Text messaging has long been a feature of mobile phones; thanks to technology advancement, sending a quick text via iPhone or iPad has never been simpler. One of the hallmarks of iOS devices, including an iPhone or iPad, is their ability to send iMessages – Apple’s proprietary messaging system designed specifically for its devices. As with text messages, iMessages can be sent to contacts who own iPhones or iPads as well as to other devices using other systems and protocols. Since text and iMessage use different systems and protocols for receiving communications, you will need to learn how to convert text to iMessage messages for them to reach their recipients successfully
It is crucial that newcomers understand the distinctions between SMS (Short Message Service) and iMessage, before starting. SMS uses traditional telephone networks while iMessage uses internet connections – making it faster and more reliable. Both use similar networks but act more like instant messaging services.
Text messages typically don’t require internet connectivity and are restricted to limited characters and low-resolution images, while iMessages have no such restrictions, can reach multiple people at the same time and even support full resolution images and larger documents.
Note that text messages, by their very nature, are sent through your cell provider and count against your monthly minutes or data allowance; while iMessages use data instead of minutes.
How to Convert Text Messages to iMessages
Converting text messages into iMessages is straightforward and can only require a few steps, depending on your device and your specific steps may differ slightly, but the general idea remains the same.
Step 1: Evaluate Your Wireless Plan
Before transitioning from text messages to iMessages, it is essential that your cell phone plan supports data. As many mobile phone contracts provide limited data storage capacity, making sure there’s enough for sending and receiving iMessages is vitally important.
If you are uncertain whether your plan has enough data, get in touch with your wireless provider and inquire. They should be able to give all the details about what might be missing and whether an upgrade may be necessary.
Step 2: Verify Compatibility
The second step should be ensuring that the contacts to whom you’re sending messages have iMessage compatible devices. If they use Android phones or other non-supportive devices that cannot receive iMessage messages, they won’t be able to receive yours!
To check compatibility, open up the Messages app and search for your contact. If they possess an iMessage-compatible device, a blue circle will appear next to their name in Messages app.
Step 3: Enabling iMessage
Once you have verified that all of your contacts own devices compatible with iMessage, the next step should be activating it. Steps may differ depending on your device; on an iPhone or iPad for instance, open up Settings app and go directly to iMessage section in Settings app for activation.
Once activated, any messages you send using an iMessage-compatible device will go through Apple’s proprietary messaging service and not via regular text messaging.
Step 4: Sending An iMessage
Once your iMessage account is activated, you can begin sending messages to your contacts using the Messages app. If they possess a device compatible with iMessage (blue icon next to their name), send them your message!
Tap a contact name and then enter your message into the text field. When you see the blue send button appear, your iMessage has been successfully sent as well as images, videos, documents and other files via iMessage.
Conclusion
Switching from text messaging to iMessages is a straightforward and quick process that should take only a few steps. It is highly recommended, though!