Failing that, WhatsApp is your best bet. Once you install it you can instantly see which of your contacts also have it. You may be surprised at how many do.
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This must be an android thing, as my wife has an Iphone and she's able to retrieve and send SMS via her ipad. I'm hoping this is just a problem that I don't know how to solve vs Iphone having a better SMS app.
 
I think? iphones use iMessage or something which is just a glorified online instant messanger (?) and not actual sms
 
Slug said:
iMessage uses a data connection to send to other iDevices only (as messages are routed via iCloud servers), otherwise it's just a bog-standard SMS client.
Click to expand...

How come we get so many people howling that they can't receive messages from their iPhone toting friends? Around here we're all using WeChat and regular SMS sometimes, including iPhone users.

Thinking of this thread a few days ago.

http://androidforums.com/threads/from-ios-to-android.909437/#post-6916126

"And that also allows direct to iMessage from android.. "
"I don't think anything can do that. iMessage and Facetime are proprietary patented (c) Apple, Inc. all rights reserved, and are not licensed to anyone else. So no third parties dare try, because of cease and desists from Apple's attorneys. That's the idea I've got."


...which was my reply.
 
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