Secret Codes guide
Text Message Forwarding on iPhone: How It Works
By Muhammad Shahid · · 4 min read
Quick answer
Let green bubble SMS, MMS and RCS appear on your Mac, iPad or Vision Pro. iMessage syncs between Apple devices on its own. Ordinary SMS, MMS and RCS do not, because they belong to your carrier and arrive at your iPhone only. Text Message Forwarding is the bridge that pushes them to your other devices.
Secret CodesDial codes, SIM & network test · Free on the App StoreDownload free →| What it does | Let green bubble SMS, MMS and RCS appear on your Mac, iPad or Vision Pro. |
|---|---|
| Published for | any iPhone |
| Type | iOS setting |
Let green bubble SMS, MMS and RCS appear on your Mac, iPad or Vision Pro. 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.
What is Text Message Forwarding?
iMessage syncs between Apple devices on its own. Ordinary SMS, MMS and RCS do not, because they belong to your carrier and arrive at your iPhone only. Text Message Forwarding is the bridge that pushes them to your other devices.
Go to Settings, Apps, Messages, Text Message Forwarding, then switch on each device. If a device is not using two factor authentication, a code appears on it that you type into the iPhone once.
If the Text Message Forwarding row is missing entirely, turn iMessage off and back on, then tap Send & Receive and sign in again. Also note that if you already use Messages in iCloud, forwarding is built in and is always on for those devices, so there is nothing separate to configure.
How do I do it?
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps, then tap Messages.
- Tap Text Message Forwarding.
- Turn on each device you want, and enter the verification code if one appears.
Which carriers does this apply to?
| Published for | any iPhone |
|---|---|
| Type | iOS setting |
| Good to know | Available on iOS 17, 18 and 26. All devices must be signed in to the same Apple Account, and the iPhone must be on and able to send and receive messages. |
Related iphone phone and message settings
- FaceTime Reachability And Caller ID
- Messages In iCloud
- Calls On Other Devices
- RCS Messaging
- Default Calling And Call Filtering Apps
- End-To-End Encrypted RCS
See all iphone phone and message settings or every category of 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.
Frequently asked questions
What is Text Message Forwarding on iPhone?
Let green bubble SMS, MMS and RCS appear on your Mac, iPad or Vision Pro. iMessage syncs between Apple devices on its own. Ordinary SMS, MMS and RCS do not, because they belong to your carrier and arrive at your iPhone only.
What else should I know about Text Message Forwarding?
Text Message Forwarding is the bridge that pushes them to your other devices. Go to Settings, Apps, Messages, Text Message Forwarding, then switch on each device. If a device is not using two factor authentication, a code appears on it that you type into the iPhone once.
What are the steps for Text Message Forwarding?
1. Open the Settings app. 2. Tap Apps, then tap Messages. 3. Tap Text Message Forwarding. 4. Turn on each device you want, and enter the verification code if one appears.
Where do I find Text Message Forwarding?
In the Settings app on your iPhone.
Is there a dial code for Text Message Forwarding?
No. On iPhone this is not a dial code, so you use the steps on this page instead.
Which carriers does Text Message Forwarding work on?
It is published for any iPhone. Available on iOS 17, 18 and 26. All devices must be signed in to the same Apple Account, and the iPhone must be on and able to send and receive messages.
Does Text Message Forwarding work on Android phones too?
These steps are for iPhone. Android phones have their own menus.
Will Text Message Forwarding work outside the US?
The iPhone steps stay the same, although some features depend on your carrier and region.
What if Text Message Forwarding 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 Text Message Forwarding?
FaceTime Reachability And Caller ID. Set which number and address FaceTime uses to reach you and to identify you.
What else is in this category?
Messages In iCloud. Keep your whole message history in sync, including new devices.
Can I find Text Message Forwarding in an app?
Yes. Secret Codes, a free iPhone app, includes it with its steps and carrier details.
Sources
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