Top 10 Solutions to Fix iMessage Sent as Text Message

iMessage is a popular messaging app on iOS devices. Apple users enjoy using it to send and receive messages, which typically appear in blue speech bubbles.

In contrast, standard SMS or MMS messages are displayed in green bubbles. However, there are times when all your messages suddenly turn green—even though you don't remember disabling iMessage. Does this mean your iMessage was sent as a text message?

Yes. When you send a message using iMessage and see a green bubble instead of blue, or when you receive a “Not Delivered” notification, it usually indicates that iMessage is not working properly and needs to be fixed.

Below, we'll walk you through the most effective solutions to fix the "iMessage sent as text message" issue on iPhone. But before that, let's understand why this happens.

Part 1. Why Would an iMessage be Sent As a Text Message?

If you're wondering "Why is my iMessage sent as a text message?", the reason is usually simple: iMessage isn't available at the moment, so your iPhone falls back to SMS or MMS. The most common causes include the following:

1. iMessage Server Is Temporarily Down: In rare cases, Apple's iMessage servers may experience outages or maintenance. When this happens, iMessage becomes unavailable and messages are sent as SMS instead. You can check Apple's System Status page to see if iMessage is affected.

2. Poor or No Internet Connection: iMessage requires an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). If your network is weak or unavailable, iMessage cannot be delivered.

3. Incorrect iMessage Settings: If iMessage is not set up properly, it won't work as expected. Make sure that iMessage is turned on (Settings > Apps > Messages); Your phone number or Apple Account is correctly listed under Send & Receive

4. Recipient Is Not Using an Apple Device: If the recipient switched to Android, is using a non-Apple phone, or removed their phone number from iMessage. iMessage won't work, so it sends as a text.

5. MMS or Carrier Settings Issues: Sometimes the message is sent as MMS instead of iMessage due to carrier-related problems, such as MMS enabled while iMessage fails, carrier network restrictions, and incorrect APN or carrier settings. In these cases, your iPhone automatically switches to SMS/MMS.

6. iOS Is Outdated: An outdated iOS version may cause compatibility issues with iMessage. Updating your iPhone to the latest iOS version often resolves the problem.

7. Time & Date Settings Are Incorrect: If your device's time zone or date is not set automatically, iMessage activation or delivery may fail.

8. Message Content or Storage Issues: Large attachments, many photos/videos, or overloaded message storage may slow down or disrupt iMessage delivery. Clearing old conversations—especially those with media—can help.

Many users ask: "If iMessage is sent as a text, am I blocked?" Usually, no. Network issues, settings problems, or carrier limitations are far more common causes.

Part 2. Top 10 Solutions When iMessage Says Sent as Text Message

Based on the reasons above, the following solutions can help you resolve the problem and restore iMessage to normal.

Tip 1. Turn Off Send as SMS

iPhone comes with a Send as SMS option that enables you to send iMessages as standard SMS messages. The feature comes in handy in situations when you do not have an internet connection. Therefore, it makes sense to disable this option in order to send blue texts through iMessage.

Step 1: Open Settings > Messages.

Step 2: Toggle the Send as SMS option to disable it to start sending messages as iMessage.

Tip 2. Use An iOS Fixing Program - TunesKit iOS System Recovery

It's time to check for an iOS problem if iMessage is still being transmitted as a text message. There is a possibility that the problem is due to an iOS problem. TunesKit iOS System Recovery is our recommendation in this case. It's a fantastic third-party tool that helps solve major iOS difficulties and restore the device to its original state. It has a Standard repair, which allows you to fix the iOS problem without losing data.

It can also fix more than 150 iOS issues like iPhone stuck on black screen, iPhone no service, and iPhone stuck on Airplane mode. Apart from the powerful repair feature, it also enables you to enter or exit recovery mode in 1-click, repair iTunes for free, and upgrade/downgrade iOS.

To fix the iMessage issue without any data loss, follow these steps:

Step 1 Connect the iPhone with iOS system problem to PC

Download and install TunesKit iOS System Recovery software. Make a USB connection between the computer and the iOS device to be repaired. Once detected, press the iOS System Repair button. Hit the Start button to move on.

Step 2 Choose a mode

Choose Standard Repair to repair the device. This mode can keep your data intact. Then, on the next screen, hit the Next button.

Step 3 Download firmware package

Here, you'll be asked to download the firmware package. Make sure to check the version of the firmware package first whether it is supported on your iOS device or not and then press the Download button.

Step 4 Fix iMessage sent as text message

Select the Repair option once the firmware package is completely downloaded. Wait for the program to complete the entire process.

Tip 3. Check Your WiFi or Cellular Connection

In another case, maybe you forget to activate your internet connection, or it is in poor condition. Since iMessages require a WiFi or cellular connection to work, your iMessages will likely be sent as text messages if it is not enabled.

As a last option, check if your WiFi or mobile data is turned on when you see this problem. Try another WiFi network or move somewhere with a stronger signal if the signal is weak.

Tip 4. Check with the Person You Are Chatting With

Before trying any technical troubleshooting, start with a simple check. Sometimes, the issue is not on your device.

First of all, confirm that iMessage is enabled on the recipient's device. If iMessage is turned off on their side, your messages will be sent as text messages. Then, ask whether they have an active internet connection. iMessage requires Wi-Fi or mobile data to work properly. Finally, make sure their device is powered on and connected. If their phone is offline or has poor network access, iMessage may fail to deliver.

If iMessage is disabled or the recipient has no internet connection, your messages will automatically be sent as SMS instead of iMessage.

Tip 5. Restart Your iPhone

You can restart your iPhone to fix the iMessage, not saying the "Delivered" issue. On a Mac, you'll probably restart once a week, but on an iPhone or iPad, this is less common. But, quite useful. Most iPhone errors, such as Freezing iPhone on updates, App Store issues, touch screen issues, etc., can be solved in this way.

Based on the iPhone's model, there are different ways restart it.

For iPhone X or later model: Press and hold the Side button with any Volume buttons until you see the slider.

For iPhone 8 or older versions: Press and hold the Side or Top button on an iPhone 8 or previous model until the slider appears.

For iPhone 7/7+: Click and hold power and volume controls simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.

Tip 6. Update iOS System

Updating your iOS system to the latest version is another way to fix iMessage sent as a text message problem. Here is a step-by-step method to update your system.

Step 1: Head to the Settings app and scroll down to select the General tab.

Step 2: Now tap the Software Update option to see if a new version of iOS is available. If so, download and install it.

Tip 7. Sign Out/Sign In to iMessage Account

Here's another approach that's so easy to try that it can't hurt: Sign out of iMessage and then come sign in again.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad and scroll down to Messages.

Step 2: From this menu, tap Send and Receive.

Step 3: Click on your Apple Account at the bottom of the screen and then tap Sign Out.

Tip 8. Reset iPhone Networking Settings

iMessage issues can be related to networking. As a result, resetting networking settings can solve this problem for most users. To reset the networking settings.

Step 1: Go to Settings > General tab.

Step 2: Tap on the Transfer or Reset iPhone option and then click on Reset → Reset Network Settings. Enter your password to confirm the changes.

Tip 9. Factory Reset iPhone

Factory resetting your phone is a good technique to tackle certain problems. Doing so helps you get rid of useless data from the apps. Consequently, the apps perform better. Here’s how to factory reset your iPhone when your iMessage is not working properly.

Step 1: Go to Settings, select General, and tap on the Reset option.

Step 2: Now click on Erase All Content and Settings.

Tip 10. Restore iPhone via iTunes

Restoring your iPhone via iTunes is the most effective way for iOS issues. However, the main drawback of using this strategy is data loss. In other words, if you use this method, you will lose all your data. Therefore, make a backup before trying to restore with iTunes.

You can restore your iPhone via iTunes by following these steps:

Step 1: Launch the latest version of iTunes and connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 2: In iTunes, go up and select the device icon. On the main screen, select Restore iPhone.

Part 3. FAQs about iMessage Sent As Text Message

Part 4. Conclusion

Now that you have learned how to fix the iMessage sent as text message blocked, you won't panic if you find this problem. As you can see, the solution is easy and simple. All you have to do is figure out why is your iMessage is not working and then use one of these quick methods. The best tool that helps you to solve this problem without data loss is TunesKit iOS System Recovery. So, don't forget to try it.