What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? (2024)

Table of Contents
iMessage SMS/MMS FAQs

Learn why some of your message bubbles are blue or green.

You canuse the Messages app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to send messages. Those messages are sent as iMessage or SMS/MMS. Learn more about the difference between the message types.

iMessage

What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? (1)

iMessages are texts, photos, or videos that you send to another iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac over Wi-Fi or cellular-data networks.These messages are always encrypted and appear in blue text bubbles. To turn iMessage on or off, go to Settings > Messages.

SMS/MMS

What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? (2)

If you aren’t usingiMessage, you can use SMS/MMS. These messages are texts and photos that you send to other cell phones or another iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. SMS/MMS messages aren't encrypted and appear in green text bubbles on your device.

To use SMS/MMS on an iPhone, you need a text-messaging plan.Contact your wireless carrierfor more information.You can also set up your other Apple devices tosend and receive messages from any Apple device.

If Wi-Fi is unavailable, iMessages will be sent over cellular data. Cellular data rates might apply.

Published Date:

As an expert in mobile communication technologies and Apple devices, I have a comprehensive understanding of the messaging systems employed by iOS devices such as the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. My expertise is substantiated by years of hands-on experience working with these devices, staying updated with the latest advancements, and assisting individuals in navigating their messaging applications effectively.

The article you've provided delves into the fundamental concepts of messaging protocols used in Apple's Messages app, primarily distinguishing between iMessage and SMS/MMS.

iMessage is an Apple proprietary messaging service that allows users to send texts, photos, videos, and other multimedia content securely between Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, and Macs. These messages are encrypted and can be sent over Wi-Fi or cellular-data networks. They are identified by their distinctive blue text bubbles within the Messages app. Users can manage iMessage settings by accessing the Settings menu and navigating to Messages on their Apple devices.

Conversely, SMS (Short Message Service) and MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) are standard messaging protocols used across various mobile platforms. When iMessage is unavailable or turned off, Apple devices resort to using SMS/MMS to send texts and photos to other mobile phones or Apple devices. Unlike iMessage, SMS/MMS messages are not encrypted and are represented by green text bubbles within the Messages app on Apple devices.

To utilize SMS/MMS on an iPhone, users typically need a text-messaging plan from their wireless carrier. Additionally, Apple devices can be configured to send and receive messages across multiple Apple devices through the setup options in the Messages app. When Wi-Fi isn't accessible, iMessages can be sent via cellular data, subject to applicable data charges.

This information highlights the key distinctions between iMessage and SMS/MMS, shedding light on the encryption, compatibility, and network requirements associated with each messaging protocol used within the Apple ecosystem. The article aims to provide users with a clear understanding of why their message bubbles appear as either blue or green within the Messages app, based on the type of messaging protocol employed for communication.

What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between iMessage and SMS and MMS? ›

Functionality: SMS primarily facilitates text-based communication, offering a straightforward platform for sending and receiving messages. iMessage, however, extends its functionality to include multimedia content such as photos, videos, and audio recordings, enhancing the user experience.

Should your phone be on SMS or MMS? ›

If you simply want to communicate information with somebody else, then you may want to use an SMS message. It is shorter, easier to send, and more straightforward for someone to interpret. However, if you have additional content that you want to include, you may be better off using an MMS message.

Should MMS messaging be on or off? ›

There are a lot of great reasons to enable MMS on your iPhone. As the name implies, MMS is a smarter and more convenient way to send multimedia assets from your phone because you can embed these assets within the messages themselves.

Should I have both iMessage and SMS on? ›

Chances are, you'll end up using both: iMessage with your iPhone friends and SMS messages with your Android friends. However, iMessage does use data, so if you are on a monthly data plan but have unlimited SMS text messages, you may want to stick with SMS.

Should iMessage and SMS be turned on? ›

Most iPhone users will want to use iMessages, so long as they have a good plan that can handle the data usage. The only reason to use SMS instead of iMessage is if you're chatting with people who don't have Apple devices, or if you don't have any data on your phone.

What does it mean when you send a text and it says MMS? ›

MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service. It was built using the same technology as SMS to allow SMS users to send multimedia content. It's most popularly used to send pictures, but can also be used to send audio, phone contacts, and video files.

Why am I getting MMS messages instead of SMS? ›

MMS stands for Multimedia Messaging Service and is used to convey messages with multimedia content such as images, videos, etc. In a nutshell, it means that a normal SMS is becoming an MMS due to the size of multimedia content attached to it, which forces an automatic conversion from SMS to MMS.

Can you use both SMS and MMS? ›

Most modern mobile devices can receive both SMS and MMS messages. However, older devices and those with limited functionalities may only support SMS messaging. Additionally, only devices with an active data connection can receive MMS messages, as they require internet access to transmit multimedia content.

Why does my text say SMS? ›

Causes of 'Sent as SMS via Server' Message

You'll sometimes see 'Sent as SMS via server' when you send a message using Google Android's RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol. Traditional SMS texts are sent directly from one device to another via cellular networks.

Why use iMessage? ›

For security, messages sent using iMessage are end-to-end encrypted before they're sent, and you can also use Contact Key Verification. When you use iMessage, you can report spam or junk messages to Apple.

What happens if I turn on MMS? ›

Most MMS messages can send files as big as five MB (megabytes), which is more than enough for almost any photo that you would need to send. MMS also allows you to send other media over text, including video and audio, as long as the files are small enough to fit in the five MB data cap.

How do I stop my text messages going to MMS? ›

Disabling Auto-Download MMS on Android

Open Google Messages and tap the ⋮ button, then tap Settings, then Advanced. Toggle the "Auto-download MMS" option to "Off," or disable "Auto-download MMS while roaming" to preserve data.

What is the downside of using iMessage? ›

As an Apple-exclusive messaging app, iMessage cannot be used on non-Apple devices, limiting communication with clients or colleagues who use other operating systems or devices. This can lead to communication breakdowns, causing a decline in productivity and collaboration as message fallback to SMS.

Why would iMessage switch to SMS? ›

This would most likely happen if either you or your recipient are in an area with a poor internet connect, or no internet connection. Without access to the internet, iMessage is unable to process the message and so your phone defaults to sending as a text message instead.

Why are my messages sending as SMS rather than iMessage? ›

iMessage is only available between iOS devices.

When you message a non-iOS device, such as an Android, the blue text bubble turns green and it's sent as a regular text.

Why do my text messages say SMS? ›

Causes of 'Sent as SMS via Server' Message

You'll sometimes see 'Sent as SMS via server' when you send a message using Google Android's RCS (Rich Communication Services) protocol. Traditional SMS texts are sent directly from one device to another via cellular networks.

Why is my iPhone sending MMS 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 possible 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.

Why is my phone using MMS instead of SMS? ›

Reasons Your Phone Is Sending MMS Instead of SMS

If your message contains multimedia content or is longer than 160 characters, your phone will automatically switch to MMS mode. Incorrect Message Settings: Another reason could be that your message settings are configured to send messages as MMS by default.

Why is iMessage sent as a text message? ›

iMessage is only available between iOS devices.

When you message a non-iOS device, such as an Android, the blue text bubble turns green and it's sent as a regular text. It's possible the recipient switched from an iOS device to an Android (or other) device, so iMessage is no longer possible between your devices.

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