JaxtrSMS–Send unlimited free text messages (SMS) around the world [Review]

By Alok Saboo on November 7th, 2011

Few can forget Jaxtr, a company that once offered unlimited international VoIP calls between several countries (including India). Jaxtr, founded by Touraj Parang and Philip Mobin in October 2005, has since been sold to Sabeer Bhatia’s Sabse Technologies Inc. After a brief hiatus, Jaxtr has launched its latest offering – JaxtrSMS – that allows one to send unlimited FREE text messages (SMS) across the world. That indeed is a very lofty goal, lets find if JaxtrSMS lives up to its promises.

JaxtrSMS – Free Mobile Texting

JaxtrSMS is a mobile app that allows you to send unlimited free text messages (SMS) to anyone across the world. JaxtrSMS works on both WiFi and 3G and the app is available for almost all platforms – if your phone is capable of running apps, chances are that you should be able to run JaxtrSMS on your phone. So, go ahead and install the app on your device (client for Windows Mobile is coming shortly).

The best part is that the receiver need not have the JaxtrSMS app installed on their phone. If the receiver does not have the app installed, the message will be delivered as a regular SMS. This will work even if they do not have data-enabled device. If, on the other hand, the receiver has the app installed, the message will show inside the app. Please note that if the other person does not have the app installed, they may have to pay for receiving text messages.

You need to register your mobile number to start using the app. You will receive a confirmation SMS on your mobile.

The app itself is pretty bare-bones, allowing you to send, receive, and delete text messages. You can also send messages to multiple parties at the same time.

The most important part is that you use your own number, i.e., the message is delivered from your number and not any random number (as long as the regulations permit).

The video below will walk you through the necessary steps:

JaxtrSMS is different from the other texting services (e.g., TextFree, TextPlus or TextNow, or Heywire) as it is the only app that works across the world. “JaxtrSMS wants to replace your SMS”, mentioned Yogesh Patel, CTO Sabse Technologies. JaxtrSMS is currently in beta, but Yogesh seemed very excited about the traction that it has already generated. Students are using the app to keep in touch with their families. Travelers around the world can now both send and receive text messages without paying the astronomical roaming charges. While the app and the basic services will continue to be free, the company hopes to monetize the service through value added services (e.g., premium numbers, ringtones).

I have been testing the service for a few days and the app truly lives up to its tall claims. I tried sending text messages to several parts of the world and all the messages were delivered almost instantly.

It definitely is a must have mobile VoIP (mVoIP) app. Happy texting!!

p.s. Please leave a comment if you face any issues with the app or delivery of messages; the developers will appreciate your feedback.

« Previous Post Next Post »

Shawna L

I like the app so far, but cannot seem to find a setting that turns on a notification tone for an incoming text. Any ideas? Thanks!
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Did you check in Settings?
  - Shawna L
    
    Yes, I checked. There’s no option for incoming messages, only one to turn on notifications for outgoing SMS. My phone’s an HTC Thunderbolt, if that helps. Thanks for the suggestion! : )
    - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
      
      I get proper notifications on my iPhone, may be it is an issue with the Android client. Try re-installing the app.
      - bachelor.np
        
        is it possible to get sms notification when the application is not running?
      - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
        
        Yes, you should receive notifications even when the app is not running.
http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo

The number in your address book needs to have the country code. Also, it may take some time depending on the network congestion and other factors before the message is delivered. Try sending to another destination/number. Meanwhile, I will have the company reps look into it.
- Charley
  
  It works now. But it takes a lot of time to deliver messages. And the advertisement in the free sms is annoying .
  
  Alok, does it work to all countries ?
  - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
    
    JaxtrSMS claims that it works for all countries. I tried several countries and it worked for me. Try it out and let us know how it works for you.
- Pascal
  
  For me the service is not very reliable : 4 sms sent to 2 different numbers but only one delivered…
  - http://twitter.com/jaxtrsms JaxtrSMS
    
    That’s very unusual. Which phone are you using. We’l try fixing that ASAP. Though this is still a beta, we want you to have the best experience with our app. thank you for the feedback
    - jerry
      
      hey i got a mssg that i have used all my free limits but u claimed to free right.
      - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
        
        Can you please provide a screen shot of the message for further investigation….thanks!!
Hans Koch

nice I have added them here.
http://catchfree.com/text-from-my-computer
Ameyb2010

when will the app for windows mobile be launched?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Coming “very shortly” is what the company promised
- http://twitter.com/jaxtrsms JaxtrSMS
  
  It’s true! We’re working hard to get it out on windows ASAP! Thanks for the interest, check back real soon!
Guchee

My messages dnt get delivered.
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  It will help if you can provide more details, e.g., where did you send the message, what client did you use?
- http://twitter.com/jaxtrsms JaxtrSMS
  
  Yes, please provide us with the details, we’ll make sure all these bugs get sorted out
http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo

I do not have a Blackberry handset to offer you specific instructions. But, I will pass on the information to the developers. If you have access to any other Blackberry device, I will encourage you to try JaxtrSMS on the other device to see if you can replicate the problem.
Ajmal Poya

I registered with one number, and then deleted the app and registered with another. Now, I want my first number not to be linked with jaxtrsms app. It is because when my other friends sends sms to my number via their jaxtr, I receive dont recieve them in my mobile, I donnor where they go. Thats why I want to unregsiter my 1st number from the app. Any ideas how?
- http://twitter.com/jaxtrsms JaxtrSMS
  
  Please ping us an email to twitter@sabsebolo.com with the problem and the number you would like to get unlinked. We’ll pass it on to our development team. Sorry for the inconvenience!
- dani
  
  Hey Ajmal am facing the same problem, did u find a solution for the problem Yet?
http://www.mydivert.com Angela Miller

Its great now the SMSoIP is taking off!
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Exactly….wireless carriers have made enough money of those texting plans
Yasserxy

any plans to release it for bada?
Azhar

hi, i just downloaded this application . it’s nice and useful. have some questions.
1. it’s not possible receiver send back sms on same number and we can receive on application if the sender not register on JaxtrSMS..? mean i am on jaxtrsms but my friend not at jaxtrsms when he reply me back i will able to receive through application..?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  I don’t think it would work like that. For you to receive the message inside the app, the sender needs to send it using JaxtrSMS.
GGuest

how much does it cost for the receiver (in other country) to reply my SMS? Are they going to pay for international SMS in their country?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  I am assuming that the receiver is in a different country than yours.
  
  For the most part, JaxtrSMS delivers the text message using your caller ID. So when the receiver hits reply, (s)he will be charged for international text messages. This will not be the case if the receiver also has the JaxtrSMS app installed, in which case the receiver can also reply for FREE.
  
  In fact, Jaxtr would love to have all your friends using the JaxtrSMS app so that no one pays anything (including Jaxtr).
  - fgh
    
    my sms are being recieved as td xxxx from jaxter
Ram

I downloaded on my iPhone but want to use my Google Voice # (I have the google voice app too on my iphone). It does not recognize my GV number. I don’t have a text plan with AT&T and so cannot use my AT&T phone #.
http://twitter.com/jaxtrsms JaxtrSMS

Which model Blackberry are you using Marcia? What exactly is the problem?
002 UK

Am I missing something or did I read correctly that the recipient will be charged if they do not have the app installed – please confirm?

3rd paragraph last line reads:
“Please note that if the other person does not have the app installed, they may have to pay for receiving text messages.”
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  It depends on the carriers. For example, if you send a text message to some one in the US, the receiver will be charged as per the regular text charges. However, if the plan allows receiving text messages for free, the receiver will not be charged anything. In India, for example, there are no charges for receiving text messages, in which case the receiver will not be charged anything. Hope this helps.
  - New User
    
    I have just downloaded the app for iphone4s (iOS5) and am facing an issue. I googled this issue and seems I’m not the only one.
    
    Once I have successfully registered the number, the app just keeps crashing every time I try to access it. I assume you are aware of the issue and working on it. Please let me know of any fix.
    
    Thanks,
    
    NewUser
    - G Albus
      
      I have the same problem on my 4S !
Hiren

i downloaded on my samsung b5722, till register part comes it works fine, but then it shows “you r going to register with number and it wants me to clik ok, but after that nothing happens even after pressing ok several times, it just stops their, i can’t go furhter ……
Nasir

I just installed this app. in my blackberry and trying to send the msgs(local), none of my recipient have received my msgs. I really want to know how to send across the msgs.I have followed all the SOP.
Sadiq

Hi,
I am using android phone but when I am sending SMS using JAXtrSMS app its showing on my mobile that message send but recipient is not getting the SMS
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Where are you sending the text? Are you not able to send texts to any number of there is a particular destination that is not working for you?
animelover313

I can’t find the setting that turns off the notification noise also…and I have a Blackberry
Shabir

Sir ji, congratulation on your new launch..
i have installed on Blackberry Bold 9700, i have introduce to my friend and he also install on his android phone. we have send sms each other yes it can due to we both have the app. But when i tried to send on normal phone without Jaxtr, sms did not receive. i am in Malaysia, i tried to send India my sister did not receive, i tried to send UK, my brother also did not receive.

Kindly Advice,
Shabir.
Miwa N.

I’m using the app for Blackberry, and I have a couple concerns:
1. How do I turn off the notification noise?and 2. How do I turn off the signature at the end of my text messages? I extremely dislike it there…thanks
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  You should have settings in your profiles to enable/disable notification settings. I do not have a Blackberry and hence cannot provide the exact instructions, but it should not be too difficult to figure out.
  
  What does the signature read? JaxtrSMS may be inserting some text to cover up the cost of messaging or encouraging users to use JaxtrSMS so as to increase the number of users on JaxtrSMS network.
  - Animelover313
    
    The signature reads _________ is using JaxtrSMS – you should too and it gives the receiver a link and some random numbers at the end and I’d like to just have the signature say JaxtrSMS or something like that
    - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
      
      This is to encourage the other party to sign up for JaxtrSMS. This actually benefits everyone: If the other party signs up for JaxtrSMS, (s)he can reply for free; JaxtrSMS can minimize its costs of sending text messages as it does not have to pay the carriers for sending texts. The signature will go away one the other party starts using JaxtrSMS.
      
      I understand that this takes up precious space. But for a FREE service, there is little reason to complaint.
      - Animelover313
        
        I understand your point and such but none of the people I text from this app have a smartphone so they don’t understand why the signature should be there…is there any way to have a certain group of words link to the website and make the signature shorter?
      - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
        
        I completely appreciate your stand, but I hope you also see the business realities. It costs JaxtrSMS money to send messages outside their network and hence they want to maximize the number of people with JaxtrSMS app. Unfortunately, there is no way for JaxtrSMS to know whether the other person has a smartphone or not.
      - arbitrator117
        
        Would it be possible for an add free version if people are willing to pay for it?
      - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
        
        It depends on what monetization plans the company has for JaxtrSMS. It is certainly possible that the company may offer a paid version that removes the byline.
      - animelover313
        
        Okay thank you for addressing my concerns. I appreciate it and will continue to use JaxtrSMS nonetheless.
Firdausi Imam

hi, I installed this app on my iphone and was able to 3 messages. after 3 messages it stopped working. All messages are being sent to India….
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Thanks for the note….will pass it to the developers.
Birudavolu Jagadish

I downloaded the application on my samsung galaxy pro. Sent few messages to different numbers in india only but for some numbers messages not delivered. For example for tata cdma phone. I tried no of messages to tata cdma but not delivered. My doubt is if mobile number is registered under donot distrub can we send messages using this application
Ankpat81

Hi Friends… I downloaded this app on my Blackberry 9700 a few days back. The app works fine when msgs are sent to people who use different service providers. For eg. I have an airtel connection and when i send it to my friends on vodafone and reliance networks the msgs get delivered. However, when I send msgs to my friends on the Airtel network none of them receive the msgs. Anyone else with similar problems or a solution to this peculiar problem. Thanks…
Drsfshah

Hi I have just started using this app and works very well. The only issue I found was that you don’t get push notification for the incoming message if both the parties have Jxtr SMS app. You have to open the app and then you get notification for new message . However if the recipient recorded it in normal message ie if he does not have Jxtr app installed , then he would get push notification like he gets for regular SMS .
Something to look for by the developers!!!
Rohitf

Does is work in the UAE? Downloaded from the Android market but messages don’t seem to go through. Thanks.
nath

I hve installed the app on my Nokia e66. I live in uae. I am able to send sms to ‘du’ mobile numbers but not to ‘etisalat’ numbers.
Hamza khan

When i send sms to my friends these signs (M) (Ot) (W) appear infront of the the contacts and they dont get sms when they dont have jaxtr
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Where are you sending the messages to?
Shailzawalia

I Like the app ,but some mobile numbers do not get my text and some do?
Rono Only

my friends Love the app, but i can’t send any text, i am being asked to check network connections…any explanation..i live in perth Australia..Thank you
Shailzawalia

can you please help me with this issue my messages are not getting through on some mobile numbers
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Others have also reported delivery issues, this may be related to the carriers. Wondering if it is always the same number that you are not able to send texts.
Dulce-amistad16

i downloaded on my samsung GT S3653, till register part comes it works fine, but then it shows “you r going to register with number and it wants me to clik ok, but after that it says’ ‘Certificate Exception’what does that mean?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Try restarting/re-installing the app.
  - Kamznew
    
    Hi alok saboo,
    is there any solution for iPhone user to stop crashing.
    I download the app and its worked fine before the update and now its constantly crashing cant even go in the app.
    
    any solution would be much appreciated.
    thanks
    - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
      
      I did face any such problems. Did you try re-installing the app?
http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo

That is weird…hope the developers sort these issues out. Do you get any message/indication (like a red exclamation) inside the app when the message is not delivered?
- Shailzawalia
  
  the only thing it says is the message deliverd succesfully.
Asmaa1988

hey great app, im using it on balckberry bold9900 is there any way to remove the signature : sent free using jaxstr sms?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  I don’t think you can remove it….at least I could not find any options in iOS.
  - Kam
    
    Hi Alok I’ve just been reading through this comment on this page,
    I’ve downloaded the a week a go on iPhone 4, and it was working fine for 3 days and all of sudden it started crashing, 4 times I’ve delete and re installed, still same problame.
    
    I can’t even go in to application anymore.
    It doesn’t load at all.
    
    Any solution would be much appreciated.
    - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
      
      Looks like the update has introduced some bugs. Hopefully the bugs will be ironed out in the next update. Meanwhile, try reinstalling the app.
dani

I registered my number with jaxtr but when my frnds text me i dont recieve it in my cell inbox instead it goes in jaxtr app. I deleted the app and now my frnds text me from Jaxtr, i should recieve it in my inbox but i dont. I dont noe where the texts go. THe only solution is to unregister my number from jaxtr but how? Can anyone help me out?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Hmm….that is very weird. I will let the developers know about this and hopefully they can provide some resolution.
Anilprasannakumar

hi .. i was succesful in sending to local numbers and my have received it as i had checked . But when i send to any international number, to be specific im sending to India and the person is not getting my msgs . Why is that so ?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  There may be some issue with the particular operator. Try some other numbers to see if the problem is restricted to any particular number.
sumit jangir

i am using nokia 5800 xpressmusic, all settings are fine but the message not delivered even after 4 hours.. any help?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Are you not able to send messages at all or is the problem restricted to any particular number? Please note that much as JaxtrSMS (or any other provider) wants to guarantee delivery of messages to all the number, they are constrained by the providers.
Koytit

I was using my jaxtrsms before and I was able to send messages internationally to someone who does not have jaxtrsms. And recently, she had a new phone with jaxtrsms. So if I message her from my jaxtr, it opens in her jaxtr too. And jaxtr could only be used with internet connection. How can I message her so that it would be directed through her text messages and not her jaxtr?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Looks like JaxtrSMS is not removing the number from their system. I will point this out to the developers. Thanks for bringing it up.
Jasmine34

not available for iphone see in itunes
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Thanks for bringing it to my notice. Indeed it has been removed from the app store. May be they are updating the app, we will find out soon.
Rannanannini

Hello. My boyfriend has jaxtr and he used to write sms to me on my

mobile. everything went well. I wanted to install jaxtr on my phone

too, I downloaded it, I registered my mobile number but it doesn’t

work on my phone (samsung omnia 2 with windows phone 6.5) I

uninstalled it but now I cannot receive sms from my boyfriend anymore.

I think it’s because if both persons own jaxtr the sms goes in the

program instead of the phone while before I hadn’t jaxtr and I

received the sms directly on my phone. Since I’m registered I think

that it tries do send the sms to the program but I don’t have the

program anymore because it didn’t work.

So please I want that you cancel my phone number from jaxtr. how can I do?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  This has been bought to the developers attention and hopefully they are working on it (it has been pulled out of the app store). Will keep you posted on this.
Amirr S

i wanna ask something….why did my message couldnt be send to other people?there is undelivered sign shown on my phone…whats wrong????
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  There may be multiple reasons for that – number not entered correctly, provider not supported, etc. Given the nature of the beast, it is difficult to point out the exact reason.
Dann Dx

I’m using iPhone 4 with 5.0.1 os n it just crash after I register in it
What is the problem with the app, earlier I was able to use this app but now it’s not possible.
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  The app seems to have been pulled from the app store (hopefully for possible updates). I am hoping that the updated version will take care of such issues.
- Gerald
  
  Have you found a fix for this? I have the same problem….
tansmei66

Hi, I’m using a Siny Ericsson Xperia Mini Pro 10. I’ve downloaded my Jaxtrsms from the andriod Market but did not get any sms verification code. However, I can send sms to jaxtr users perfectly fine, BUT cannot send msges to non-jaxtr users… can someone help me? How can I get the verification code?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Did you try re-downloading the app?
Leesa

On christmas day I received an SMS on my phone from JaxtrSMS telling me that I had 1 JaxtrSMS pending and to go into the app to download the message.

I did that but found no such message.

Is there any reason why this may have happened?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  May be that was an error or may be the message did not download properly.
Rin_ku_123

how do i unregister mi number from jaxtr?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  I have passed on the message to the developers and hope they address this issue fast.
http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo

If they have the JaxtrSMS app they will receive the text in the app and will not be charged for receiving the text message. If they do not have the app installed, the text will be delivered as a regular text message and the receiver will be charged for receiving a text.

Hope this helps.
suprateek banerjee

Hi,

I want to repost a query which someone has already posted but I guess somehow it went unanswered. Please let me know if the receipt of the sms sent vua jaxtr is affected if the number the receiver is registered with the do not call registry as according to recent TRAI regulations all numbers have to be registered with DND by default and if someone wishes to deregister their number from DND, they need to call the customer care to get it done.
I think this might be a possibility that many of the smses are not being delivered to India. Please confirm the same if true.

Thanks
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  That is a great point. I am guessing that messages sent through JaxtrSMS should not be treated as promotional in nature, as they are from your friends/family and are not unsolicited in nature. However, this is subject to abuse and I am not sure if JaxtrSMS or any other provider has thought through the provisions.
http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo

(M) stands for Mobile, (h) stands for Home, but I have never seen (OT) before. I guess, it stands for Others.
- Shane Rasheed
  
  My messages to numbers with (M) – those using JaxtrSMS and not using them, are getting the messages I sent from JaxtrSMS. But one number I sent, which has (Ot) at the end is not getting my messages.
  - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
    
    May be because the app does not consider the (Ot) as a mobile number, it is not trying to deliver the SMS. Try saving the number differently..
Josanapaar

I used this app in canada… and i was amazed to see that i was charged by my network provider (chat-r) for sending sms by this app … i was charged $0.40 per sms … in total i sent 50 msgs…. :@ :/ this was such a bad experience for me :/
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  This is unheard of and definitely not acceptable. Were you using the app while on international roaming? Just want you to make sure that you were charged for sending text messages and not using data on roaming.
guest

i was using jaxtrsms on android 2.2 without probs. now i switched to iphone4s and downloaded jaxtr aand registered but the apap keeps ccrfashing everytime i open it, why so?
- http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
  
  Others have also reported the crash issue and I hope the developers are working on it.
http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo

Please note that you need Internet connection (wifi or 3G) to send or receive messages on JaxtrSMS. Have you checked the settings to ensure that notifications are enabled? Also, depending on your connection settings, your 3G radio may be turned off when the device is locked.
- ayibah
  
  y is jaxtr asking to pay for sending messages from india to usa( jaxtr user to non jaxtr user). isn.t suppose to be free. whn i bought the credit it is charging me more than my connection carrier charges for an international message
  - http://truvoipbuzz.com Alok Saboo
    
    Can you send me the screenshot of the message for further investigation…thanks!!