# Send As Text Message Fallback on iPhone: How It Works URL: https://byshahid.com/blog/send-as-text-message-fallback-iphone/ App: Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322) Author: Muhammad Shahid Updated: 2026-11-04 > Let a stuck iMessage retry as an ordinary text instead of failing. iMessage needs a working data connection. When it cannot get through, this switch decides whether iOS quietly resends the message as SMS or leaves it sitting there with a red exclamation mark. Turn it on at Settings, Apps, Messages, Send as Text Message. - **What it does:** Let a stuck iMessage retry as an ordinary text instead of failing. - **Published for:** any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular - **Type:** iOS setting Let a stuck iMessage retry as an ordinary text instead of failing. This page explains what it does, how to use it on an iPhone and which carriers it applies to. I build **Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier**, a free iPhone app with 317 checked codes and guides, including this one. If you would rather tap than memorise, [get Secret Codes on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322). ## What is Send As Text Message Fallback? iMessage needs a working data connection. When it cannot get through, this switch decides whether iOS quietly resends the message as SMS or leaves it sitting there with a red exclamation mark. Turn it on at Settings, Apps, Messages, Send as Text Message. Older iOS releases labelled the same switch Send as SMS. The trade off is real and worth stating. A message that falls back to SMS is no longer end to end encrypted, and it may be billed by your carrier if you do not have unlimited texts. In exchange, an urgent message actually arrives when your data connection is poor. Most people should leave it on. ## How do I do it? - Open the Settings app. - Tap Apps, then tap Messages. - Turn on Send as Text Message. - Test by sending while off Wi-Fi with a weak cellular signal. ## Which carriers does this apply to? | Published for | any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular | | Type | iOS setting | | Good to know | Available on iOS 17, 18 and 26. Labelled Send as SMS on older releases and Send as Text Message on current ones. | _Screenshot: The Secret Codes detail screen shows the steps, the carriers and an Open in Phone button._ ## Related iphone phone and message settings - [MMS Messaging Toggle](/blog/mms-messaging-toggle-iphone/) - [Screen Unknown Senders In Messages](/blog/screen-unknown-senders-in-messages-iphone/) - [End-To-End Encrypted RCS](/blog/end-to-end-encrypted-rcs-iphone/) - [Turn iMessage Off Before Leaving iPhone](/blog/turn-imessage-off-before-leaving-iphone/) - [RCS Messaging](/blog/rcs-messaging-iphone/) - [Per-App Cellular Data Switches](/blog/per-app-cellular-data-switches-iphone/) See all [iphone phone and message settings](/blog/iphone-codes/phone-settings/) or [every category of iPhone codes](/blog/iphone-codes/). ## How Secret Codes helps Secret Codes keeps this and every other entry a search away. Pick your carrier once and each entry says whether it is published for your line. You can save favourites, add a private note, and record whether a code worked on your line. **Secret Codes: IMEI & Carrier** is free on the App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/secret-codes-imei-carrier/id6807154322 ## FAQ ### What is Send As Text Message Fallback on iPhone? Let a stuck iMessage retry as an ordinary text instead of failing. iMessage needs a working data connection. When it cannot get through, this switch decides whether iOS quietly resends the message as SMS or leaves it sitting there with a red exclamation mark. ### What else should I know about Send As Text Message Fallback? Turn it on at Settings, Apps, Messages, Send as Text Message. Older iOS releases labelled the same switch Send as SMS. The trade off is real and worth stating. ### What are the steps for Send As Text Message Fallback? 1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Apps, then tap Messages. 3. Turn on Send as Text Message. 4. Test by sending while off Wi-Fi with a weak cellular signal. ### Where do I find Send As Text Message Fallback? In the Settings app on your iPhone. ### Is there a dial code for Send As Text Message Fallback? No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead. ### Which carriers does Send As Text Message Fallback work on? It is published for any iPhone, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and UScellular. Available on iOS 17, 18 and 26. Labelled Send as SMS on older releases and Send as Text Message on current ones. ### Does Send As Text Message Fallback work on Android phones too? These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus. ### Will Send As Text Message Fallback work outside the US? The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region. ### What if Send As Text Message Fallback does not work on my iPhone? Check that it applies to your carrier first, because carriers decide which services they offer and can change them. If it should apply to your line, contact your carrier. ### What is related to Send As Text Message Fallback? MMS Messaging Toggle. The switch that decides whether you can send pictures and group texts over SMS. ### What else is in this category? Screen Unknown Senders In Messages. Move texts from people you do not know into their own filtered list. ### Can I find Send As Text Message Fallback in an app? Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details. ## Sources - [Apple Support: iPhone User Guide](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/welcome/ios)