To use WhatsApp, you and friend both need it to text each other.

[DaLemsta]

I don't have free texting on my plan anymore so I'm looking at forwarding my phone number to a messaging app to do the texting when in wi-fi mode.

In order to use WhatsApp, both me and my contact have to have the same app.

Is there a free SMS app that I can download without making my friend download the same app in order to communicate?

Thanks

 

[apple2005]

There are many sms free applications but you can send messages only through carrier which will charge you. Applications like whatapp can't work without wifi or mobile data connection and the other side should be having the same application.

 

[mikedt]

If you're in the US, Google Voice.

 

[DaLemsta]

So no matter what app I use, the other user has to have the same app in order to text each other?
That is too bad.
I am aware that I need to be in a wi-fi zone which is okay.
I will have to check out Google Voice and I'm sure it works fine here in Canada.
Thanks

 

[codesplice]

To send SMS-type messages for free they have to be converted into a Internet-relayed data format, which is incompatible with the existing SMS network. So either the client on each end must be able to parse that specific data message format (this is the case with WhatsApp and similar apps) or there must be a relay server in between to perform the data<->SMS translation (as is the case with Google Voice).

I hope that helps to clear up some of the why for requiring the same app on both ends.

 

[mik colin]

there is more app like whatsapp you can try viber, wechat, vk, telegram.