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Apple’s iMessage is the go-to choice for iPhone users while texting someone. However, there are instances where sending iMessage as a text message (SMS) becomes necessary. Don’t know how? In this post, I will show you how to send text messages instead of iMessage on an iPhone.
iMessage indeed provides several benefits, however, in some situations you need to send an SMS text to an iPhone user. We will discuss them later in the post. Let’s learn the steps first. Here, I will share three different methods to force send text messages Instead of iMessage to a contact.
iMessage uses your internet connection to send texts. So, your message will not be delivered if you have limited or no internet connectivity.
That’s why I have enabled the following feature, so it automatically attempts to send text messages as SMS when iMessage is unavailable.
It will disable the iMessage service, and all your messages will be forced to be sent as regular text messages.
While iMessage offers a range of features and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem, there are specific situations where I prefer to force sending SMS text messages on an iPhone. Here are a few common scenarios:
In case you encounter issues while sending SMS messages, try the following troubleshooting steps:
Send messages in every situation!
While iMessage offers a range of convenient features, there are circumstances when sending a regular text message (SMS) becomes necessary. You can effortlessly send text messages on your iPhone using the abovementioned methods.
Do you enjoy using iMessage? Let me know in the comments below!
FAQs
Unfortunately, you can’t turn off iMessage for a specific contact. You may send messages as SMS individually by tapping the text bubble and selecting Send as SMS. Alternatively, if the contact disables iMessage for themselves, they will receive SMS texts.
If you don’t have an active internet connection, the Messages app will try to send the iMessage as a standard SMS text message. Besides, if the recipient has switched to Android, they will only receive SMS texts.
You must be connected to a solid cellular network to send a text message by SMS. Ensure your iPhone is not in Airplane mode and you have an active mobile plan.
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Ava is a die-hard Apple aficionado and seasoned writer with a knack for breaking down complex tech concepts into easily digestible content. Having honed her writing and editing skills over 4 years at renowned media houses like TechBurner, Ava crafts informative and engaging articles including troubleshooting guides, product reviews, editorials at iGeeksBlog. When not typing, you can find her exploring the latest Apple releases or pondering the future of tech innovation.
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I cannot send a sms text to a contact that used imessage before. I receive a prompt that imessage needs to be enabled. I turned off the phone a couple of times and also tried to set it to send it as sms, but the setting is not visible on imessage. I am using an Iphone 12 with Ios 17.5.1 on it.
The Send as SMS setting is available in the Messages settings. Just head to Settings → Messages → toggle on Send as SMS. This will send the messages as SMS if iMessage isn’t available. If the toggle is greyed out or isn’t available, contact Apple Support.