Before you start
You need a HiFi number, which is the phone number HiFi gives you. Text messaging isn’t available if you only use call forwarding with your existing number.
You need an active HiFi subscription or free trial.
Who can send text messages in HiFi?
You can text in HiFi if you have a HiFi number. Messages you send come from your HiFi number, and people text you back at that number.
If you chose a new number when you set up HiFi, text messaging is already on. Open the Messages tab at the bottom of the screen to start a conversation.
If you set up HiFi with your existing number through call forwarding, text messaging isn’t available. HiFi sends and receives texts only through a HiFi number. Your existing number’s texts keep arriving in your phone’s built-in messaging app as usual.
How do I turn on messaging if I use call forwarding?
Claim a HiFi number to turn on text messaging. If you use only call forwarding, the Messages tab shows Enable text messaging with a prompt to claim a dedicated number.
Tap the Messages tab at the bottom of the screen.
Follow the Enable text messaging prompt to claim a number.
Review the number HiFi suggests, or tap Choose a different area code to pick another.
Tap Claim this number.
You can also claim a number from Account & settings > Your HiFi number by tapping Claim. If call forwarding is on, HiFi asks you to turn it off on your carrier before you claim a number. For the full steps, see “Get a new HiFi number”.
Do the people I text need HiFi?
No. The people you text don’t need HiFi or any other special app. They send and receive your messages in their phone’s normal messaging app, and your messages come from your HiFi number.
This applies to one-on-one conversations, group conversations, and messages that include photos, videos, or files.
How do I get notified about new messages?
HiFi sends a notification when a new message arrives, as long as notifications are on for HiFi. You can turn them on during setup or later in your phone’s settings:
On iPhone: open Settings, tap HiFi, tap Notifications, and turn on Allow Notifications.
On Android: open Settings, tap Apps, tap HiFi, tap Notifications, and turn notifications on. The exact path varies by phone manufacturer.
The Messages tab also shows how many unread messages you have in each filter.
Troubleshooting
The Messages tab says “Enable text messaging”: You don’t have a HiFi number yet. Claim one from the Messages tab or from Account & settings > Your HiFi number.
I’m not getting message notifications: Check that notifications are turned on for HiFi in your phone’s settings, and that Focus or Do Not Disturb isn’t silencing them.
Texts to my existing number don’t show up in HiFi: HiFi only handles texts sent to your HiFi number. Texts to your carrier number still go to your phone’s built-in messaging app.
Related articles
“Get a new HiFi number”
“Send individual and group messages”
“Should I use my existing number or get a new one?”
“Do the people I call or text need HiFi?”