Have you ever typed a long text on your iPhone 5 and wondered how many characters you’ve used? Whether you’re sending an SMS that has a character limit or simply want to track your message length, knowing the character count can be incredibly useful. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to show the character count in text messages on the iPhone 5, step by step. By the end, you’ll never run into surprises when sending long texts again!
Why Would You Want to See the Character Count?
Before diving into the steps, let’s understand why this feature matters:
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Avoid SMS splitting – Standard SMS messages have a 160-character limit. Exceeding it may split your text into multiple messages, costing you more.
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Better message clarity – Keeping texts concise helps your recipient read and understand them quickly.
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Professional communication – When sending business-related SMS, character limits are crucial.
In short, it’s all about control, clarity, and cost-effectiveness.
Does the iPhone 5 Show Character Count by Default?
Nope! By default, the iPhone 5 does not display the character count while typing messages. You have to enable it manually. Luckily, Apple made it super easy to turn this feature on, even on older models like the iPhone 5.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Show the Character Count
Follow these simple steps to enable the character count on your iPhone 5:
Step 1: Open the Settings App
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Tap the Settings icon on your home screen.
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Scroll down to find Messages and tap it.
Step 2: Enable Character Count
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Inside the Messages settings, look for Character Count.
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Toggle the switch to ON (green).
Tip: If the switch is grey, the feature is disabled. Turning it on will immediately show the character count in your messages.
Step 3: Start Composing a Text
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Open the Messages app.
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Tap the compose icon (a pencil and paper).
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Begin typing your text.
Step 4: Check the Character Count
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The count appears below the text box, updating as you type.
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Once your message reaches 160 characters, the count alerts you that you are hitting the SMS limit.
What Happens When You Exceed the Character Limit?
When your text surpasses 160 characters:
| Message Type | Character Limit | Behavior on iPhone 5 |
|---|---|---|
| SMS (green bubble) | 160 | Splits into multiple messages |
| iMessage (blue bubble) | Unlimited | No splitting, counted as a single message |
Pro Tip: Keep in mind that messages sent via iMessage do not have a strict character limit, but SMS messages do.
How to Use Character Count Effectively
Here are some tips to make the most of this feature:
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Draft first – Check the count before sending long messages.
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Edit to fit – Cut unnecessary words to stay under the limit.
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Track multiple messages – If splitting is unavoidable, know how many segments your message will use.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I See the Character Count?
If the character count isn’t showing, try these fixes:
1. Make Sure Character Count is Enabled
Double-check Settings > Messages > Character Count.
2. Restart Your iPhone
A quick restart can fix minor glitches that prevent the feature from displaying.
3. Update iOS (if possible)
While the iPhone 5 is older, installing the latest compatible iOS version can help resolve issues.
Are There Third-Party Apps That Help?
Yes! If you want more advanced features, such as word count, SMS segment tracking, or message templates, you can explore apps like:
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Character Count & Text Analyzer
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SMS Counter
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Texter – Character & Word Counter
These apps provide additional insights that the iPhone 5’s built-in feature doesn’t.
How This Helps Professionals
If you use your iPhone for work, character count can be a game-changer:
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Marketing SMS – Stay within limits to avoid extra charges.
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Customer support – Ensure messages are concise and polite.
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Team communication – Short messages are easier to read and respond to.
Quick Tips to Keep Your SMS Concise
Here’s how you can reduce text length without losing meaning:
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Use abbreviations wisely (e.g., “ASAP” instead of “as soon as possible”).
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Remove redundant words.
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Break content into multiple short messages.
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Use emojis to convey emotion instead of extra words.
Can You Show Word Count Instead of Character Count?
Unfortunately, the iPhone 5’s Messages app only shows character count. If you need word count, you’ll need a third-party app or compose your text in Notes or Pages first, then copy it into Messages.
Differences Between SMS and iMessage Character Count
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | SMS (Green Bubble) | iMessage (Blue Bubble) |
|---|---|---|
| Character Limit | 160 per message | Unlimited |
| Split Messages | Yes | No |
| Cost | May incur extra charges | Free over Wi-Fi or data |
| Display Count | Yes (if enabled) | Yes, but optional |
Knowing this helps you decide how to format messages and whether character count matters.
How to Combine Character Count with Other Messaging Features
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Enable “Send as SMS” – In Settings > Messages, ensure this is on for fallback when iMessage isn’t available.
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Track message segments – If your SMS exceeds 160 characters, you’ll know how many messages will be sent.
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Use predictive text – Helps reduce character count by suggesting concise phrases.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Not enabling character count – Leads to unexpected SMS splitting.
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Ignoring SMS limits – Can cost extra if you exceed your plan.
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Assuming iMessage has limits – Only SMS messages are restricted.
FAQs About Character Count on iPhone 5
1. How do I enable character count on iPhone 5?
Go to Settings > Messages > Character Count and toggle it ON.
2. Will character count affect iMessage?
No, it only tracks SMS messages, though it still shows the count for iMessages.
3. What happens when I exceed 160 characters?
SMS splits into multiple messages, each counted separately, potentially costing more.
4. Can I see character count while editing an old message?
No, character count only shows while composing a new message.
5. Are there apps for word count on iPhone 5?
Yes, apps like Character Count & Text Analyzer or SMS Counter provide word and character counts.
Key Takeaways
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Enabling character count on your iPhone 5 is simple: Settings > Messages > Character Count.
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The feature helps avoid SMS splitting, reduce costs, and improve readability.
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iMessages are unlimited in characters, but SMS messages have a strict 160-character limit.
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Third-party apps can enhance tracking if you need word count or advanced analytics.
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Keep messages concise with tips like abbreviations, short sentences, and emojis.
By following this guide, you’ll always know exactly how long your messages are — no surprises, no extra charges, just smooth texting.
