Message sent as iMessage instead of text for iPhone without data

Question

My iPhone does not have data. When I am in a wifi zone iMessage works and texts are received. When I am not in wifi, anyone who sends me a text from an iPhone using iMessage does not come through. Is there a setting where iMessages get automatically changed to text messages when receiving messages

Answer 1

Hey there lg2222,
It sounds like you are not getting iMessages from other people when not connected to Wi-Fi. I would first do these steps, if you have not already:
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.
Then use these troubleshooting steps to help isolate and resolve the issue:
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.
iOS: Troubleshooting Messages
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2755
Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.
All the best,
Sterling