How to change iMessage to text message on iPhone
You can send one message as a green text, let your iPhone fall back to text automatically, or stop using iMessage entirely.
The fix
Send one message as a text
- 1
Send your message as usual.
- 2
Touch and hold the blue bubble.
- 3
Tap Send as Text Message.
The bubble turns green. This option appears when the iMessage has not been delivered yet.
The fix
Fall back to text automatically
- 1
Open Settings › Apps › Messages.
On iOS 17 and earlier, open Settings › Messages.
- 2
Turn on Send as Text Message.
When an iMessage cannot be sent because of no internet, your iPhone sends it as a text instead.
The fix
Send everything as text (turn off iMessage)
- 1
Open Settings › Apps › Messages.
- 2
Turn off iMessage.
All new messages now go as SMS, MMS or RCS. Turn it back on any time.
Frequently asked questions
Why would I send a text instead of an iMessage?
When the other person has poor internet, when an iMessage will not deliver, or when you are switching to an Android phone. Text messages use your cellular plan instead of data.
Does turning off iMessage delete my messages?
No. Your existing conversations stay. New messages are simply sent as SMS, MMS or RCS instead of iMessage.
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