- Make sure that there is no sound associated with striking the keys. Although texting is non-invasive, incessant sounds made while pressing each key can be unnerving for others. The key tone can be raised, lowered, or disabled on many phones.
- Remember that this is a guideline. Everyone has different expectations about proper etiquette. Handle your situation accordingly.
- There are certain situations where you can simply silence your phone, and others where it is better to leave it off. Silence your phone in meetings, appointments, and social gatherings. Turn your phone off in very formal areas, such as fancy restaurants, and especially religious gatherings.
- Moderate your ring volume. If your phone is within twelve inches of you, it's doubtful you will need the ring volume at it's highest level.
- Many mobile phones have a side button that, when pressed, will immediately silence the ring tone when a call is received. If you accidentally leave your ringer on, try to silence the phone as soon as possible.
- Not everyone cares as much about cell phone etiquette, but many do. Some people do not care at all if you talk on your phone while they have to sit beside you, and some people hate it.
- When you leave a voice mail, state your message clearly and in as few words as possible.
- If you live with housemates, turn the ringer off or to a lower volume when they are sleeping. If your cell phone is 4 inches (10.2 cm) from your hand at any moment, there is little need for the ring to alert at top volume. Also, if you share a room, and your roommate is asleep, consider following the ten foot rule mentioned above, as opposed to shouting into your phone 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the sleeper's head