People are receiving my iPhone texts as MMS instead of SMS.

Many of my friends have non-smartphones which cannot open or receive MMS texts. This is a pain when communication is crucial. Sometimes they will receive my text as SMS, but 48 hours late. Others will receive a text from me, only to find it is what appears to be an "unopening picture message."
This happens when I forward a message or send a message over 160 characters, I think. I am not quite sure in which specific situations this occurs.
How or why does this happen? Is there a way to configure messaging so that all texts are sent as SMS?
Thank you.

The issue is as you have mentioned, it is because you are sending a message over 160 characters that it will send as an MMS.
You could try to disable MMS messaging all together (Settings>Messages) however this will prevent you from being able to send pictures/videos in future without turning it on again.

Similar Messages

  • Iphone 4s i have made my update to ios 7.04 and when i send are receive a message text are a call of one of my contact, the contact is automaticaly deleted !!! Somebody know why ita frustrating

    Iphone 4s i have made my update to ios 7.04 and when i send are receive a message text are a call of one of my contact, the contact is automaticaly deleted !!! Somebody know why ita frustrating

    Post in your native language, the above makes no sense.

  • When I send messages people are receiving them from my email account not my phone number

    When I send an iMessage, people are receiving the message from my email that is attached to my apple account, not my phone number like usual. It will occasionally not allow me to send an iMessage either and will force me to send as SMS. Any ideas on how this can be fixed? In my settings it says all new conversations are started with my phone number, but it still doesn't change any ongoing conversations.

    Hi ATrunner,
    Welcome to the Support Communities!   Just so that I can understand your question .... Are you saying that new messages that you send are working correctly with your phone number?  It is just the ongoing conversations that are displaying the email?   If so, I would suggest starting fresh conversations to those contacts. The article below provides troubleshooting steps for the most common issues with Messages:
    iOS: Troubleshooting Messages - Apple Support
    http://support.apple.com/en-us/TS2755
    iOS: Troubleshooting Messages
    Learn how to resolve issues with the Messages app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. You'll learn what you need to send messages using SMS, MMS, and iMessage as well as how to resolve issues with each method.
    Before you start troubleshooting, learn the difference between SMS, MMS, and iMessage. The first step to resolving an issue with iMessage is to update your iOS software and your carrier settings to the latest versions. If iMessage still has an issue, follow the steps below for your issue.
    If you can't activate iMessage with your phone number or Apple ID
    See how to troubleshoot iMessage activation. If you're using a China Telecom or au (KDDI) iPhone, you can activate iMessage only on your home network. While traveling internationally, you can't activate iMessage.
    If you can't send and receive iMessages
    You will need these to send and receive iMessages:
    An iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
    iOS 5.0 or later
    A cellular data connection or a Wi-Fi connection
    A phone number or Apple ID registered with iMessage in Settings > Messages
    To resolve issues with sending and receiving iMessages, follow these steps
    Check iMessage system status for current service issues.
    Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and make sure that you registered iMessage with your phone number or Apple ID and that you selected iMessage for use. If the phone number or Apple ID isn't available for use, troubleshoot iMessage registration.
    Open Safari and navigate to www.apple.com to verify data connectivity. If a data connection isn't available, troubleshoot cellular data or a Wi-Fi connection.
    iMessage over cellular data might not be available while you're on a call. Only 3G and faster GSM networks support simultaneous data and voice calls. Learn which network your phone supports. If your network doesn't support simultaneous data and voice calls, go to Settings > Wi-Fi and turn Wi-Fi on to use iMessage while you're on a call.
    Restart your device.
    Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings on your iPhone.
    If you still can't send or receive an iMessage, follow these steps
    Make sure that the contact trying to message you isn't blocked in Settings > Messages > Blocked.
    Make sure that the contact you're trying to send a message to is registered with iMessage.
    If the issue occurs with a specific contact or contacts, back up or forward important messages and delete your current messaging threads with the contact. Create a new message to the contact and try again.
    If the issue occurs with a specific contact or contacts, delete and recreate the contact in the Contacts app. Create a new message to the newly created contact and try again.
    Back up and restore your device as new.
    If you aren't receiving iMessages across all iOS devices
    Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive on each iOS device and make sure that you signed in with your Apple ID. You must use the same Apple ID on each device.
    Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > You Can Be Reached By iMessage At and make sure that you selected each phone number and email address you want to use with iMessage.
    If you linked a phone number to your Apple ID with iMessage and the phone number hasn't appeared, follow these steps.
    Sign out of your Apple ID in Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and Settings > FaceTime on all devices.
    If you're linking a phone number to an Apple ID, sign in to iMessage on your iPhone first. Then sign in to the rest of your device one by one with iMessage and FaceTime.
    If your iMessages didn't transmit as SMS when iMessage was unavailable for use
    Go to Settings > Messages > Send as SMS and turn on Send as SMS.
    Select your phone number when Sending iMessages in Settings > Messages > Send & Receive > Start New Conversations From.
    Make sure that you can send SMS with Settings > iMessage turned off.
    If you want to transfer your SIM card or phone number to a device that doesn't support iMessage
    Go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage if you plan to transfer your SIM card or phone number from an iPhone to a device that doesn't support iMessage. If you don't, other iOS devices might continue to try to send you messages using iMessage, instead of using SMS or MMS, for up to 45 days.
    If you can't send and receive SMS
    You will need these to send and receive SMS:
    An iPhone
    A strong cellular network connection through a cellular network provider
    A domestic SMS plan from your cellular provider (You might need an international messaging plan to send SMS to an international contact. Contact your carrier for more information)
    A roaming SMS plan when you use a cellular provider's network that is different from your billing cellular provider's network (Learn more about roaming and contact your carrier for more information.)
    To resolve issues sending and receiving SMS, follow these steps
    Go to Settings and turn airplane mode off.
    Make sure that you have a cellular network signal in the status bar of your iPhone. If there's no signal, learn more about troubleshooting no service.
    Restart your iPhone.
    Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings on your iPhone.
    Remove your SIM card and insert it again.
    If you still can't send or receive SMS, follow these steps
    Make sure that the contact who's trying to message you isn't blocked in Settings > Messages > Blocked.
    Make sure that you're using the area code with the contact's phone number. When sending messages internationally, you also need to use the contact's international code.
    If you're using a "Pay as you go" SMS plan, make sure it has enough available balance. Contact your carrier if you're unsure of your SMS plan or the available balance.
    If the issue occurs with a specific contact or contacts, back up or forward important messages and delete your current messaging threads with the contact. Create a new message to the contact and try again.
    If the issue occurs with a specific contact or contacts, delete and recreate the contact from the Contacts app. Send a new message to the contact.
    Back up and restore your iPhone as new.
    If your carrier has recently ported your phone number, the porting process might not be complete. Contact your carrier to confirm that the porting process is complete.
    Contact your carrier to confirm that you're provisioned for sending SMS and are in an area with cellular coverage.
    Contact your carrier to verify there are no blocks or filters placed on your wireless account preventing you from sending SMS.
    If you can't send and receive MMS
    You will need these to send and receive MMS:
    An iPhone 3G or later
    iOS 3.1 or later
    A cellular data connection (MMS isn't available if you're using only Wi-Fi)
    A domestic MMS plan from your cellular provider. You might need an international messaging plan to send MMS to an international contact (Contact your carrier for more information.)
    A roaming MMS when using a cellular provider's network that is different from your billing cellular provider's network (Learn more about roaming and contact your carrier for more information.)
    To resolve issues with sending and receiving MMS, follow these steps
    Go to Settings and turn airplane mode off.
    Go to Settings > Messages and turn MMS Messaging on.
    Go to Settings > Cellular and turn Cellular Data on.
    Go to Settings > Cellular and turn Data Roaming on if you're roaming on a cellular provider network that is different from your billing provider's network.
    Make sure that you have a cellular data connection in the status bar of your iPhone.
    Go to Settings and turn Wi-Fi off. Open Safari and navigate to www.apple.com to verify that you have a data connection. Turn Wi-Fi back on to continue using Wi-Fi for other features. If your cellular data connection isn't available, follow these steps.
    Make sure that you can send and receive SMS. If you can't send and receive SMS, see the "Issues with sending and receiving SMS" section, above. MMS might not be available while you're on a call. Only 3G and faster GSM networks support simultaneous data and voice calls. Learn more about which network your phone supports.
    Restart your iPhone.
    Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings on your iPhone.
    Remove your SIM card and insert it again.
    If you still can't send or receive MMS, follow these steps
    Make sure that the contact trying to message you isn't blocked in Settings > Messages > Blocked.
    Go to Settings > Messages and turn on group messaging if you're sending a group message.
    Make sure that you're using the area code with the contact's phone number. When you send messages internationally, you also need the contact's international code.
    If you're using a "Pay as you go" MMS plan, make sure it has enough available balance. If you're unsure of your MMS plan or available balance, contact your carrier.
    If the issue occurs with a specific contact or contacts, back up or forward important messages and delete your current messaging threads with the contact. Create a new message to the contact and try again.
    If the issue occurs with a specific contact or contacts, delete and recreate the contact from the Contacts app. Send a new message to the new contact.
    Back up and restore your iPhone as new.
    If your carrier has recently ported your phone number, the porting process might not be complete. Contact your carrier to confirm that the porting process is complete.
    Contact your carrier to verify that you're provisioned to send SMS and are in an area with cellular coverage.
    Contact your carrier to verify that there aren't blocks or filters on your wireless account preventing you from sending SMS.
    Your carrier might require modified APN settings to use MMS.
    Further troubleshooting and information
    Follow these steps if you can't deactivate iMessage or if you can't send SMS to non-iOS devices because they are sent as iMessage.
    Get help if some of your SMS messages aren't displaying correctly.
    Follow these steps if you're receiving SPAM in Messages.
    Japan: Follow these steps if incoming MMS are received as group MMS.
    Important: Mention of third-party websites and products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Apple assumes no responsibility with regard to the selection, performance or use of information or products found at third-party websites. Apple provides this only as a convenience to our users. Apple has not tested the information found on these sites and makes no representations regarding its accuracy or reliability. There are risks inherent in the use of any information or products found on the Internet, and Apple assumes no responsibility in this regard. Please understand that a third-party site is independent from Apple and that Apple has no control over the content on that website. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
    Last Modified: Oct 2, 2014
    I hope this information helps ....
    - Judy

  • Is anyone having problems with the iOS 6 update? Random, unknown people are involved in my text messages!

    Is anyone having a problem with iOS 6 update? Random, unknown people are involved in my text messages!

    I noticed that after I linked Facebook to my iphone, I had tons of new entries in my Contacts. I found a way to turn that feature off. Perhaps that's your problem with randoms joining in on your convos.
    Yep, follow the instructions listed by the guy above me. I also did this: Settings ---> Facebook ---> Contacts: Off (allow these apps to use ur account). That cleared out all my Facebook friend phone numbers from my Contact list on my phone. Hope this helps. Updating an os should not require oodles of work on our end.

  • I changed my phone number and people are still able to text me from my old number and i can no longer send picture messages, what should i do?

    i changed my phone number and people are still able to text me from my old number and i can no longer send picture messages, what should i do?

    Workable solution found here:
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1589996?start=15&tstart=0

  • Using Verizon Messages Plus App, now Sprint users are receiving blank group texts

    Recently downloaded the Verizon Messages Plus App, and now my family with Sprint are receiving blank group texts. I've tried various troubleshooting and can't find a solution. Any help???

    Yes, correct. I am the VZ member and my family members are using Sprint.
    All the messages they receive are blank (not sure whether they are getting
    the pictures, am testing right now). This has started since i started using
    the Verizon messaging app instead of the stock messaging app. We all have
    Samsung Galaxies. I have the 5, some family have 4 and some have 3.
    On Fri, Feb 20, 2015 at 4:18 PM, Verizon Wireless Customer Support <

  • Got a Galaxy S 5 and people are still sending me texts through iMessage

    Someone stole my iPhone and I got a new phone, but switched to a galaxy S 5 and now my friends are still sending me texts through iMessage and I cannot receive them. Is there a way to deactivate iMessage without having the phone?

    And the very last entry says that if you cannot log out with your iCloud account that you need to contact Apple Support. Try calling them.
    If you don't have access to your iPhone, or if you can't deactivate iMessage from your iPhone, please contact Apple Support. Support for this issue is free.

  • People are receiving an email virus message from me.  How do I remove?

    Some virus has got into my Mac and has sent some links to people in my address book.  How do I fix?

    It's an ongoing thing. People are hacked every day. As suggested, check your mail provider's website for sent messages if you are using a POP account. If you have IMAP, then it would show on your computer as well.
    If you have contacts stored at the provider's webmail site, then that's probably where they got your contacts from.
    They may be just using your name. For a yahoo account, you can go to yahoo help and go to account security. From there, you can get to a web page that shows account login activity. You can see from there if someone else has logged into your account.
    Other providers should have something similar.
    Either way, change your password.

  • People not receiving photos in texts from me

    I just got my BlackBerry this week and sometimes when I send a photo through a text, my friends don't receive it. In one case, a random girl texted me to say she had received a photo from me. What the heck is going on??

    Do you have some sort of small size limit on emails that is imposed by your email provider? All providers have a size limit of some sort, but I don't know of any that would be so limited that you couldn't send a photo.
    I wish that I could think of something a bit more specific that could be causing this, but try some really basic troubleshooting steps like closing all apps and reset your iPad. You won't lose any data if you do this. I am assuming that you are running at least iOS 7.
    In order to close apps, you have to drag the app up from the multitasking display. Double tap the home button and you will see apps lined up going left to right across the screen. Swipe to get to the app that you want to close and then swipe "up" on the app preview thumbnail to close it.
    Next, reset the iPad by holding down on the sleep and home buttons at the same time for about 10-15 seconds until the Apple Logo appears - ignore the red slider if it appears on the screen - let go of the buttons. Let the iPad start up.

  • Somehow my daughter and I are receiving the same texts

    we downloaded the new ios 6- and when my daugther did hers- she added my phone number.  When i did my update- her phone number was there- and I said okay.  Didn't realize it was going to sync our iphone contacts. (our duplicate/sharing seems to be limited to just texts and with iphone users only)  We noth have taken iCloud off our phones- and deleted the conatcs we thought were the duplicates-but the problem is still there. 

    Sounds like a Messages settings problem. Check in Settings --> Messages --> Send & Receive. That screen lists your Apple ID as well as "You can be reached by iMessage at:" with a checklist of possible numbers and/or e-mails. Each of you should uncheck the other's info on your phones.

  • Can't receive photos in texts or mms

    My iPhone 4 isn't showing me messages that have photos attached. Does anyone know what the problem and solution might be?

    Has the MMS service been turned on by your phone company?

  • Mail 3.5 attachments sometimes are received as plain text

    I have a sporadic issue with Apple Mail 3.5 when receiving attachments. It seems to mainly occur with excel attachments. Rather than showing up as an attachment, they show up as plain text within the body of the email. The text is scrambled. When the sender re-sends the email, it comes across correctly, as an attachment. The account is an IMAP. I know it's no the sender's problem, because I can see the attachment correctly when accessing the IMAP account with a web browser.
    Please help.

    Same problem. Why is Apple Mail so ****** up? This problem will take a long time to get fixed, cause it was a problem since I used Apple Mail in Jaguar. It's got nothing to do with just Microsoft Office documents as attachments. I've had many random messages appearing as what you described.
    Nothing has been done so far. Apple doesn't see this problem as important at all.

  • Are my group messages being sent as MMS instead of SMS?

    Hi there! I just have a quick question about text messaging on my iPhone. I read here (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5760) that "some carries automatically convert group messages into MMS" and that "group messaging is sent either as an SMS or MMS"
    See, I am a new postpaid subscriber. And my plan only includes unlimited text messaging (SMS) and data use. I usually send out group messages to 50+ of my colleagues when I need to remind them about something or ask a question. Are these messages being sent as an MMS, or as regular text messages? I fear I may be getting charged hefty sums for texting.
    Thanks!

    Why don't you check with your carrier. They would be in a position to better answer that question than a group of users from all over the world.

  • HT4519 my husbands iPhone and my iPhone are receiving our texts at the same time, how do we unlink ourselves?

    my ipone and my husbands ipone are linked, so we are receiving each others texts. How do i unlink so this doesnt happen?

    Settings app > Messages > Send & Receive. Make sure you are not using the same addresses. Optionally, one of you could also create a different AppleId to use for this fucntion.

  • I am receiving the same text messages that i send out to another person?

    Recently activated a new iphone 5c and i send a text out but two people are receiving the text.  I know it is due to our Apple Account but i can't figure out how to change this.

    go to settings- messages - send and receive- select the numbers and emails you want to use - deselect the ones you don't need
    Peace, Clyde

Maybe you are looking for

  • Scan driver for HP LaserJet 1536dnf MFP

    Hi! Could anybody provide a driver for HP LaserJet 1536dnf MFP for scanning that it really work?

  • SQL Server 2005 64 bit and Oracle 9

    Hi, I have a situation which involves SQL Server 2005 64 bit and Oracle 9 32 bit, I have a requirement that involves creating Stored Procedures from Oracle 9 which will call tables from SQL Server 2005 64 bit, with operations involving 'Select' 'Inse

  • Help! Recent Menu for AIR

    I'm creating an AIR App, and it has a system of file browsing with the class "flash.filesystem:File" and drag and drop, both for "MP3" files. Is there anyway to add the selected files to the recent menu of the application. Like in Windows 7 when you

  • Mailto link doesn't work - also mailto doesn't appear in options application panel

    When I click a conventional mailto link on a web page, nothing happens. I have noticed that when I go to the Options/Applications Panel, Mailto is not listed as a content type.

  • Reason of java.lang.NoSuchMethodError exception

    Hi, I observed some strange (I suppose) behaviour. I made some helper class, which works as a factory to some EIS. When I use it in test desktop Java client, works correct, but if I try to involve it into the some servlet than I'll get an java.lang.N