Getting familiar with IM forwarding

IM Forwarding is an easy way to continue receiving instant messages (IMs) when you're away from your computer. It automatically forwards IMs to your mobile device as text messages. It also puts a blue mobile icon next to your Username in your friends' Buddy Lists.

To set up IM Forwarding, visit http://www.aim.com/products/txt#im-forwarding.

For IM Forwarding instructions, see How do I set up Instant Message forwarding in AIM. If you are receiving unwanted IMs on your mobile phone, see How do I block unwanted IMs? To stop IM's from being forwarded to your phone, sign into https://settings.aim.com/en-us/mobile with your Username and password. Uncheck Forward IMs to My Phone.

As long as your carrier supports two-way IMing (see the list below), you can reply to IMs the same way you'd reply to a text. Type your reply into your mobile phone and send it. Below is a list of carriers that support receiving and replying to IMs:

• Verizon
• AT&T
• Sprint
• T-Mobile
• Boost
• Virgin Mobile
• US Cellular
• Alltel
• Metro PCS*

Note: With IM Forwarding, you cannot initiate a new IM conversation. For that, you need to install the full version of AIM for Mobile on your device. Interested? If so, please visit http://aim.com and look for your brand of device along the bottom of the page. For example, AIM for iPhone, AIM for iPad or AIM for Android.

Charges: While AOL won't charge you a penny, mobile service providers may charge to deliver texts to a mobile device. Check your provider's plan for details.

*Metro PCS: Messaging is only supported on select Metro PCS plans. If you use Metro PCS and you run into issues sending or receiving messages via AOL, please contact Metro PCS for more information.

By using AIM, you agree to AOL's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. We provide the messaging service as-is. Message and data rates may apply. Please check your mobile subscription plan. Review the AOL Mobile Terms of Service and Privacy Policy on the web at http://mobile.aol.com/tos.

More questions? Visit help.aol.com.

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