How to send an SMS message from an iPhone?

If the iMessage is not available, you can send a message via SMS. Open the Messaging app, tap compose, select the number of receiver, and click to send.

Texting is a simple way to stay connected. Apple devices have the iMessages app for texting that requires an internet connection to operate. Sometimes, when it's not available, you can send SMS messages.

This article is a comprehensive guide on how to send an SMS message from an iPhone. Moreover, it will clarify the major different between SMS messaging and iMessage on an iPhone.

Understanding SMS vs iMessage on iPhone

There are two major means of messaging on iPhone: iMessage and SMS messages.

iMessage

iMessage is the messaging service in Apple devices that uses wifi or cellular data connection to operate. If the recipient of the message is also an iPhone user, you will receive the message in a blue bubble. The service offers free and end-to-end encryption.

iMessage generally works on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. You can share the photos, videos, and documents.

SMS/MMS (Short Message Service)

SMS is the universal service of sending messages that operates on a mobile network connection. The iPhone automatically chooses to send the iMessage or the SMS depending on the receiver and the data connection. The messages generally appear in green bubbles.

You can send and share the text, photos, and videos, but it is less secure than iMessage.

Ways to Send an SMS from iPhone

Using the Messages App (Default Way)

Open the Messaging app on your iPhone.
Click on the Compose button.
Enter the number of the receiver and or select it from the contacts.
Type your message and click to Send button.

If the data connection is not available or the recipient is a non-iPhone user, the text will send as an SMS message. Activate eSIM on iPhone for reliable connectivity.

Force SMS Instead of iMessage

If you want to send a text message, you can enable the Send as SMS settings. Follow the given steps to do that.

Open settings and move to Messages.
Toggle to switch on the Send as SMS.

Now your iPhone sends the SMS when iMessage is not available. Especially with eSIM plans that support SMS, this ensures you stay connected abroad without issues. You can also activate the SMS messaging if you disable the wifi or the data connection.

Send MMS (SMS with Media)

To send the photos and videos via SMS, follow the given settings.

Open the Settings and scroll to Messages.
Turn on the MMS Messaging.
Now open your chat and select the file to send.

If the internet is disabled, it will send via MMS.

Troubleshooting When SMS Won’t Send

You can go through the following steps if the SMS is not sending.

Confirm whether the SMS service is included in your carrier plan.
Verify that SMS sending is enabled from the settings.
Confirm the network signals.
For media sending, turn on the MMS settings.
Restart your device to troubleshoot the network issue.
Try to update your iPhone software.
check for 'No SIM' errors or eSIM activation problems

Conclusion

Sending an SMS message from an iPhone is not tricky. There are multiple ways to send a short message service. You can use the Messages app, SMS if iMessage is not available, or use MMS for media.

In the article, I have discussed step-by-step settings to enable the SMS service. Moreover, in case the text is not sent, you can follow the troubleshooting steps. Get an eSIM with SMS support for international travel.