What is an SMS message?
When we inaugural started using cell phones, we could make phone calls and air messages over a cellular network. This type of message was called SMS, or Short Messaging Service text message. Back then, sending SMS messages was inconvenient—it required the painstaking tax of inputting letters on a numeral keyboard. then, smartphones came along with their onscreen keyboards, and texting promptly became a primary mannequin of communication. Smartphones besides brought us data, a connection to the Internet over that cellular net. The combination intend we could more well send pictures, videos, and early data in our text messages, making them even more useful.
To send text messages, all you need is a text message plan with your cellular carrier. If you ’ ra interested in inexhaustible texting, check out the latest Xfinity Mobile plans .
What is an iMessage?
iMessage is Apple ’ s own blink of an eye messaging service that sends messages over the Internet, using your data. They merely work when you have an Internet association. To send iMessages, you need a datum plan, or you can send them over WiFi. If you use wireless local area network, there ’ s no monetary value, but if you use your cellular telephone ’ second data, it ’ sulfur deducted from your data plan. Sending pictures or videos over iMessage can use a distribute of data identical promptly.
iMessage is located in the default messages app on your iPhone. This app is able of sending both iMessage and SMS messages. iMessages are in blue and text messages are green .
iMessages only work between iPhones ( and other Apple devices such as iPads ). If you are using an iPhone and you send a message to a friend on Android, it will be sent as a SMS message and will be green. ( This is on-key if equitable one person in a group message is on Android besides. ) If there is no available datum network, messages to other iPhones will besides be sent as SMS text messages, and you will be charged by your carrier, unless you have a message plan .
iMessage vs Text: which should I use?
iMessaging offers a lot of cool features SMS messaging doesn ’ t. With iMessage, you can partake your localization, send walkie-talkie dash voice messages, get confirmation your message has been delivered, get understand receipts, and see whether person is replying to your message in real meter ( those animated little grey dots that show up underneath your message ). More recent innovations in iMessage include being able to send stickers, animated GIFs, share music, and even send money using Apple Pay .
iMessage besides syncs with your iCloud report, therefore if you lose your telephone or get a raw one, you can take your messages with you. ( It ’ s potential to transfer your SMS messages besides, but not as well ). Plus, if you have more than one Apple device, you can get your messages on your iMac, iPad, and Apple Watch .
Chances are, you ’ ll end up using both : iMessage with your iPhone friends and SMS messages with your Android friends. however, iMessage does use data, so if you are on a monthly datum plan but have unlimited SMS textbook messages, you may want to stick with SMS .
Disable/enable iMessage
iMessage international relations and security network ’ t enabled by default on an iPhone, but when you first set up the call, you have the option to switch it on .
Go to Settings and blue-ribbon Messages .
In the settings for Messages, toggle the iMessage switch. You ’ ll need your iCloud explanation username and password.
iPhone Texting Tricks
- Saving data : If you ’ re concerned about data custom, but you still want to take advantage of iMessage ’ s features, save data by turning on “ Low Quality Image Mode ” in iMessage settings .
- International message : Because iMessage uses the Internet, you can message friends and family in early countries who have iPhones without the need for an international datum design .
- access on tablets : You don ’ t have to have a call number to use iMessage. Simply use an iCloud e-mail address to send messages over WiFi. This is useful if you want to let your children “ text ” friends and family using an iPad, ipod, or honest-to-god iPhone without signing up for a cellular datum plan .
- use with Androids :
If you move from iPhone to Android devices, make certain to turn off iMessage. If you don ’ metric ton, iMessages from iPhones won ’ t make it to your modern Android earphone .
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Both iMessage and SMS message are excellent ways to communicate quickly and efficiently. Just keep in mind that SMS message is becoming an antique service, which may be disused in a few short-change years as cellular carriers focus on improving data connectivity. There are already so many ways we can communicate using our phones, including messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. As bandwidth expands and we ’ re all online all the prison term, Internet-connected message platforms will become the average .
Click here to find a mobile plan with data and message options that work for you .