Why can't I send SMS from my iPad with eSIM?

Hey,

I have bought the 2022 model ipad with esim.

my esim is activated but I'm unable to sms numbers. I've gone through the message settings and it only has the imessage info there. when attempting to send an sms, the arrow greys out so it won't send.

I've looked through the help section but the pages aren't helping as there are no options on the ipad for sms


thanks in advance for any help



[Re-Titled by Moderator]


iPad, iPadOS 18

Posted on Dec 25, 2024 02:15 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 25, 2024 04:18 AM

back in the old days

not smartphones that did not have any sort of access to the internet could still send SMS because rather than relying on the internet to send messages they would rely on the voice cellular system to send the SMS, heck there were even countries where you could send an SMS to a landline phone


then phones began getting data cellular modules that would enable internet on phones, the iPad only have the data cellular module and not the voice cellular model, which is why your iPad with cellular support can't make normal SMS or voice calls


if you also have an iPhone with the same appleID then you can get the iPhone to do it on behalf of the ipads you can read more here

How to Text on the iPad

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 25, 2024 04:18 AM in response to sezzlebum

back in the old days

not smartphones that did not have any sort of access to the internet could still send SMS because rather than relying on the internet to send messages they would rely on the voice cellular system to send the SMS, heck there were even countries where you could send an SMS to a landline phone


then phones began getting data cellular modules that would enable internet on phones, the iPad only have the data cellular module and not the voice cellular model, which is why your iPad with cellular support can't make normal SMS or voice calls


if you also have an iPhone with the same appleID then you can get the iPhone to do it on behalf of the ipads you can read more here

How to Text on the iPad

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Why can't I send SMS from my iPad with eSIM?

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