Get text alerts for holiday shopping deals from Google

Whether you’re planning to brave the lines on Friday, the laggy websites on Monday or just trying to get some holiday shopping done, Google is using a new ad service that might help you out. Instead of looking for deals, the search giant will text the ones you might be interested in to your device. Here’s how to enable this test service:

You can sign up for the Google text alert service one of two ways:

Chrome on your mobile

Enlarge Image

Nicole Cozma/CNET

Search for an item you want to purchase and you’ll see “Get deals via text message,” along with a Subscribe button, as its own search result. Tap this and a pop-up will prompt you to join their deals program via text using the command JOIN.

Direct text to Google

Enlarge Image

Nicole Cozma/CNET

Text JOIN to one or all of the following:

  • Black Friday deals: 847-904-0608
  • Cyber Monday deals: 847-906-8958
  • Holiday deals: 847-904-0596

With either option, you will be responsible for any text messaging fees. You can also opt out any time by texting STOP to the respective number.

Google hasn’t given specifics on the amount of deals that will be shared with you, or which advertisers are participating. For now, it should be thought of as an opportunity to test a new tool that Google is working on.

(Via Google Operating System)

If you’re not sure what you want to buy for those dear to you (or yourself), make sure to check out CNET’s guide to Black Friday deals, or our complete Holiday Gift Guide.

Check Also

14 Hidden iPhone Features You Should Really Know About

It’s been over half a year since iOS 16 was released to the general public, yet there always seems to be new features and settings to discover within Apple’s latest iPhone software update. Not all these unexplored features will be as popular as unsending texts and emails or cutting out objects from your photos, but they’re still worth exploring if …

Leave a Reply