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I receive an iMessage, but can only respond as a text message

It’s only with one person I message with where they send me an iMessage, but when I respond it sends as a text message. I’ve tried deleting the thread and starting fresh, but it still happens. It wasn’t always this way with this person, it started more recently. I used to be able to iMessage both ways. This person also has an iPhone.

Posted on Jun 21, 2023 10:25 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 21, 2023 11:03 PM

When the person sends an iMessage do you receive from their Apple ID or the Phone Number?


Try sending it to their Apple ID.

Probably. iMessage for their Phone number is deactivated. Ask them to activate the iMessage for their Phone number.



For them...


To activate iMessage and FaceTime using a Phone number


First, check to know whether you have an SMS plan enabled at least for One SMS*** with your carrier. Contact your Carrier (Cellular Service Provider) the agency that issued the SIM to you


If your iPhone is used with a carrier not found in the wireless carrier articles, make sure you can send and receive international SMS. (One SMS*** Only)


If you can't turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple ...



*** You may not have an SMS plan enabled by your carrier for the SIM/eSIM that you use on your device. Apple Inc does not provide SMS services.






2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jun 21, 2023 11:03 PM in response to Adamsulli

When the person sends an iMessage do you receive from their Apple ID or the Phone Number?


Try sending it to their Apple ID.

Probably. iMessage for their Phone number is deactivated. Ask them to activate the iMessage for their Phone number.



For them...


To activate iMessage and FaceTime using a Phone number


First, check to know whether you have an SMS plan enabled at least for One SMS*** with your carrier. Contact your Carrier (Cellular Service Provider) the agency that issued the SIM to you


If your iPhone is used with a carrier not found in the wireless carrier articles, make sure you can send and receive international SMS. (One SMS*** Only)


If you can't turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple ...



*** You may not have an SMS plan enabled by your carrier for the SIM/eSIM that you use on your device. Apple Inc does not provide SMS services.






I receive an iMessage, but can only respond as a text message

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