Frequently Asked Questions
Q. So what is txtbuddies?
A. txtbuddies is an ad sponsored SMS messaging application that works with any Internet Browser.
Q. If it's free, who pays to send the SMS message?
A. We're partnered with select sponsors in a number of world regions. Each message you send is appended with an 'ad tag' from our sponsors. txtbuddies will not deliver a FREE TXT message unless there is an 'ad sponsor' in your region.
Alternatively, elect to purchase SMS credits. These will cover the delivery cost of your message to a non ad-sponsored region. For more details, view our coverage page for our latest summary of FREE 'ad sponsored' regions and associated SMS delivery costs.
Q. How do I start using txtbuddies?
A. Just click the SIGN UP link above. Register your username and details and you can start sending immediately. The sign up process takes less than a minute.
Q. What should I do if I don't receive my authentication SMS during the registration process?
A. Please go to our Contact page and tell us that you haven't received your validation SMS. One of our support team will confirm your details and send you a unique code to enable you to access your account.
Q. How do I invite my social network friends on Facebook/Friendster/mySpace to join me on txtbuddies?
A. Click on the Invite Friends link in txtbuddies. This appears on the menu bar. At the bottom of the invite panel you will see a Send Social Invites button. Clicking this button will display our Social Invites selector. Follow the options and with just a few clicks of your mouse, you can invite all your friends to join you in txtbuddies.
For each friend who subscribes to txtbuddies, we will add 1 credit to your account.
(Note: while we require you to login to your account, these details are not stored, nor are the email details of your friends).
Q. Is txtbuddies available for my mobile phone?
A. No. txtbuddies is not yet available on a mobile phone.
Q. Is txtbuddies available on my desktop?
A. Yes. Click on this link to install a txtbuddies icon on my desktop. Clicking this icon will automatically load your preferred browser and the txtbuddies application.
Q. If txtbuddies is FREE, why do I have to buy SMS credits?
A. txtbuddies only allows you to send a free SMS in ad-sponsored regions. By adding credits to your account, we are providing an easy and low cost way to have your TXT messages delivered in most world regions. Even if you live in a non ad-sponsored region, you can still send a free SMS into an ad-sponsored region.
Q. I don't have a Paypal account. How do I buy credits?
A. Paypal also allows you to transact using a credit card (Visa/Mastercard). If you click the Continue Checkout link on the Paypal page, you are taken to their card processing form.
Q. I am not able to drag my friend into the TO field. What does this mean?
A. txtbuddies only allows you to send to opt-in subscribers. Opt-in Contacts are shown with a 'Blue Buddy' icon alongside their details. Contacts who you have added to your list and have yet to opt-in are shown with a 'Grey Buddy' icon.
The moment your friend subscribes, his/her icon will change to blue and you will be able to send an SMS message to this Contact.
Q. My friend's contact details has a small red symbol alongside his 'Blue Buddy' icon. What does this mean?
A. This 'denied' symbol signifies that your friend has elected to temporarily 'opt-out' of the txtbuddies Network. This means that your friend has blocked the receipt of SMS messages on the txtbuddies Network from reaching his/her phone.
Your friend can restore their 'Blue Buddy' icon status by simply de-selecting the opt-out option from their Account Settings.
Q. When I send a TXT message, my friend doesn't receive it. What's wrong?
If you are sending into a region where we have mobile coverage support and txtbuddies is reporting 'Delivered', it is likely that your friend has a 'ported' number. A ported number is a number that has been transferred between operators. These numbers are typically not supported by the international carrier networks which depend on number prefixes that align with specific mobile operators.
Q. I don't understand International Number formats, can you explain?
txtbuddies works internationally, so you need to clearly differentiate the recipient's country of origin. This is typically a one, two or three digit prefix in front of the mobile number. If you are uncertain of the correct number prefixes, check our coverage page. For more information on this subject, view our number format guide.
Q. Is there a txtbuddies User Guide?
Sure, if you click on this link, the txtbuddies Quick Start Guide will open in your Internet browser.
Q. I would like to advertise on the txtbuddies Community Network. How do I sign up?
A. Start by visiting our Advertising page. This presents a number of features found in Target, our Campaign Manager. There is a link on this page which will allow you to send an email to a member of our sales team.
Q. I have a great idea and would like to integrate txtbuddies into my existing marketing activities. Who do I contact?
A. Start by visiting our Contact page. Tell us what you would like to do and one of the txtbuddies team will be in contact.
Q. I am concerned about my privacy. How do you protect users from abuse on the txtbuddies network?
A. We don't sell or rent our customer list. You are only ever identified by your USERNAME that you create at registration. If you don't want to receive txtbuddies messages on your phone, you can opt-out of the txtbuddies Network. If you choose to opt-out, no one will be able to add your Contact details in the TO field. This effectively blocks anyone sending you a TXT message across the txtbuddies Network.
