How do you send a message to a number not in contacts?

There are a few different ways to send a text message to someone when you don’t have their number saved in your phone’s contacts. The most straightforward way is to simply type in the full phone number manually each time you want to send the person a text. However, this can become tedious if you need to text the same unsaved number frequently. Some other options include creating a temporary contact, using a messaging app that doesn’t require contacts, or finding the person’s number in your phone’s call history.

Manually enter the full phone number

The most basic way to text someone not in your contacts is to manually input their full 10-digit phone number each time. Here is how to do it:

1. Open the messaging app on your smartphone, such as the default Messages app on an iPhone or the Messages app on an Android phone.
2. Tap the icon to start a new message thread. This is usually a pencil, pen, or “+” icon.
3. In the To: field, type out the person’s full 10-digit phone number. Be sure to include the area code.
4. Type out your message in the text field as you normally would.
5. Hit send.

As long as you have entered the correct number, your message will be delivered as a standard SMS text message even without having the recipient saved in your contacts.

The advantage of manually inputting a number each time is that it’s quick and easy if you only need to text the person occasionally. You don’t have to save the number to your contacts if you don’t plan on messaging the person in the future.

The downside is that typing out 10 digits repeatedly can get annoying if you need to text the unsaved number more frequently. It also leaves more room for typos or entering the wrong number by mistake. But overall, this remains the fastest option for texting someone just once or twice.

Create a temporary contact

If you need to text someone multiple times who is not in your contacts, create a temporary contact entry just for texting purposes. Here’s how:

1. Open your smartphone’s Contacts app.
2. Tap the icon to add a new contact (usually “+” or “Add new”).
3. Enter the person’s 10-digit phone number in the designated number field.
4. Type a name for this contact in the designated name field, like “John’s Temporary Number.”
5. Save the new contact entry.

Now when you need to text this number, you can open your messaging app and start typing the temporary contact’s name. Their number will auto-populate so you don’t have to retype it each time.

The benefit of this method is convenience if you need to text the number somewhat regularly. Creating a dedicated contact saves the number for future use.

The downside is that it clutters up your contacts list with temporary entries you’ll likely delete later. So only use this option for unsaved numbers you need to text more than once or twice.

Use a messaging app

Certain messaging apps allow you to text someone without having their contact information saved. Popular options include WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, Snapchat, and more.

Here is how it works:

1. Download the messaging app if you don’t already have it.
2. Open the app and tap the icon to start a new message.
3. Enter the person’s phone number in the designated number field.
4. Type your message and hit send.

As long as the recipient also has that messaging app installed, they will receive your message. This allows you to chat without needing their contact information saved.

The advantage of using a messaging app is the convenience of texting anyone easily. It also integrates texting into an app you may already use for other purposes.

The disadvantage is that the recipient has to have the same messaging app. Standard SMS texting works regardless of which apps you each have. But with app-based messaging, your text won’t go through if the other person doesn’t also have that service.

Find their number in your call history

If you recently received a phone call from someone not in your contacts, you can look up their number in your call history and text them back.

On an iPhone:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap Recents at the bottom of the screen.
3. Locate the incoming call from the number you want to text.
4. Tap the info icon next to the number.
5. Tap Text Contact on the contact’s info screen.
6. This will open a new message thread with the number auto-populated.

On an Android:

1. Open the Phone app.
2. Tap Call History.
3. Tap the number you want to text.
4. Tap More Options > Add to Contacts.
5. Tap CREATE CONTACT.
6. Open your Contacts app and navigate to the new entry.
7. Tap the Message icon or envelope icon next to the number.

Now you can immediately text the person back without looking up their number again. This is handy for responding to professional calls from numbers not in your contacts, like doctors or contractors.

The advantage here is easily finding the number if the person called you first. No need to ask them to resend their contact information.

The disadvantage is that you can only text back numbers that called or texted you first. It doesn’t help if you’re trying to reach out to someone for the first time.

Text from your desktop browser

If you prefer typing from a full keyboard, you can text unsaved numbers directly from your computer’s web browser using services like Apple’s iMessage on the web or Android Messages for web.

To text from iMessage on the web:

1. Go to the iMessage website on your Mac or PC.
2. Sign in with your Apple ID.
3. Click New Message and type the person’s phone number.
4. Type your message and press return to send.

To text from Android Messages for web:

1. Go to the Messages for web website.
2. Scan the QR code on the page with your Android phone to link the accounts.
3. On your computer browser, click the Compose button and enter the person’s number.
4. Type your message and hit Enter to send.

Texting directly from your desktop web browser interface makes it easy to carry on text conversations without picking up your phone. It can be especially convenient for longer messages.

The advantage here is the flexibility to text from a laptop keyboard if you prefer. It also gives you access to your full message history from any computer.

The disadvantage is that you have to set up the web service and link it to your phone first before messaging. iMessage on the web also only works for iPhones, while Android Messages for web requires an Android phone.

Ask to be added as a contact first

If texting someone for the first time, don’t be afraid to ask them to add you to their contacts list first before messaging. Something simple like “Hey, this is John – can you add me to your contacts?” avoids any confusion.

This is also a good opportunity to clarify whose number they should save, in case you have multiple numbers. “Please add my mobile number to your contacts…”

Making it clear upfront exactly which number they are saving ensures you get added properly. That way your future messages will display your name directly in their messaging app instead of just your digits.

The advantage of asking to be added as a contact first is clarity. It eliminates any mix-ups regarding whose number it is, and saves them from entering it incorrectly.

The disadvantage is that it requires an extra step before the first text versus just diving into your message. But the benefits of being saved properly typically outweigh the minor hassle.

Use a free online phone book

There are various free online phone directory search engines you can use to look up someone’s number if you only have their name. Useful sites include Whitepages, Switchboard, PeopleFinders, and ZabaSearch.

To find someone’s cell phone number:

1. Navigate to one of the above directory sites.
2. Enter the person’s full name and location in the search bar.
3. Scan through the search results for phone number matches.
4. Confirm you have the right number by cross-referencing with address history or relatives.
5. Copy the located mobile number to text from your messaging app.

These public records search engines can dig up cell numbers tied to someone’s identity online. This lookup method works if you have a way to verify you have the correct number for who you intend to text.

The main advantage of using free phone books is finding mobile numbers using just a person’s name. This can provide phone digits otherwise unavailable.

The disadvantages are that public records aren’t always completely up-to-date or accurate. Also, some may consider a directory search an invasion of privacy if done without permission. So get consent first whenever possible.

Text from a temporary virtual number

If you don’t want to share your real mobile number when texting someone new, use a temporary virtual number from apps like Google Voice or Burner.

Here’s how to text from a virtual number:

1. Download the virtual phone number app.
2. Follow the setup steps to acquire a disposable number.
3. Open the app’s messaging interface and enter the unsaved number you want to text.
4. Type your message and hit send.

The recipient will only see the virtual number that called or texted them, not your actual smartphone number.

The advantage of disposable virtual numbers is keeping your real number private. It adds a buffer layer between you and an unfamiliar contact.

The disadvantage is these numbers often expire after a certain period if you don’t use or renew them. So it works better for temporary texting purposes, not permanent contacts you need to keep in touch with.

Conclusion

While adding contacts is always preferable for frequent messaging, there are many ways to text someone not already in your phonebook. Whether you manually enter their digits each time, create a temporary contact, text from a desktop browser, look up their number online, or use a virtual app number, you have options. Figure out what method works best based on the frequency and nature of your messaging needs.

Method	Pros	Cons
Manually enter number	– Quick for one-time texts	– Tedious for frequent messaging
Temporary contact	– Saves number for future	– Clutters up contacts
Messaging app	– Easy texting without contacts	– Recipient needs same app
Call history lookup	– Convenient for missed calls	– Doesn’t work for new outreach
Desktop browser	– Flexible full keyboard	– Extra setup required