Google extended its Free Voice Call more one year, its old news. They have now enabled Free SMS to all over the world(Supported Carrier). But it needs credit. Google gives 50 credit for free. In this article we will share details about Gmail SMS and how you could actually enjoy lifelong free SMS.
Initially when Google Voice was beta, there was unlimited free SMS too. It also worked for any number is this world, as far I did tested then. But when Google released Google Voice, Google Limited SMS only to US and also limited credit. Now Google Bring Free SMS right inside from Gmail. The new Gmail design was already very slick, now you could find this new Free SMS box in sidebar of Gmail account.
How To Send Free SMS
1. Log into your Gmail account. In the Send SMS box above Chat, enter the phone number you want to send a SMS to.
2. In the dialog box, enter Contact name of the SMS recipient and check that country and phone number are correct. Then, click Save.
3. Type your message in the chat window and hit Enter.
4. Your message will be sent to the phone number you entered.
What About Credit?
SMS credit is an allocation of SMS (text messages) that user will be able to send to any mobile phone. Initially, every user will get a credit of fifty messages for free. But Every time user send a message, credit decreases by one.
How To Keep It Free?
Here are the tips
# If you got reply to any SMS then you will get 5 credit points. Maximum you could have 50 credit points. So when you receive an SMS in your Google SMS or actually in Google Voice number you will get 5 credit for free.
# Or no worry if your points gone to zero, it will refill automatically again with 50 credit points in 24Hr.
Thoughts: It seems Google kept that 50 credit system to avoid miss use and spamming.
“Buying” additional messages
Keep in mind that if you’d like a higher message credit, you can always send an SMS to your own phone, and then reply to that message multiple times. Every time you send a reply message, your SMS credit is increased by five. Effectively, you’re buying more messages by paying your phone company for these outgoing messages.
Supported Country & Carrier:
Below is a list of supported mobile operators for SMS Chat in Gmail
- Afghanistan
Afghan Wireless Communication Company
Etisalat
- Algeria
Nedjma
- Angola
Unitel
- Bahrain
Viva
Zain
- Bangladesh
Citycell
- Cameroon
MTN
Orange
- Congo, Democratic Republic
Vodacom
- Côte d’Ivoire
Orange
- Egypt
Mobinil
- Ghana
Airtel
Tigo - Guam
iConnect Buddy
- Guinea
Orange
- Indonesia
Axis
Indosat
Telkomsel
Tri
- Iraq
Zain
- Israel
orange
Pelephone
- Jordan
Umniah
Zain
- Kazakhstan
Kcell
- Kenya
Airtel
orange
Safaricom
Yu - Kuwait
Viva
Wataniya
Zain - Kyrgystan
Megacom
- Liberia
Cellcom
- Malawi
Airtel
TNM
- Maldives
Dhiraagu
Wataniya
- Mozambique
Vodacom
- Nigeria
Glo
Starcomms - Palestinian Territories
Jawwal
Wataniya Mobile
- Philippines
Globe
SMART
Sun Cellular
- Saudi Arabia
Mobily
STC
Zain
- Senegal
orange
Tigo
- Sierra Leone
Comium
- Sri Lanka
Dialog
Etisalat
Mobitel
- Tanzania
Vodacom
Tigo
- Thailand
dtac
True Move
- Tunisia
Tunisiana
- Uganda
Orange
MTN
Uganda Telecom - United States
All operators
- Uzbekistan
Ucell
- Vietnam
VinaPhone
- Zambia
Airtel
MTN
Zamtel
It seems more Country and Network will be added very soon. Did you tested it? Why not give it a try and share your experience with us.