What’s the Difference Between Texts and iMessages?
Ever notice that some of your messages on an iPhone show up in blue bubbles, while others appear green? It’s easy to assume it’s just a color thing — but those colors actually reveal how your message was sent, what kind of device the other person is using, and what features are available for that conversation.
At TechPals, we hear this question all the time: “Why are some of my texts green and others blue?” It can be confusing — especially when group chats behave oddly, or messages don’t send the way you expect. So let’s clear it up.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what those colors mean, why they matter, and what to do if things aren’t working the way they should.
iMessages = Blue Bubbles
When a message appears in blue, it means you’re using iMessage — Apple’s own messaging system.
iMessages:
Only work between Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, and Macs)
Are sent over the internet, not through your cellular texting plan
Can include read receipts (when someone has read your message)
Allow you to use message effects and reactions (like thumbs-up or heart)
Support longer texts, higher-quality photos, and videos
Can be sent over Wi-Fi, even without a phone signal
iMessages are automatically used when both people in the conversation have iPhones, and iMessage is turned on.
You can check your settings by going to:
Settings → Messages → iMessage
SMS Texts = Green Bubbles
When your messages show up in green, you’re using SMS (Short Message Service) — also known as a regular text message.
Green texts:
Work with any phone, including Android and flip phones
Are sent through your cellular network, not over Wi-Fi
Don’t include read receipts or message reactions
Have limitations on message length (and may split long texts into pieces)
May reduce the quality of attached images or videos
Cost extra on some mobile plans if you don’t have unlimited texting
Green doesn’t mean anything is broken — it just means you’re talking to someone who’s not using iMessage (or iMessage is turned off on your end or theirs).
So What’s the Real Difference?
The key difference is how the messages are sent and what features you get:
Feature iMessage (Blue) SMS (Green) Device compatibility Apple-only All phones Sends over Wi-Fi? Yes No Uses data or text plan? Data/Wi-Fi Cell/text plan Read receipts? Yes (optional) No Reactions (tapbacks)? Yes No Higher-quality photos? Yes Often compressed Group messaging support Full features Limited
If both people are on iPhone and connected to the internet, Apple uses iMessage to give you the best possible messaging experience. But if you’re texting an Android user, your iPhone automatically switches to SMS.
Why Blue vs. Green Messages Matter
You might be thinking, “Okay, so it’s just the method — why should I care?” Here's why understanding this difference actually matters:
1. Wi-Fi Saves the Day
If you have no cell signal but do have Wi-Fi, you can still send iMessages. But SMS messages won’t go through unless you have a cellular connection. That’s a big deal if you're in a remote area, on a flight, or indoors with poor service.
2. Group Chats Can Get Messy
Group texts work best when everyone is using iMessage. If even one Android user is in the group, it reverts to SMS/MMS — and that means:
You lose reactions and typing indicators
Messages may arrive out of order
Images may be blurry or fail to send
You may not be able to name or leave the group
3. Switching Phones Can Cause Message Issues
If you switch from iPhone to Android and don’t turn off iMessage first, texts from iPhone users may still try to send as iMessages — and fail to deliver.
To prevent this:
Deregister iMessage at selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage
Or turn off iMessage before switching phones
If your friends say your texts are “green now” — this might be why.
How to Control Your Message Settings
Want to see how your phone is handling messages — or change your preferences? Here’s how.
On iPhone:
Go to Settings → Messages
Make sure iMessage is toggled ON (if you want to use it)
Optional: Toggle on Send as SMS so your message will fall back to SMS if iMessage isn’t available
Still confused by your settings? TechPals can help you go through them screen by screen and explain what each one does.
Troubleshooting Tips
Understanding the difference between blue and green messages is helpful — but what if things still aren’t working the way they should? Whether you’re dealing with undelivered texts, missing features, or group chat glitches, here are some common problems and how to fix them.
1. Messages Won’t Send?
If you’re seeing “Not Delivered” or your texts are just stuck, here’s what to check:
Check your internet connection. iMessages need Wi-Fi or cellular data. If your phone is offline or in airplane mode, your message won’t send.
Toggle Airplane Mode on and off. Sometimes a quick reset of your wireless signal fixes the issue.
Try sending as SMS. Tap and hold the undelivered message and select “Send as Text Message.”
Restart your phone. This can fix small bugs that block messaging.
Go to Settings → Messages. Make sure iMessage is turned ON. If you’ve recently changed devices, it may have turned off.
Still stuck? TechPals can walk you through more advanced fixes at techpals.org.
2. Switched from iPhone to Android?
If you’ve moved away from an iPhone and didn’t turn off iMessage first, other iPhone users might still be trying to send you blue messages — which won’t arrive.
Here’s how to fix it:
Before switching phones: Go to Settings → Messages → Toggle off iMessage.
After switching: Visit selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage and follow the instructions to disconnect your number.
It only takes a few minutes — and can prevent lots of confusion.
3. Group Chats Acting Weird?
If you’re in a group chat and things feel off — like missing replies, no reactions, or messages coming in out of order — here’s why:
Mixed devices. If the group includes iPhones and Android phones, the conversation switches to SMS/MMS, which loses iMessage features.
iMessage-only features (like naming the group or leaving the chat) won’t work in mixed-device groups.
Photos and videos may look blurry or fail to send, especially if the group is using MMS over a weak cellular signal.
Fixes:
Keep group chats Apple-only when possible for the best experience.
Use messaging apps like WhatsApp, Signal, or Facebook Messenger that work the same across devices.
Ask TechPals to help you find the best app or workaround for your group’s setup.
4. Can’t Tell if a Message Was Read?
Read receipts only work with iMessages — and only if both people have them turned on.
To check:
Go to Settings → Messages
Scroll down and check “Send Read Receipts”
Even if this is on, the other person must also have it enabled for you to see when they’ve read your message. If it’s missing or inconsistent, it’s not a glitch — it’s just how iMessage works.
5. Blue Messages Turn Green Randomly?
If your messages suddenly change from blue to green (even with another iPhone user), it might mean:
The other person’s iMessage is off or not working
One of you temporarily lost internet
Their device switched to SMS as a backup
This can happen when someone’s traveling, has poor signal, or restarts their phone. It usually fixes itself once both people are back online and iMessage reconnects.
Pro tip: As long as the message sends, don’t worry too much about the bubble color. It’s just the method of delivery — not a sign something’s broken.
Final Thoughts
Blue or green — what matters most is that your messages get through clearly and reliably. But once you understand what those colors mean, you can make smarter choices about how you text, what features you use, and how to fix problems when they pop up.
Here’s a quick recap:
Blue = iMessage (Apple-only, uses internet, more features)
Green = SMS (works with any phone, uses your text plan)
Problems sending? Check your connection, try resending as SMS, or restart your phone
Switching devices? Turn off iMessage before moving to Android
Group chat issues? Mixed devices can limit features — but alternatives exist
Texting should be simple — not stressful. And when it’s not? That’s what TechPals is here for.
Visit techpals.org for personalized help with your iMessage and texting settings. Whether you’re setting up a new phone, joining a tricky group chat, or just wondering why your messages look different — we’ve got your back.
Let your tech pals handle the tricky stuff, so you can stay connected with the people who matter.
