What To Know
- Now, whenever you send a message to this contact, it will be delivered as a traditional SMS text message.
- Sending a text message to multiple recipients is a common practice, but it can be a bit tricky when you have a mix of iPhone and Android users in your contact list.
- If you see a blue indicator, tap on the recipient’s name and disable “Send as SMS” to ensure the message is sent as a text message.
Sending text messages is a cornerstone of modern communication, but when you own an iPhone, you might find yourself relying heavily on iMessage. While iMessage offers a plethora of features, there are times when sending a traditional SMS text message might be more appropriate or necessary. This guide will walk you through the ins and outs of how to send by text instead of iMessage, ensuring you can always reach your intended recipient, regardless of their device.
Why Choose Text Over iMessage?
Before diving into the specifics of sending text messages, let’s understand why opting for SMS over iMessage can be beneficial in certain situations:
- Reaching Android Users: iMessage is exclusive to Apple devices. If you’re trying to communicate with someone who owns an Android phone, they won’t be able to receive your iMessage. Sending a text message ensures your message will reach them.
- Avoiding Data Charges: iMessage relies on Wi-Fi or cellular data for sending and receiving messages. If you’re traveling internationally or have limited data access, traditional text messages can be a more cost-effective option.
- Sending Multimedia Content: While iMessage allows you to send photos and videos, SMS messages also offer this functionality, although with limitations on file size and quality.
- Ensuring Delivery: iMessage messages are delivered over Apple’s servers, which can sometimes lead to delays or delivery issues. Text messages, on the other hand, are sent directly to the recipient’s carrier network, offering a more reliable delivery method.
How to Send by Text Instead of iMessage: The Basics
The simplest way to send a text message instead of an iMessage is to disable iMessage for specific contacts. Here’s how:
1. Open the Messages app: Locate the Messages app on your iPhone and tap to open it.
2. Select the Contact: Choose the contact you want to send a text message to.
3. Tap the “i” icon: Look for the “i” icon in the upper-right corner of the screen and tap on it.
4. Disable “Send as SMS: Locate the “Send as SMS” option and toggle it off. This will prevent iMessage from being used for this contact.
Now, whenever you send a message to this contact, it will be delivered as a traditional SMS text message.
Sending Text Messages to Multiple Contacts
Sending a text message to multiple recipients is a common practice, but it can be a bit tricky when you have a mix of iPhone and Android users in your contact list. Here’s how to ensure your text messages reach everyone:
1. Start a New Message: Open the Messages app and tap the “Compose” button to create a new message.
2. Add Recipients: Enter the phone numbers of the recipients you want to include.
3. Check for “iMessage” Indicator: Before sending the message, pay attention to the “iMessage” indicator next to each recipient’s name. If it’s green, the message will be sent as a text message. If it’s blue, it will be sent as an iMessage.
4. Adjust Settings: If you see a blue indicator, tap on the recipient’s name and disable “Send as SMS” to ensure the message is sent as a text message.
Sending Text Messages Without a Contact
Sometimes, you might need to send a text message to a number that isn’t saved in your contacts list. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the Phone App: Launch the Phone app on your iPhone.
2. Tap the “Keypad” Icon: Select the keypad icon to access the number pad.
3. Enter the Number: Enter the phone number you want to send a text message to.
4. Tap the “Message” Icon: Look for the message icon (a speech bubble) and tap on it. This will open a new message thread.
5. Compose and Send: Type your message and tap the “Send” button to send it.
Using Third-Party Apps for Text Messaging
If you’re looking for more advanced features or a different interface for sending text messages, consider exploring third-party apps. Popular options include:
- Google Messages: A versatile app that offers features like RCS (Rich Communication Services), group chats, and multimedia sharing.
- Textra: A customizable app that allows you to personalize themes, notification sounds, and more.
- Chomp SMS: A feature-rich app with options for blocking spam, scheduling messages, and using different themes.
These apps can provide an alternative to the default Messages app and offer more flexibility in your text messaging experience.
Sending Text Messages From a Mac
If you’re using a Mac, you can also send text messages directly from your computer. Here’s how:
1. Open Messages on Mac: Launch the Messages app on your Mac.
2. Sign in with Your Apple ID: Enter your Apple ID credentials to sign in.
3. Start a New Conversation: Click the “Compose” button to create a new message.
4. Enter the Phone Number: Type the phone number you want to send a text message to.
5. Compose and Send: Type your message and click the “Send” button to send it.
Sending Text Messages From a Chromebook
Chromebooks, while primarily known for their web-based functionality, also offer the capability to send text messages. You can use the following methods:
- Web-Based Messaging Apps: Utilize web-based messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, or Facebook Messenger to send text messages to contacts who have these apps installed.
- Android Apps: Install the Android Messages app from the Google Play Store on your Chromebook. This allows you to send and receive SMS messages through your Chromebook.
Wrapping Up: Mastering the Art of Text Messaging
Understanding how to send by text instead of iMessage is essential for effective communication in today’s diverse digital landscape. By mastering these techniques, you can reach anyone, anytime, regardless of their device or network. Remember, choosing the right communication method can make a significant difference in ensuring your messages are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I send a text message to someone who has an iPhone if I have an Android phone?
A: Yes, you can send a text message to an iPhone user from an Android device. iPhones will receive your message as a traditional SMS text message.
Q: How do I know if a message is being sent as a text or an iMessage?
A: Look for the color of the message bubble. Blue indicates an iMessage, while green indicates an SMS text message.
Q: Can I change the default setting to always send text messages instead of iMessages?
A: Unfortunately, there’s no way to permanently disable iMessage and always send text messages. You can only disable it for specific contacts.
Q: What happens if I send a message to someone who has an iPhone but I have disabled “Send as SMS” for them?
A: The message will still be sent as an iMessage, but it might not be delivered if the recipient’s iMessage is not active.
Q: Can I send a text message to someone who doesn’t have a phone?
A: No, you cannot send a text message to someone who doesn’t have a phone. Text messages are delivered through mobile phone networks.
