As an owner of an iPhone, I’ve been frustrated trying to figure out what it means when a text message I sent appears as “Sent as Text Message”. After doing some research and testing, I’m here to share with you what I’ve discovered about the meaning of this message, and to provide some other solutions for those who may be facing the same issue.
Could this mean the recipient of those messages blocked you?
A “Sent as text message” badge isn’t an indication that your number is blocked. Your messages may be automatically sent as an SMS when iMessage—the default messaging application of Apple devices—isn’t available.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Sent as Text Message | Not an indication of being blocked |
| iMessage Unavailability | No stable internet connection, recipient not using iMessage |
| iMessage vs. Text Message | Text bubble color, content compatibility, connection requirement, security |
| Blocked on iPhone | No “delivered” status for iMessage, calls diverted to voicemail, receiving specific messages about call unavailability |
Table of Contents
What Happens When iMessage Is Unavailable?
If the conditions for iMessage to work aren’t met, your message may fail to send. Though, there’s an exclamation mark beside the undelivered message, which, once you click, will give you an option to try again or send the message as text.
In a different circumstance, if the “Send as SMS” option is enabled, your messages will be automatically sent as text. You can check this by going to your phone’s messages settings.
Possible Reasons
The possible reasons why iMessage is unavailable and your messages are automatically sent as standard texts are the following:
The Recipient Isn’t Using iMessage
iMessage is an instant messaging service exclusive to Apple devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple Watch.
This means that if the person you’re sending a message to is, for instance, an Android user, your message will likely be sent as a text.
It’s also possible that the recipient is an Apple user, but iMessage is disabled on their device.
iMessage Can’t Find a Stable Internet Connection
iMessage needs a stable internet connection to send your messages. If your phone isn’t connected to Wi-Fi or doesn’t have a reliable data connection, your message will be sent as an SMS.
Is a Message Sent as Text Delivered?
The short answer is yes. Unlike an iMessage, a message sent as text won’t be labeled “delivered” even if the recipient gets it. However, you’ll know it didn’t come through to the receiving end when the message has a “not delivered” label below it.
Note that a message may not be delivered if the recipient’s phone is turned off or has poor reception.
iMessage vs. Text Message (SMS/MMS)
What are the differences between an iMessage and a text message on an iPhone? Let’s compare them side by side.
Text Bubble Color
The most recognizable feature of these two message types is the color of their text bubbles. iMessages come in blue, while an SMS/MMS is bordered by a green text bubble.
Content and Compatibility
As previously mentioned, the iMessage service is exclusive only to Apple users. You can send texts, photos, audio files, or videos as iMessages to another Apple device.
On the other hand, you can send the same content as SMS/MMS to an Apple device or another smartphone.
SMS stands for short message service, which explains why it has a limit of only 160 characters per message. SMS is also restricted to texts and links.
If your message exceeds the SMS limit or includes pictures, audio files, or videos, it will be sent as an MMS—multimedia messaging service.
Connection Requirement
SMS messages don’t require a stable internet connection to be delivered. All you need to successfully send a standard text is a mobile network connection and a text-messaging plan.
MMS messages, on the other hand, are transmitted over an internet connection, the same as iMessages.
Security
iMessage uses end-to-end encryption, which means the data within these messages are solely accessible to the sender and recipient.
On the contrary, SMS and MMS aren’t encrypted and can be easily viewed by third parties such as mobile carriers and skilled hackers.
How Do You Know If You’re Blocked on an iPhone?
Just like with other mobile phones, there isn’t one definite indication that your number is blocked on an iPhone. Therefore, you’ll have to investigate a little.
Your message may take some time to deliver, depending on the circumstances. However, if you’re sending an iMessage to a fellow Apple user and the “delivered” status hasn’t appeared for too long, your number might be blocked.
It’s more tricky when you’re figuring out if you’re blocked by an Android user. Since the iPhone doesn’t display a “delivered” badge on messages sent as texts, inspecting messages won’t give you clues. If you can’t tell through messages, you can try calling the person.
If the signs below happen repeatedly, your number is likely blocked:
- Calls get diverted to voicemail
- Calls abruptly end after a busy/fast busy signal
Your suspicion may be correct if you receive messages in line with the following:
- The person you’re calling is unavailable.
- He/she isn’t accepting calls at the moment.
- His/her number is temporarily out of service.
Conclusion
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When iMessage is unavailable, your iPhone will find another way of delivering your message. This is why some messages are sent as text and don’t mean your number is blocked.
If the messages you sent aren’t marked as delivered, the calls go straight to voicemail, or they simply won’t get through, it’s time to ponder on past actions. There’s a high chance you got blocked!
