What Does “Send as Text Message” Mean on iPhone?

When you send a message on your iPhone and notice it says “Sent as Text Message,” you may be left wondering what that means and why it’s not behaving as expected.

Many iPhone users encounter this situation causing confusion to users. Understanding the reasons and the possible solutions to the issue will be helpful for you to make sure that your messages are delivered as intended.

This article explores the mystery behind the “Send as Text Message” feature and explores practical tips to ensure an optimized messaging experience.

What Does “Send as Text Message” Mean?

“Send as text message” is an option on iPhones that sends messages over SMS (Short Message Service) when iMessage is not available. SMS is a classic texting service that operates over cellular networks, unlike iMessage, which is over the internet.

iMessage — an Apple-specific messaging platform — includes additional features like read receipts, delivery notifications, and encryption. In the messaging app, it’s indicated by blue bubbles. SMS is just a simple messaging service without all the advanced features, denoted by green bubbles.

The messages will convert to SMS if iMessage is unavailable, either due to lack of internet connection, if the recipient does not have iMessage activated, or if the recipient is using a non-Apple device. While this method is a reliable fallback, SMS doesn’t really do what the iMessage service does.

Understanding iMessage vs. SMS

Here’s a detailed comparison table highlighting the differences between iMessage and SMS:

This table provides a side-by-side comparison to help understand the key differences between the two messaging systems.

Common Reasons for “Sent as Text Message”

1. Recipient’s Device Compatibility

If you are sending a message to someone who doesn’t use an Apple device, the iMessage system cannot be used.

Instead, that message defaults to SMS, which runs over wireless cellular networks or wifi texting. This most commonly occurs when texting messages to an Android or other non-Apple device(s).

You’ll see a green message bubble instead of an iMessage blue one, showing it was sent as a text message rather than an iMessage.

2. iMessage Disabled

If iMessage is disabled on either the sender’s or the recipient’s device, all messages are enabled as SMS by default.

This could be on purpose, like turning off the iMessage feature in order to save data, or it could be accidental, like forgetting to turn back on iMessage after a software update or reset. The iMessage settings can be the culprit in this case.

3. Network Connectivity Issues

iMessage needs an active internet connection, whether Wi-Fi or cellular data. If one or both parties have no internet connectivity or are in an area where it is not reliable, the app seamlessly switches to SMS for messages to be sent. That way, the message gets through, even if iMessage can’t work.

4. Device Changes

When you switch to a different device, particularly from Apple devices to other brands, message delivery settings may be affected.

If the Apple ID is still attached to iMessage but the new device isn’t equipped to use it, messages might bounce or revert to SMS. If you do not do so, properly deregister iMessage and switch devices; you may run into this issue.

5. Temporary System Issues

The system occasionally falls or faces technical problems on Apple’s iMessage servers, and the service may not function.

To avoid interruptions in delivery, these messages are automatically sent as SMS during these periods. These issues are relatively infrequent, but they can all affect every iMessage user at once — and in such cases, SMS is a reliable backup option.

Troubleshooting “Sent as Text Message” Issues

• Check iMessage Settings

• Go to Settings > Messages and ensure iMessage is enabled on both devices.

• Verify Network Connection

• Ensure your device has a strong Wi-Fi or cellular connection. Switch networks if needed.

• Confirm Recipient’s Device

• Check if the recipient is using an Apple device. Messages to non-Apple devices default to SMS.

• Sign Out and In

• Sign out of iMessage under Settings > Messages > Send & Receive, then sign back in.

• Restart Devices

• Restart both devices to resolve temporary glitches.

Does “Sent as a Text Message” Mean My Number Is Blocked?

“Sent as a Text Message” does not mean that your number is blocked. This status pops up when your device changes from sending messages through instant messaging apps (like iMessage or WhatsApp) to plain old SMS.

There can be several other reasons for this issue which is not related to being blocked, including:

• Internet Problems: No or Poor Internet Connection May lead to SMS messages
• Recipient’s Settings: Messages default to SMS if the recipient has disabled instant messaging or switched to a non-compatible device.
• Service Outages: Temporary issues on its server for the messaging platform may lead to this fallback

If you’re blocked, messages sent as SMS may show as delivered, but the recipient won’t see the message.

To confirm, look for other signs, like calls not going through or lack of new profile updates from your recipient. But simply “Sent as a Text Message” does not prove being blocked.

Understanding Message Status: Sent vs. Delivered

Here is a table describing the differences between the two different message statuses: sent and delivered.

Best Practices for Messaging on iPhone

Sending your messages via iMessage as opposed to SMS or MMS can improve communications by offering read receipts and delivery notifications and being faster. Here are some practical tips to keep iMessage working:

Regularly Check and Update Settings

The first step is to ensure iMessage is enabled on your iPhone. Open Settings > Messages and switch on iMessage if it isn’t already.

Updating your iOS version allows your device to be fully compatible across the latest features with fixes on all the potential bugs that may affect the performance of iMessage.

Maintain Good Internet Connectivity

iMessages require an active internet connection. Always try to send messages only when your Wi-Fi or cellular data is stable.

Poor or spotted connectivity puts iMessages back to SMS. If your connection is shaky, try reconnecting to Wi-Fi or resetting your network settings in Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Check the Recipient’s Device Compatibility

iMessages can only be sent between Apple devices. Messages are sent as SMS when the recipient is not using an Apple device, or iMessage is turned off.

Reach out to your contacts to find out what device they use or whether their phone number appears blue (which indicates iMessage) or green (which means SMS) when you write messages.

Enable “Send as SMS” Carefully

Although turning on the “Send as SMS” option in settings is an excellent fallback when iMessage isn’t working, be careful and use it wisely. When iMessages keep sending as SMS, they need to determine whether there are internet issues or settings misconfigurations.

Log in to the Correct Apple ID

Make sure that you’re signed in with your Apple ID under Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. Ensure that the correct email and phone number are selected for sending and receiving.

Restart and Troubleshoot When Necessary

In case you are facing issues with iMessage, restart your iPhone. More persistent problems may call for signing out of iMessage and signing back in or resetting all settings under Settings > General > Reset.

This will help you have smoother messaging experiences on your iPhone. Taking advantage of iMessage anytime you can will help you remain linked with its better functions over standard SMS.

Conclusion

Wrapping up, the send as text message specifies the difference between SMS and iMessage so that users know what happens when their messages go from iMessage (blue bubbles) to SMS (green bubbles).

Although this fallback will guarantee you will still receive notifications when iMessage isn’t available, it lacks the same features, such as reading receipts or sharing high-quality media.

Knowing settings in advance, maintaining a consistent internet connection, and understanding a recipient’s device preferences can all contribute to optimizing messaging experiences.

Users can stop disruptions and communicate with greater ease on their iPhones by addressing common problems and employing troubleshooting measures effectively.

FAQs

Does “Sent as a Text Message” mean delivered?

It means the message was sent via SMS. SMS also differs from iMessage in that it doesn’t offer delivery confirmation, meaning it can’t tell you whether the recipient received the message.

Why does it say “Sent as a Text Message”?

This happens when iMessage is not available most probably either because your internet is weak or your device doesn’t support iMessage.

What do green and blue bubbles signify?

Green bubbles mean messages are sent as SMS/MMS, while blue bubbles are iMessages, which are sent between Apple devices via the internet.

Can a message be sent as SMS if iMessage is enabled?

Yes, even with iMessage enabled, messages may default to SMS if there’s no internet connection or if the recipient has turned off iMessage.

Does “Sent as a Text Message” mean I’m blocked?

Not necessarily. This status can take place for a number of reasons, including technical difficulties or the recipient disabling iMessage. Blocking is one possible explanation.