How to Send an Apple Message As a Text Message

 Posted on April 5, 2023  |  2 minutes  |  258 words  |  Arica Deslauriers

There is an option in the Apple Messages settings to enable the app to use SMS when when messaging. Usually this is enabled by default, but once turned on, Apple Messages will automatically send using the SMS protocol when unable to use...

Part 1 of 3:

Enabling SMS in Apple Messages

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    Open the Settings app.

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    Tap Messages.

  • Picture 3 of How to Send an Apple Message As a Text Message Tap the Send as SMS slider to enable. Green indicates the feature is on while grey indicates it is off.
  • Messages will automatically switch between sending messages over Wi-Fi, cell data, or SMS (in that order) depending on which service is available at the time.

    • Part 2 of 3:

    Forcing a Message to Send as SMS

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    Open the Settings app.

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    Tap Wi-Fi.

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    Tap the Wi-Fi slider to disable. Green indicates the feature is on while grey indicates it is off.

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    Tap Settings. This is in the upper left corner and will take you back to the Settings menu.

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    Tap Cellular.

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    Tap Cellular Data slider to disable. Green indicates the feature is on while grey indicates it is off.

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    Open Messages.

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    Tap a chat.

  • Picture 12 of How to Send an Apple Message As a Text Message Send a message. The message will be sent via SMS text since neither Wi-Fi or cell data is available.
  • This can be used to send messages when you or the recipient are having trouble sending or receiving Wi-Fi message, but typically the process won't be necessary since Messages will handle the conversions automatically.[1]
  • Make sure to re-enable your Wi-Fi and cell data after you are finished if you wish to use internet features.
    • Isabella Humphrey Isabella Humphrey

    Update 04 March 2020

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