HeyWire–Send and Receive unlimited FREE international text messages (SMS) [Review]

By Alok Saboo on December 30th, 2010

One of the most frequent requests that I get is for more tools to send and receive text messages (SMS) for FREE. We have already covered a few ways to send free text messages (SMS) to almost all over the world. The problem with many of the web-based text messaging service is that they do not allow you to receive text messages (i.e., two-way communication). Today, we review another mobile VoIP (mVoIP) offering that allows you to send and receive text messages for FREE – HeyWire.

Getting started with HeyWire

HeyWire is extremely easy to use. Currently, HeyWire is limited to iOS devices (iTunes Link), but it will soon be available on Android devices and also on the web (without any smart phone).

You need to create an account to access the service, so go ahead and create an account now. You can create an account from inside the app or from the web. Just enter your name and email address and your account details will be sent to your email address.

Just install the app and you are all ready to send and receive free text message.

Sending and Receiving text messages (SMS) from HeyWire

HeyWire works like any other messaging app. The first time you login to your account, HeyWire allows you to pick a US number (DID) which will be used as your caller ID when you send text messages and where your friends can also text you. You can enter the number directly or from your address book. You can send group text messages. Currently, you can send a group message to a total of 10 participants, which should be enough for most purposes. HeyWire also supports Push notifications. You will get a notification when you receive a text on your HeyWire number. The screenshots will illustrate the features.

HeyWire has an impressive coverage. You can send a text message to over 360 mobile networks across over 114 countries. Given their coverage, there is a very high probability that your network will be covered, however, you can check the exact coverage here.

Other features

In addition to sending and receiving text messages, you can also chat with your Gtalk and Facebook friends. Just connect HeyWire with the respective account and start chatting. Finally, you can also access Twitter using HeyWire. The video provides a detailed walkthrough of the app:

Overall, HeyWire is a fairly impressive service. In my tests, the text messages were reliably delivered to almost all the networks I tested. I also received the messages that were sent to my Heywire number. There was no noticeable lag either in sending on receiving text messages. It is hard to believe that you can get such a level of service for FREE!!

If you are using HeyWire or any other service to send or receive text messages, please share your feedback…

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helpp

hello thank you for the topic i ‘ve already try the service but they have not yet No send an invitation to my email then you like it give me an account, plaise send an account to my email ; and thank you very much
my email is : vletter63@gmail.com
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Unfortunately, HeyWire does not have an invite policy, so I cannot invite you there. But, I hope they send you your account details fast.
  - helpp
    
    Alok Saboo thank you for your reply I need an account I want you to give me an account plaise send me one and thank you
    my email is : vletter63@gmail.com
    - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
      
      If you have an iPhone, you can get an account instantly..
      - helpp
        
        Unfortunately, I have no iPhone, please that you entered on a new account on your iPhone and send me your account information to my e-mail that I can use on my PC and I thank you in advance
        please I need help send me an account HeyWire
        
        my email is : vletter63@gmail.com
      - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
        
        For the time being, you can access HeyWire services only through the iPhone. So, even if I create an account for you, you will not be able to use the services. I had registered for the web beta and am still waiting for the invite. So, guess you will have to wait for some time…
Anon

I can send, but I cannot recieve textmessages on my iPad ..
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Hmm..that is an interesting problem. Are you not receiving any message or only from particular user? Did you try sending a test message to yourself on your HeyWire number and see if you receive it?
  - Anon
    
    Tried both. Someone else texted me back and I tried texting myself too, but I did not receive any message. Did receive the messages sent from my iPad on my mobile though.
    - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
      
      I just tested again on my Heywire and I am able to receive text messages sent to my HeyWire number. Do you have an iPhone where you can try this? I am at a loss, but that seems to be worth a try…
      - Anon
        
        I have no iPhone. Well I’ll google it tomorrow morning to see if other people have the same problem. Thanks
      - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
        
        I looked up online and it seems there are isolated cases of people not receiving messages. On their help forums, they have suggested re-installing the app (http://help.heywire.com/helptopics/topics/why_cant_i_receive_a_text_message_on_my_heywire_number). Let me know if that helps..
      - Anon
        
        Also re-installing doesn’t work. Too bad!
      - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
        
        Hmm…sorry to hear that. Hope HeyWire fixes this ASAP.
Voexvoex

Not working. Delet it.
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  You need to check whether your destination is covered by HeyWire. It is working well for me and several others….
Rickii

its not letting me txt an international number it gives me an error talkin about sorry heywire only delivers to people using it in this country.
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Heywire just posted on their Facebook page that they were having issues with message deliveries. Also, please note that it does not support all international destinations. Just make sure that you number that you are texting is covered by Heywire.
- Jitender Sinngh
  
  This is same issue does not work for india numbers
  - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
    
    Heywire coverage has significantly shrunk
Dwaynemc8

where can i get my vrification code
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Your verification code will be sent to your mobile.
Erin

Do you know if my friends have to pay to text me back? They do not have HeyWire, but have texting on their phones. I would like to keep in touch with my friends while I’m in Spain, but do not want them to pay extra to text me. Thanks!
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  If your friends reply you back using regular text messages, they will have to bear texting charges. Unfortunately, there is no way (other than using apps such as Viber, Whatsapp) to have completely free 2-way text messaging.
Colour_my_w0rld

Im not recieving texts, and the person im sneding my texts to is not recieving them
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Please note that HeyWire does not work in every country or on every carrier. Please make sure that your numbers are supported.
Maicavillamor

I have heywire but my friend in america doesn’t if I text her and she texts me back will she have to pay? What if she has unlimited texting?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Yes, your friend should be able to reply back for free (since she has unlimited texting).
Guest

Is there anyway you can make one online?
Joy

How come I did not get a HeyWire Number? Please help!
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  How did you sign up – website of mobile?
Joy

I just downloaded HeyWire today & I encounter the same issue… Please help!
http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo

You can create an account from their website.
http://www.facebook.com/tanja.hofmann69 Tanja Hofmann

I live in Europe and want to text to my friends in the U.S. I’ve been told that it is possible with an HeyWire account but if I want to send a message to their cellphone it tells me that this is only possible if they use HeyWire too. Is there an App for iPhone that allows me free texting from my cellphone in Germany to any cellphone number in the U.S.? I do not want to bother all my friends to get an app on their phone to receive my textmessages. Besides, not every one uses a smartphone
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  You can try several other apps such as Pinger or Textplus. Both offer free USA number and you can use them to keep in touch with your friends. Find more details at http://truvoipbuzz.com/2011/12/mobile-operators-wake-up-see-writing-on-the-wall/