How to Stop Text Messages from Splitting
TL;DR:
- Text messages split when they go over 160 characters including spaces and punctuation
- Different phones display split messages differently – some as one bubble, others as separate messages
- Split messages can look messy or unprofessional to recipients
- Use character counters to keep messages under the limit
- Shorter messages are clearer and more professional
Text messages have a 160-character limit built into how SMS works. Go over that limit and your message gets chopped up into pieces. This might not seem like a big deal, but it can make your messages look unprofessional or confusing.
Why Messages Split
SMS was designed with a 160-character limit back when mobile networks were much simpler. That limit includes everything – your actual message, spaces, punctuation marks, even emoji (which often count as multiple characters).
When you exceed this limit, the network automatically splits your message into chunks. The recipient's phone then tries to piece these back together, but this doesn't always work smoothly.
How Different Phones Handle Split Messages
The way split messages appear varies quite a bit between devices:
Newer smartphones usually stick the pieces back together and show them as one long message bubble. The recipient might not even realise the message was split.
Older phones often display each chunk as a separate message. This can make your single message appear as two, three, or even more individual texts arriving seconds apart.
Different networks can also handle splitting differently, which means your message might look fine on your phone but appear fragmented on the recipient's device.
Keeping Messages Under the Limit
The simplest solution is to keep your messages short. Here's how to do that effectively:
Use built-in character counters. Most messaging platforms show you how many characters you've used. Look for a small number that appears as you type.
Cut unnecessary words. Remove filler words like "just", "really", or "actually". Get straight to the point.
Abbreviate where appropriate. Use "you" instead of "you are" or "we'll" instead of "we will". Just make sure it still sounds professional.
Break long messages into separate topics. If you have multiple points to make, send them as separate messages rather than cramming everything into one.
Testing Your Messages
If you're sending important business messages, it helps to test how they appear on different devices. Ask colleagues with different phone models to check how your messages look on their screens.
You can also use online character counting tools if your messaging platform doesn't show a counter. These tools often highlight when you're approaching the 160-character limit.
When to Ignore the Rule
Sometimes you need to send longer messages, and that's fine. The key is knowing when split messages might cause problems versus when they don't matter.
For casual conversations, split messages usually aren't an issue. For business communications, appointment confirmations, or important instructions, keeping messages short and clear works better.
FAQs
What counts towards the 160-character limit?
Everything – letters, numbers, spaces, punctuation, and emoji. Some emoji count as multiple characters, so they can eat up your limit quickly.
Do all messaging apps have this limit?
SMS messages do, but apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or iMessage don't have the same restrictions. However, if someone doesn't have the app installed, your message might fall back to SMS.
Can I see if my message will split before sending?
Many messaging apps show a character counter as you type. If yours doesn't, you can use online character counting tools to check your message length.
What happens to message timing with split messages?
Split messages usually arrive within seconds of each other, but network delays can sometimes cause longer gaps between parts.
Jargon Buster
SMS – Short Message Service, the technical name for standard text messaging
Character limit – The maximum number of letters, spaces, and symbols allowed in a single message
Message splitting – When a long message gets automatically divided into smaller chunks
Character counter – A tool that shows how many characters you've used in your message
Wrap-up
Keeping your text messages under 160 characters prevents them from splitting up and looking messy on the recipient's phone. Use character counters to stay within the limit, and cut unnecessary words to make your messages clearer. When you need to send longer information, consider breaking it into separate messages or using a different communication method altogether.
Learn about QuickSMS: https://www.quicksms.com/