[iMore Question]

One online suggestion was to call the number, then it would be in your recent calls list. I don't want to put the number in my contact list, nor do I want to place a call first. Do I have to put the number in my contact list in order to text?

[Annie_8plus]

I don't think so. I have texted numbers before that aren't in my contact list, and haven't had any problems.

[Larry Cook1]

No. Go to Messages>tape on the symbol in the upper right hand corner>enter the phone number in the to: field>hit the iMessage field and type your message and hit send.