Texting Etiquette Tips for 2026

Many of the concepts that apply to email also apply to Texting, Chat, and Instant Messaging (desktop, laptop, tablets, smartphones), 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. Here are some quick tips.

Personal vs. Business?

Yeah, there is a difference. There is a considerable difference between using text messaging in your day-to-day personal life and in your professional business communications. How and what you text affect 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 key considerations for your personal texting, which can also affect your business brand and reputation. (If you are texting business “friends,” how you do so can impact your business relationship.)

Everyday Personal Texting Etiquette

Always be mindful of when and where it is most appropriate to text. Texting while eating with others, talking on the phone with someone else, or participating in activities that require your attention 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 that I see it every day—stop texting while driving!

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

Always start by 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.

Don’t text mean or accusatory comments.

Be better than that: call them, speak in person, or don’t text 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 it 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. That’s the least you can do; on the other hand, is it the thought that counts?

I send sympathy cards when someone experiences the death of someone close to them. Taking the time to get a card, handwrite my thoughts and prayers, and address the envelope means more than a text any day of the week.

Specific topics and situations require a face-to-face hookup or, at the very least, a phone call or a handwritten card expressing your feelings. You know when that is. Texting is not the place for serious, emotional, or contentious issues.

What happens on your phone stays on others’ phones.

As with email, texts can be saved and shared with 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 wouldn’t want 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, only for that friend to broadcast it. Know who you can trust, and trust only those you know.

Simple, Easy, and Habit-Forming

These tips are not all that difficult. With time, they will become natural. All you have to do is think before you text.