Texting Etiquette Tips for 2025

Many of the concepts that apply to email also apply to Texting, Chat, and Instant Messaging (Desktop, Laptop, Tablets, Smart Phones), and vice versa. The key is courtesy and clarity in your communications.

When texting, consider those around you and the person on the other side. Ask yourself: Are you more narcissistic or courteous? Let’s find out.

Personal vs. Business?

Yeah, there is a difference. There is a considerable difference between using texting in your day-to-day personal life and your professional business communications. How and what you text affects perception big time.

I have a popular article on my Business Technology Etiquette website for those considerations: Business Texting Etiquette: 10 Tips for Professionals.

Today, I will cover the primary considerations for your personal texting activities, which can affect your business brand and reputation.

Everyday Personal Texting Etiquette

Always be mindful of when and where the most appropriate time to text is. Texting while eating with others, talking on the phone with another person, or participating in activities where your attention is expected is simply inconsiderate.

Situational Awareness

Do not Text while walking around in public. Most of us are tired of getting out of your way or asking you nicely to get out of ours. And why this has to be said is because I see it every day- stop texting while driving!

There is a time and place for everything, including texting.

Start by always asking if the person you are Texting is available.

Ask if it is a good time for them before sending multiple messages. I receive emails from folks who get frustrated by others who think they should be available 24/7.

They receive texts at all hours of the day. “Why do those who send Texts at 11:30 pm think that is okay?” As you know, your phone will alert you when a text comes in. Try to remember this when texting after hours.
If the person you want to text is busy, ask when they will be free. You should do the same with your status.
If you are busy, let the other person know and advise them when you can connect later so they can have your full attention.

Don’t text mean or accusatory comments.

Be better than that and speak in person or not at all. Texting is best for casual topics; serious topics are not best served via text. It is so easy to text something out in the heat of the moment that you may regret later.

I received a condolence Text when my father passed away from someone I’m not in regular contact with. Is that appropriate? It sort of felt a little lame… But that’s probably just me. I’m big into sending thank you and sympathy cards when appropriate.

Specific topics and situations require a face-to-face hookup or, at the very least, a phone call or hand-written card stating your feelings. Texting is not the place for serious topics or emotional or contentious issues.

What happens on your phone stays on others’ phones.

As with email, texts can be saved and sent to others. Once you send one, it is gone.

If you are upset, sign off until you cool off and can reply unemotionally. Don’t type what you would not want to be passed around. I see screenshots of text conversations on social media all the time.

I’ve also heard from texters who are upset because they sent a private note to a friend they thought they could trust, who then broadcasted their text. Know who you can trust, and trust only those you know.