iPhone 16 texts send to email instead

i have an iPhone 16. My texts often go to the recipient’s email address instead of their mobile number.

iPhone 16, iOS 18

Posted on Nov 24, 2025 2:57 PM

Reply
1 reply

Nov 24, 2025 3:04 PM in response to Julius619

The next time you need to send a message to the person, open the contacts app, find the person, tap in and tap the message icon. Select the phone number.


There is also the possibility that the recipient has chosen to receive messages on their email.


You can ask the person to change this. This can be changed here:

Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive


Here the person can choose whether messages should be sent from the phone number or email, and can also choose whether new conversations should be started from the phone number or email.

iPhone 16 texts send to email instead

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.