You're trying to reach someone, but your message stays stuck on “Not Delivered.” If you want to send a text message instead of iMessage on iPhone, switching to a regular text may be your next move.

Quick answer: For an undelivered iMessage, use the offered Send as Text Message option. Review Messages settings for SMS fallback; green bubbles can also mean RCS, not just SMS. If Messages keeps freezing or stops responding, Fixppo offers a guided repair option for underlying iOS issues.

Get a Malfunctioning Messages App Moving Again. Choosing SMS should be a setting, not a struggle with a frozen app. If Messages itself remains unresponsive after you select the right sending options, Fixppo gives you a guided iOS repair route. Your carrier and Messages settings continue to determine whether a message uses SMS, MMS, RCS or iMessage.

Download Fixppo
For Windows

Version and device context: This guide covers the source article’s iPhone 1. Settings labels and available repair firmware depend on the installed system and device model.

1Change iMessages to Text Messages by Pressing iMessages

If an iMessage fails, tap its red exclamation mark and choose Send as Text Message when offered. Carrier messaging charges may apply.

1. Send the message and check its delivery status.

2. If Not Delivered appears, tap the red exclamation mark.

3. Choose Send as Text Message if available and confirm that your cellular line supports SMS.

change iMessages to text message

The fallback option is associated with failed delivery; it is not a guaranteed timing trick for converting a delivered iMessage.

2Turn Off Your Wi-Fi and Cellular Data

Follow these steps to turn these off:

  • Go to Settings and go into the Wi-Fi/WLAN section.
  • Turn the Wi-Fi/WLAN off with the switch.
  • Go back to the main Settings screen, and tap Cellular.
  • Tap the switch to turn your data off.

turn off Wi-Fi

Turning off data is not a reliable SMS selector and interrupts other services. Keep the cellular line active and use Messages' sending settings or disable iMessage when appropriate.

And here are 7 sites to send anonymous text messages for you in case you should need.

3Turn Off iMessage on iPhone

You can also simply turn off iMessage. Do this by following these steps:

  • Go to Settings on your iPhone.
  • Tap Apps > Messages; older versions may list Messages directly in Settings.
  • Change the iMessage switch to OFF.

turn off iMessage on iPhone

MMS supports multimedia messaging and is distinct from SMS and RCS. Disable it only if that is your intention, not as a required iMessage troubleshooting step.

To send a text message instead of iMessage, use failed-message fallback or adjust Messages settings. Disabling Wi-Fi alone does not guarantee SMS, and green bubbles can also indicate RCS.

Conclusion

To send a text message instead of iMessage on iPhone, use Send as Text Message for a failed iMessage when the option is available, or turn off iMessage if you want to stop using it. Keep your cellular line active and check that your carrier plan supports the messaging service you need. If Messages itself keeps freezing or stops responding, Fixppo offers a guided repair option for such iOS issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all green messages SMS?

No. Green bubbles can represent SMS, MMS or RCS, depending on the device and carrier.

Can I convert an already delivered iMessage?

The failed-delivery SMS option does not convert a message that has already been delivered.

Does disabling Wi-Fi force SMS?

No. iMessage can use cellular data, and disabling connectivity is not the best way to select a message service.