How to send SMS from an Outlook email address [step-by-step]

Carrier gateways are standardized by most major U.S. wireless providers and allow emails to be delivered as SMS or MMS. [3] 

Sending a text message from Outlook can unify your communications. Use it to: 

• Schedule quick reminders 

• Send meeting alerts 

• Share urgent updates instantly 

Microsoft Outlook SMS (Outlook-to-SMS) is particularly valuable for businesses looking to streamline appointment reminders, updates, and internal communications in one centralized platform. 

While Outlook to SMS has many practical benefits for workplace communication, it also makes personal messaging more convenient by sending texts directly from a computer. 

As a result, events and reminders become simpler to handle without juggling multiple devices.

This is useful if you can’t access a phone or need to send a message directly and quickly.

Read on to learn how to send SMS from Outlook, step by step . 

Disclaimer: Please note that this advice is for informational purposes only and is neither intended as nor should be substituted for consultation with appropriate legal counsel and/or your organization’s regulatory compliance team.

What is Outlook to SMS?

SMS and MMS are common texting standards. Understanding both helps you choose the right option when sending messages through Outlook.

Microsoft Outlook SMS (Outlook-to-SMS) refers to the capability of Microsoft Outlook to send text messages (SMS) directly from within the application.

This feature allows users to compose and send SMS messages to mobile phone numbers from Microsoft Outlook SMS (Outlook-to-SMS). Incorporating this standardized name throughout ensures clarity and consistency. 

Microsoft Outlook SMS (Outlook-to-SMS) is often used in professional settings for quick updates and appointment confirmations. This consolidated approach keeps vital texts accessible from your email client. 

How to send SMS from Outlook

Follow these steps to send a text message from Microsoft Outlook:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook on your computer.
2. Start a new message by clicking “New Email.”
3. Type your message in the email body. Keep it under 160 characters for SMS
4. Find the recipient’s phone number and carrier. Enter this in the “To” field as shown below.
5. Optional: If you haven’t added your Sender number to Outlook, click on the “From” field and select “Other Email Address.” In the “From” field, enter your mobile phone number, and Outlook will prompt you to verify it. If you don’t want to send from your phone number, Outlook will simply deliver the SMS from your email address, which is why this step is optional.
6. Click “Send.” Outlook will deliver your email as an SMS to the recipient’s phone.
7. The recipient receives your message as a standard text on their phone.

The outline above is a basic overview of sending SMS messages through Outlook. For a clearer process, follow this ordered list of actions to set up Microsoft Outlook SMS (Outlook-to-SMS) effectively.

Step 1: Obtain recipient’s phone number

Ensure you have the recipient’s 10-digit phone number. This number is essential for directing the text message correctly.

Step 2: Determine the recipient’s carrier information

Next, determine the recipient’s wireless carrier. You can use a service like FreeCarrierLookup to find out the carrier associated with a given phone number.

Step 3: Choose between SMS or MMS

Figure out what type of message you’re sending. SMS messages are limited to 160 characters, while MMS messages can include more text and rich media like images or videos.

Step 4: Find carrier gateway email address

Based on whether you’re sending an SMS or MMS, find the appropriate carrier gateway email address.

Here is a list of many carriers’ SMS and MMS email gateways for SMS and MMS from SimpleTexting’s parent company, Sinch.

Key Takeaway: Use the carrier gateway email address structure carefully when sending SMS from Outlook to ensure your message is delivered successfully. 

Additionally, here is a quick table of some of the most common carrier gateway email addresses:

Step 5: Create the phone number email address

Create the email address using the recipient’s 10-digit phone number and the gateway address.

For example, for a Verizon number, it would look like 1234567890@vtext.com to send an SMS.

Next, enter the phone number email address you created in the “To” field of a new Outlook email.

Step 6: Compose and send your message

Write your message in the body field of the email. If you prefer to avoid adding content to the subject line, you can leave it empty to prevent awkward formatting in the text message.

After that, you’re ready to finally hit send. Your message will be delivered to the recipient’s phone as a text message, appearing as sent from your Outlook email address. If the recipient doesn’t see your message, ask them to check their junk or spam folder in case the carrier’s domain was flagged by email filters.

A simpler way to send SMS from your business

If you just read all those steps, you might be wondering if there’s a better way to text people from your business.

There is.

SimpleTexting is business texting software. People use it for SMS marketing, communicating with team members, recruiting and hiring, customer service and sales use cases, and a whole lot more.

An actual business texting service makes sending a text to a single person a lot easier than all those steps with Outlook to SMS. Plus, a service like SimpleTexting helps you send group messages and mass texts much more efficiently.

With SimpleTexting, all you’ll need are the recipients’ phone numbers and their permission to text them.

That’s it.

No hoops to jump through to determine what phone numbers belong to what carriers, whether your message is SMS or MMS, what the carrier gateway addresses are for every recipient… etc.

See for yourself. Try SimpleTexting and send a text to yourself today to see how it works.

Why Choose SimpleTexting for text messaging instead of Outlook?

SimpleTexting offers an intuitive, feature-rich platform for sending SMS. Our service makes your communication smoother, more reliable, and more impactful. 

With advanced features and tools, our platform elevates your messaging experience, ensuring that your texts reach their destination and make the desired impact. 

Here’s a glimpse into the powerful features that set us apart:

• 24/7 Support: Our team is ready to help you seven days a week to reach your audiences.
  
• Automated SMS: Schedule messages hours, days, or months in advance then sit back, and relax. We’ll do the rest.
  
• SMS Templates & Duplicates: Save time by reusing your frequently sent messages, campaigns, inbox replies, autoresponders, and keyword confirmation messages.
  
• AI Assist: Streamline your messages with our SimpleTexting AI Assist, a powerful copywriting tool that helps you send more effective text messages.
  
• Self-Cleaning Lists: Our system automatically checks for dead numbers every time you send a message and removes them when they’re spotted. No need for you to constantly monitor!

Learn more about our capabilities to see how we can help you.

Get started with SimpleTexting today

SimpleTexting provides a seamless, effective, and innovative solution sending text messages from your business.

From small businesses looking to enhance their marketing strategies and larger enterprises aiming to improve internal communications to individuals seeking more efficient ways to connect, SimpleTexting caters to all your needs. 

With user-friendly features like 24/7 customer support, message scheduling, link tracking and shortening, and an API, SimpleTexting elevates your communication experience. Embrace the power of efficient texting and make every message count with SimpleTexting.

Ready to transform your communication strategy? Sign up today for a free trial and discover the full potential of SMS with SimpleTexting. Or, for a more personalized experience, book a call with our experts. We’re here to guide you every step of the way.

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