What Does Sent as Text Message Mean on iMessage?

Find out what green text means in iMessage on your iOS device

Written by Rain Kengly

Last Updated: September 5, 2025 Fact Checked

Are you seeing "Sent as Text Message" underneath your iMessages? This doesn't necessarily mean you're blocked. There are plenty of issues that can contribute to your blue iMessage bubbles turning green after sending. This wikiHow will teach you what it means when you see "Sent as Text Message" on your iPhone.

Things You Should Know

"Sent As Text Message" means your device was delivered as a regular SMS text.
To turn off SMS messages, go to "Settings" → "Messages" → toggle off "Send as SMS".
When messages are sent as SMS, this could be due to lack of Wi-Fi connection, messaging a non-iOS device, or in some cases, being blocked.

1

The iMessage was sent as SMS.

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An SMS text is a regular text message. When you see Sent As Text Message, your iMessage has been sent from your end without issue, but it arrived at the recipient's device as a regular text.^{[1]
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Research source}
- With SMS texts, you won't be able to see if someone read your text. You'll only see Read Receipts for iMessages unless the recipient has them turned off.
- If you don’t want to send SMS messages, you can turn it off. Go to Settings → Messages → toggle off Send as SMS.

2

You messaged a non-iOS device.

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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.^{[2]
X
Research source} 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.^{[3]
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Research source}

3

The recipient doesn't have Wi-Fi.

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iMessages are delivered over Wi-Fi. If the recipient isn't connected to the internet, they may receive the iMessage as an SMS text message instead. You can try again later to see if it sends as an iMessage.^{[4]
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- If your device isn’t connected to the internet, you may receive the iMessage Not Delivered notification underneath the message.

4

The recipient's device was powered off.

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The recipient could just need a simple recharge until they can receive iMessages again. Try to send your message again later when they've had a chance to power their device on again.

5

You may be blocked.

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While there's no way to be completely sure if someone blocked you on iMessage, having your messages consistently appear green with a known iOS user could be an indication.

Community Q&A

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Question

Everyone is allowed to act stupid once in their lifetime but your article is abusing the privilege.

Spegit

Community Answer

People who are technologically illiterate might not know the difference between an iMessage and SMS.

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