Free tool ·
Texts to send a friend
Short, ready-to-send texts for when it’s been a while, when it’s their birthday, when they live far away, or when you’re going home for a few days. Tap Copy, change one detail, and send.
The best text to a friend is short, about them, and easy to answer. Say why you thought of them, ask one small question, and skip the long apology. Pick a text below, swap in one detail only the two of you know, and send it today.
- It’s been a while
- They went quiet
- Birthday
- Birthday, far away
- Belated birthday
- Going home
- Just because
When it’s been a while
You went quiet, not them. Don’t explain the gap. Say hello and ask about them.
No big reason for this message. I just miss talking to you. What’s new with you?
I know I’ve been quiet. I’d really like to hear how you’re doing. Free for a call this week?
Hey stranger! Tell me one good thing that’s happened to you lately.
You popped into my head on the way home today and I realised I have no idea what you’re up to these days. Fill me in?
It’s been too long, and that’s on me. How are you, really?
When they went quiet
Sometimes the silence is on their side: a new baby, a hard month, a busy job. Keep it light and leave the door open, with no pressure to reply.
Hey, no need to reply. Just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you.
Haven’t heard from you in a bit, so I hope life is being kind. I’m around whenever you fancy a chat.
Coffee’s on me next time you’re free. No rush, the offer doesn’t expire.
Sending a small hello your way. Whenever you’re ready, I’d love to catch up.
Birthday texts for a close friend
One line of happy birthday, one line that could only be about them.
Happy birthday! Another year of you being my favourite person to call about nothing. Have the best day.
Happy birthday to the friend who always knows what to say. I hope today is as kind to you as you are to everyone else.
Happy birthday! I’m raising a glass to you tonight. How are you celebrating?
Happy birthday! I was looking at old photos of us this morning and laughed out loud. Here’s to many more years of bad decisions together.
If you haven’t talked in a long time, there are more in birthday messages for a friend you haven’t talked to in a while.
Birthday texts for a friend who lives far away
When you can’t be there, say so, and offer the next best thing: a call, a date, a plan.
Happy birthday! I wish I could be there to celebrate with you. Can I call you this weekend?
Happy birthday! The distance is annoying, but you’re still one of the first people I want to tell things to.
Happy birthday! I owe you a proper birthday drink next time I’m home. Until then, a big hug from here.
Happy birthday! Different time zones, same friend. I hope your day is full of good food and good people.
Happy birthday! Your present is a visit. Pick a weekend and I’ll book the flight.
Living in different countries? There is more in how to stay in touch with friends long distance.
Belated birthday texts
Late is fine. Own it in a few words, then make it about them.
I missed your birthday and I’m annoyed with myself. Happy belated birthday! How did you celebrate?
Late, but I mean it: happy birthday! Let me take you out for a belated birthday drink.
Happy belated birthday! I want to hear everything this new year has in store for you.
To stop missing them, see how to set birthday reminders on iPhone.
When you’re going home for a few days
A week at home goes fast. Write before you land, give your dates, and make it easy to say yes.
I’m back in town for a week next month. I’d love to see you, even for one coffee. When are you free?
Home for Christmas! Can we grab a drink before I fly back?
Just landed. You’re the first person I’m texting. Are you around this week?
I’m only home for a few days, so I’m getting the old crew together on Saturday. Are you in?
Going home for Thanksgiving or Christmas? Here is how to see the friends you grew up with when you’re home for the holidays.
Just because
The ones that need no reason are often the ones people remember.
Random reminder that I’m really glad you’re my friend.
This song came on and I thought of you straight away. Hope you’re well!
Thinking of you today. Hope it’s a good one.
Saw something today that you would have loved. Made me miss you. How are things?
How to make a text land
- Change one detail. A name, a place, a joke only the two of you get. That is what makes a copied text sound like you.
- Ask one easy question. “How did the move go?” is easy to answer. “So what’s been going on in your life?” is homework.
- Skip the long apology. It makes them comfort you. A short “it’s been too long” is enough.
- Send it now. The right moment rarely comes. A text sent today beats a perfect one next month.
Want more on getting back in touch? Read how to reconnect with an old friend.
Questions
What do you text a friend you haven’t talked to in a while?
Something short that says why you thought of them and asks one easy question. You don’t need to explain the silence. “You popped into my head today. What are you up to these days?” is enough.
What do you write in a birthday text for a friend who lives far away?
Say happy birthday, say you wish you were there, and offer something concrete: a call this weekend, a drink next time you’re home, or a visit.
Is it OK to send a belated birthday text?
Yes. A late message is better than none. Say it’s late in a few words, wish them happy birthday, and ask how they celebrated.
Does my friend need an app to get these?
No. These are plain texts. Copy one and send it in Messages, WhatsApp or anything else you use.
Get Ciao! on the App Store