How can I send a text message instead of an iMessage on my iPhone?
How can I send a text message instead of an iMessage on my iPhone?
3 Answers

Alright, let’s dive into how you can send a plain old text message instead of an iMessage on your iPhone. It’s actually pretty straightforward.
First off, if you want to make sure all your messages go out as SMS, the easiest trick is to turn off iMessage altogether. It’s as simple as this: pop open your Settings app, scroll down to Messages, and flick the switch to turn iMessage off. That does the trick; no more iMessages, just traditional text messages.
But sometimes you still want to keep iMessage active and send just a single message as SMS. Unlocking this option means checking your settings again. Head back into Settings > Messages and make sure your phone number is ticked under Send & Receive. This keeps the option open to send texts if iMessage doesn’t do the job.
Now, what if you want to switch things up for certain contacts? Tough luck, there’s no easy button for this. But here’s a pro tip—delete the thread with that contact and start fresh. Surprisingly, it tends to shake things up and might get your texts flowing right.
You could also just check how your network’s doing. If you’re only hooked up to Wi-Fi and cellular is off, your iMessage might not make it, turning into an SMS instead. Dive into your settings again, this time tapping Cellular to ensure your data is on. Play around a bit, switching between Wi-Fi and cellular connections until you find the sweet spot.
And trust me, when in doubt, give your phone a restart. This little action can clear up temporary hiccups messing with your message delivery.
Finally, if nothing’s working, ring up your carrier. Sometimes, it’s an issue on their end, and they can sort it out for you.
Hopefully, these tips help you navigate between SMS and iMessages effortlessly! You got this.

Switching from iMessage to Regular Texts on iPhone
You need to send a regular text message instead of an iMessage? No problem! Apple’s iMessage can be cool, with those blue bubbles and snazzy features, but sometimes you just need to go old-school SMS. Let’s break down how you can do exactly that.
The Basics: iMessage vs. SMS/MMS
- iMessage: Apple’s way of messaging, rockin’ those blue bubbles. Requires Wi-Fi or data and just works with other Apple gadgets.
- SMS/MMS: Your regular green bubble text message. Goes over cellular networks and plays nice with all types of phones.
Why Go Green?
- Your friend’s rocking an Android phone.
- Your internet is on the fritz (iMessage is doomed without it).
- Keeping data usage low or saving on your plan costs.
Ways to Send SMS Instead of iMessage
1. Ditch iMessage Altogether
If you want every message as SMS/MMS.
Here’s What You Do:
- Hop into Settings > Messages.
- Slide that iMessage toggle off.
- Say yes when it asks.
Heads Up:
- Current chats switch to SMS/MMS.
- You’ll lose iMessage perks (think: read receipts, cool reactions).
2. Make One Message SMS
Perfect for sending just that one text when iMessage flakes out.
Here’s How:
- Type out your message in Messages.
- If the bubble stays blue (yup, iMessage) press and hold the message.
- Choose Send as Text Message if you see it.
Note:
- You’ll only see this option when iMessage crashes and burns (say, if they’re offline).
3. Check Their Number Isn’t Hooked to iMessage
If your buddy switched from iPhone to Android, and their number’s tangled with iMessage.
Here’s What to Do:
- Ask ’em to deregister from iMessage using Apple’s site.
- On your iPhone, trash the old conversation thread and start a fresh chat.
4. Check Your Cellular Network and Carrier Settings
SMS needs cellular service, not just Wi-Fi.
- Make sure cellular’s active (Settings > Cellular > toggle on Cellular Data).
- Update your carrier settings if needed (Settings > General > About — grab that update if it pops up).
5. Kill Wi-Fi Temporarily
Push your iPhone to use cellular for sending texts.
- Swipe down Control Center and tap the Wi-Fi icon to switch it off.
- Fire off your message (defaults to SMS if iMessage isn’t a go).
Got Troubles? Here’s What to Check
- “Not Delivered” Error: Check signal strength. Or resend as SMS (take a look at Method 2).
- No “Send as Text Message” Option: Double-check the number and make sure iMessage is off (remember Method 1).
- Messages Still Popping Up as iMessage: Restart your iPhone or fiddle with the iMessage toggle.
Words to the Wise
- Costs: SMS/MMS may rack up charges depending on your plan.
- Group Chats: Turning off iMessage might flip group chats to MMS, but your carrier might have limits.
- International Texting: Know those SMS rates for texting overseas.
Hopefully, this gets you sorted with switching between iMessage and SMS based on what you need. If you’re still hitting a brick wall, your cellular carrier or Apple Support should be able to help out.

Sure thing! If you’re looking to get those green text bubbles back on your iPhone instead of sending iMessages, here’s what you can do:
So, if you want a message to go as a regular text for just one contact, dive into the Messages app, find the chat you want to switch, and do a long press on the message you plan to resend. When the options pop up, hit “Send as Text Message.”
But what if you’re done with iMessage altogether? No problem, just head straight into your phone settings, scroll until you hit “Messages,” and flip off the iMessage switch. From there, everything rolls out as good old SMS.
A little tip: while you’re poking around in message settings, double-check that “Send as SMS” is green-lit. This makes sure your phone won’t get stuck trying to send an iMessage when it can’t — it’ll just shoot a text instead.
And, you know, sometimes it’s just down to your network. iMessages rely on the web, but a good old SMS uses your cell signal. If you’re struggling, make sure you’ve got a solid connection.
Here’s a cheeky workaround: turning off Wi-Fi might shove your phone into sending that much-needed SMS. Just swipe into your Control Center and flick off the Wi-Fi.
By tweaking these settings, you’ll get texts to roll out just how you want them, perfect for hitting up that friend who’s an Android devotee. Happy texting!