How to Send Text message (SMS) instead of iMessage on iPhone

Force iMessage to become a text message in iOS. Know when carrier messaging rates may apply and how to give iMessage the setting to Send as SMS.

Enable the Settings and Give permission to iMessage to Force Send as SMS When iMessage is unavailable. Also note, that Carrier Messaging rates may apply. The setting is a helpful toggle, meaning it allows them to use Send as SMS instead of iMessage in iOS when iMessage is unavailable. Sometimes due to a system outage service area/Technical issues or the recipient can’t receive iMessage or in another country or carrier which does not support iMessage, then you can force a message to be sent as a text message quickly.

Enable the Settings and Give permission to iMessage to Force Send as SMS When iMessage is unavailable. Also, note that Carrier Messaging rates may apply. The setting is a helpful toggle meaning it allows the user to Send as SMS instead of iMessage in iOS when iMessage is unavailable. Sometimes, due to a bad service area/ out of service or the recipient can’t receive iMessage or in another country or carrier that does not support iMessage, then you can force a message to be sent as a text message quickly.

A Blue loading bar at the top will be stuck at 80% for 5-10 minutes, or it will take longer. At that moment, users don’t have time to wait. Furthermore they want to send an urgent message as an emergency, then the following guide will help to force a text message instead of an iMessage.

Therefore, the user wants to be able to force send a text message in iOS running iPhone or iPad.

Getting issue on Send iMessage: Fix iMessage Waiting For Activation Error.

Guide How to Force a Message to be Sent as SMS instead of iMessage & Not Working After Enabled

Follow these tricks if you send all iMessage as Text for all time or Quickly Force send iMessage as Text if it is not delivered at any time. And Showing Error with a Red Exclamation mark next to iMessage.

How to Turn on Send As SMS on iPhone

1. Go to Settings app looks like a Gear icon on the iPhone home screen.
2. Find Message
3. Turn toggle ON/Green next Send as SMS. Some iPhone users Keep this option disabled. So we can manually force send as a Text message. See method 2 steps.

Launch the settings app tap on messages turn on send as SMS on iPhone

Method 2: How you can force an iMessage to be sent as SMS instead of iMessage.

Step #1. Just long-press and hold on to your Pending iMessage. [Not Delivered because of iMessage issues – Not Activated on your iPhone or Another Device]

Launch the messages tap messages chat on iPhone

Step #2. Now you get a pop-up menu screen that says “Send as Text Message” appears between the Copy and Speak options.
Step #3. Tap on “Send as Text Message”.

Tap messages tap and hold select send as text message on iPhone

You can see the green bubble text instead of blue, which means your message was sent as a text instead of Apple’s iMessage. Disadvantage – The carrier messaging rate may apply. If you are a Postpaid mobile user, then your charge will be added to your next bill cycle.

For prepaid carrier users: instant notice of money cut from the available balance on your mobile number.  This charge may differ from country to country.

That’s it!

Troubleshoot! Send as SMS instead of iMessage not working on your Apple iPhone or iPad

Some iOS device users can’t get affected quickly after enabling Send as SMS option, So They neither send iMessage nor simple text message, I would like to recommend To follow the below point, and check it is okay.

You should apply the following issue-resolving ideas.

Enable MMS For sending a Picture as an SMS on iPhone, “Cannot Send Messages” MMS messaging needs to be enabled to send this message. when iMessage is not available. Some Carrier doesn’t provide an MMS Messaging facility so those users can’t get the Settings over here. go to the Settings > Messages > MMS Messaging enable.

Note: This setting is removed in iOS 16 and later versions.

Picture Cannot Send as Message on iPhone SMS
Picture Cannot Send as Message on iPhone SMS


You haven’t Enough Balance to Send a Text message that your Carrier charged for a single SMS. or Some Carrier company provides Free text SMS but the Limits per day are exceeded.

Poor Carrier signal.

Refresh the Network settings by turning on Airplane mode under the settings and turning off Airplane mode. Go to Settings > Airplane Mode > Enable and Disable it. You can also hard reboot your device.

Go to the settings app enable:disable toggle airplane mode on iPhone

Turn Off iMessage

1. Launch the Settings App and tap on the Messages tab on your iPhone.

Launch the settings app tap on messages on iPhone

2. Disable/Enable toggle iMessage on it.

Enable toggle on iMessage on iPhone

If you cannot get the Send as text message option, then you should disable Wi-Fi and Cellular data. Then test again.

Enable:disable toggle wi-fi on iphone
Launch the settings app tap mobile services turn off mobile data on iPhone

For this time, any of the solutions are not helpful, and You have to give some time to activate Send as SMS service to Apple and Carrier company as well. So Use Social media Text Messaging app that uses Wifi or mobile data.

Valuable Source to Fix Sending a failed iMessage or iMessage not delivered

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood, a Wellington-based journalist, excels in covering Apple and tech trends. With a diverse background in public safety, government, and education reporting, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, offering readers a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. Contact Her Team:- [email protected] [OR] [email protected]

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