How to change text message to imessage for one contact

Sending texts as iMessages instead of SMS

This wikiHow teaches you how force a text message to send as an iMessage on an iPhone or iPad. iMessages can only be sent to other iPhone users.

Steps

  1. 1

    Make sure both the sender and receiver are connected to the internet. iMessages are transferred over the internet, so both users should be connected Wi-Fi or cellular data.

    • Android users cannot send or receive iMessages.
    • Messages that appear in green are SMS/MMS messages, while messages in blue are iMessages.

  2. 2

    Open your iPhone's Settings

    . You'll usually find this app on the home screen.

  3. 3

    Tap Messages. It's the green icon with a white chat bubble inside.

  4. 4

    Slide the “iMessage” switch to On

    . If the switch was already green, there's no need to toggle this switch.

  5. 5

    Slide the “Send as SMS” switch to Off

    . Keep in mind that if you're messaging someone who has an Android or any phone that isn't an iPhone, you will be unable to send them text messages while this switch is off.

  6. 6

    Scroll down and tap Send & Receive. Some contact information will appear.

  7. 7

    Select your email address and phone number. They appear beneath the “YOU CAN BE REACHED BY IMESSAGE AT” header. If you don't see a check mark to the left of both items, tap the item so it appears.

  8. 8

    Press the Home button to return to the home screen.

  9. 9

    Open Messages. It's the green icon with a white chat bubble inside. You'll usually find it on the home screen.

  10. 10

    Send a message. Any message you send will now go through as an iMessage instead of an SMS or MMS message.

    • If the message doesn't go through, try restarting your iPhone.
    • When you're finished, it's a good idea to turn SMS messages back on so you can send messages to people who don't have iPhones. Here's how:
      • Open Settings

        .
      • Tap Messages.
      • Slide “Send as SMS” to the On position.

Add New Question

  • Question

    Can I search for individuals in my contact list who also utilize iMessage?

    Yes, you can search for individuals in your contact list who also use iMessage.

  • Question

    What if Messages forces me to use text message and wont let me use iMessage?

    Text message will be auto-used only when you don't have internet, iMessage will be auto-used when you have internet. It forces you to use text message because you do not have internet.

  • Question

    What do I do if my iMessage wasn't sent?

    You need to make sure you have cellular data or wifi. If it doesn't send, try again.

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About this article

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 66,791 times.

Is this article up to date?

Why are my iMessages green to only one person?

A green text message on your iPhone isn't a sign that your phone number was blocked, or that the text was not delivered. Instead, it means that the message was sent as a standard SMS message rather than an iMessage, which will appear as blue.

How do I switch back to iMessage from text message?

Go into Settings on your phone, go to Messages and make sure the first option, "iMessage" is still ticked.

Why is iPhone sending as text instead of iMessage?

If you see a green message bubble instead of a blue one, then that message was sent using MMS/SMS instead of iMessage. There are several reasons for this: The person that you sent the message to doesn't have an Apple device. iMessage is turned off on your device or on your recipient's device.

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