How to Read and Send Texts on Your Computer

Read and send your phone's texts on a computer with Messages on Mac, Google Messages for web, or Phone Link on Windows. Your phone must stay connected.

Options

Codes on your computer

Once paired, verification codes sent to your phone also show on the computer, which makes signing in faster.

Without a phone

To receive texts on a computer with no phone, you need an online number. Free public numbers show messages to everyone; a private number shows them only on your dashboard. See temporary numbers.

Security

Sign out of web messaging on shared computers: anyone using it can read your codes.

Keep your phone connected

Most of these tools relay messages through your phone. If the phone is off or out of signal, texts will not appear on the computer. Messages for Mac can also send texts through your iPhone.

FAQ

Can I see my texts on my computer?

Yes, with Messages on Mac, Google Messages for web, or Phone Link on Windows.

Do verification codes show on the computer?

Yes, once your phone is paired.

Can I receive texts on a computer without a phone?

With an online number.

Related: temporary numbers · forward texts · text without a number.