Apple’s exclusive iMessage app allows users to send text messages, photos, and videos; that too over Wi-Fi or cellular data. However, you may encounter an issue where your iMessage is green and says sent as a text message instead. This results in additional charges from your carrier or an inability to send rich media content. Well, leave your worries behind, as we will discuss how to fix this issue for your iPhone in this article.
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How to Fix iMessage Sent as Text Message
It can be frustrating if your iMessage is sent as a regular text message, especially if you’re trying to take advantage of its features. Before we provide you with helpful tips to fix the issue, let us understand the reasons that cause it and then move ahead with our solutions.
Quick Answer
To fix the error, check if iMessages are enabled on the device. If it is, reinsert the SIM card and refresh the internet connection. If that does not help, then disable iMessage as text by following these steps:
1. Launch Settings on the iPhone, and head over to Messages.
2. Toggle off the Send as SMS option.
Why is iMessage Sent as Text Message?
If you are unable to send an iMessage to another iPhone user, then apart from being blocked by the user, there are other reasons as well that can trigger this situation.
- If the recipient’s iPhone is not connected to the internet.
- If the recipient did not use an Apple device at the time.
- If the recipient’s device was turned off.
- If the recipient does not have iMessage enabled.
- iMessage server downtime.
- Outdated iOS version of your device.
- Fault in network settings or general settings of your device.
- Authentication error on your Apple account.
Method 1: Ensure Working Network Connection
To run smoothly, iMessages need an active, strong, and stable internet connection. In case your iPhone has connection issues, you might face problems in sending an iMessage. Therefore, make sure you have a stable internet connection. Follow our guide on How Do I Fix Slow Internet on My iPhone.
Method 2: Wait for iMessage Server Uptime
Another one of the first things to do in case the iMessage you sent is green and says sent as a text message is to check the server status. Apple has a dedicated page for its users to check the server status of every service, including iMessage. You can head to the official Apple System Status page and make sure that the service is working. If not, please wait for its uptime.
Method 3: Reinsert SIM Card
iMessage service on your iPhone is related to your primary SIM card number and therefore, reinserting the SIM can help you out in fixing the mentioned issue. Follow the steps below:
1. On your iPhone, locate the SIM tray and insert a pin to open it.
2. Now, take out the SIM card from the tray.
3. Next, use a soft cloth to clean the SIM tray and place the SIM card into the tray properly.
4. Then, push the tray back inside the phone and turn on iPhone to check if you have fixed the issue.
Also Read: How to Play Crazy 8 on iMessage
Method 4: Enable iMessage
iMessage might also be sent as a text message if the service on the device is not enabled. If so, you need to enable iMessage from settings by following the steps below:
1. Head to the Settings app on your iPhone and tap on it to open.
2. Now, scroll to Messages and open the option.
3. Finally, toggle on iMessage in it.
Similarly, you need to ask the recipient of your iMessage to enable this feature in their iPhone to receive them in a blue bubble.
Method 5: Disable iMessage as Text
Messages send your iMessage as a text message automatically when the internet connection is unavailable. Therefore, to avoid any interference, make sure this option is turned off. Follow the steps below:
1. In the iPhone Settings, head over to Messages.
2. Now, locate and toggle off Send as SMS option.
After disabling it, try to send an iMessage again and check if you are able to send it now.
Method 6: Tweak Date and Time Settings
Check the date and time settings of your device. This is because the incorrect date and time settings can lead to issues with many Apple services including iMessage. So, tweak the settings by following the steps below:
1. In the Settings app, tap on General.
2. Next, tap on Date & Time.
3. Then, toggle off Set Automatically and select a relevant Time Zone.
Also Read: How To See WiFi Password On iPhone
Method 7: Ask Recipient to Enable Internet
As mentioned earlier, issues from the recipient’s side are also a common reason why iMessages are being sent as text messages from your device. Therefore, you must ask the recipient to enable their internet connection.
Method 8: Update iOS
An outdated version of your iOS software can also be a problematic reason. The iMessage service on your iPhone is also updated with regular iOS updates.
1. Navigate General in Settings on the device.
2. Tap on Software Update and then on the Download and Install option.
3. After downloading the update, tap on the Install option.
Once the device has been updated, try sending an iMessage again to check if the issue has been resolved.
Method 9: Reset Network Settings
Usually, iMessage is sent as a text message when there is any form of network-related issue. Therefore, resetting the network settings of the iPhone really comes in handy in fixing it. Follow the steps mentioned below.
1. Open the Settings app and head over to the General tab.
2. Scroll down and tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Then, tap on Reset and select the Reset Network Settings option.
4. Finally, restart the device.
Also Read: How To Export Entire Text Conversations From iPhone
Method 10: Reset All Settings
You can also try resetting all settings of your device if resetting network settings did not work out.
1. Launch Settings and then select the General option.
2. Now, tap on Transfer or Reset iPhone from the options provided.
3. Tap on Reset.
4. Finally, tap on Reset All Settings.
Method 11: Authenticate Apple Account
Finally, try authenticating your Apple account. If you have changed your Apple account password recently, in case of an authentication error, iOS may deactivate the iMessage service on your iPhone. Therefore, sign out of your account and then sign back in using credentials to authenticate your account.
1. Launch the Settings application and tap on your profile.
2. Scroll down to the end and tap on Sign Out.
Once done, log into your account again and try to send the iMessage to check if the error has finally been fixed.
Recommended: How To Block Outgoing Calls On iPhone
This brings us to the end of our guide on why was iMessage sent as a text message. We hope that the methods given in the doc were of great help to you and helped you send iMessage in the blue bubble again. For further queries or suggestions, leave your comments in the box below.
