AT&T will discontinue its text-to-email and email-to-text service on June 17, 2025. This means AT&T and Cricket Wireless subscribers will no longer be able to send or receive text messages via email. The announcement, made with little fanfare, was recently brought to light by a Reddit user. While some users rely on this feature, many find the service outdated and prone to spam.
AT&T Text-to-Email Service EndingAT&T’s official statement confirms the service’s discontinuation, stating that after June 17, 2025, users will be unable to send or receive texts using email. This change affects both sending and receiving messages, meaning other AT&T Wireless customers won’t be able to communicate with you via this method either. The discontinuation also applies to Cricket Wireless subscribers.
The reaction on Reddit has been mixed. Some users expressed disappointment about the change, while others welcomed it, citing the service’s declining performance and spam issues in recent years. One user pointed out its usefulness for receiving safety alerts forwarded from filtering software. Another lamented the loss of a feature they used regularly.
Other major carriers offer similar services. Verizon maintains a comparable option, although their email service has been retired. T-Mobile customers can send texts via email using the recipient’s ten-digit phone number followed by “@tmomail.net.”
Alternative Texting ServicesDespite its past utility, text-to-email and email-to-text services have become less popular in recent years. Alternative services like Pushover offer similar functionality without the inherent spam risks associated with email-based texting. This shift in user preference, coupled with potential security concerns and the rise of more efficient communication methods, likely contributed to AT&T’s decision.
In conclusion, while the discontinuation of AT&T’s text-to-email service may inconvenience some users, it reflects a broader trend in communication technology. The rise of dedicated messaging apps and alternative services offers more secure and efficient solutions for modern communication needs. With the increasing prevalence of spam and the availability of superior alternatives, this change is unlikely to significantly impact most users.
