How SMS Fallback Works with iMessage
This guide explains how SMS fallback works when using iMessage with myCRMSIM, including how messages are sent to iPhone and Android users, what the message bubble colors mean, and what is required for SMS fallback to work.
When using the myCRMSIM iMessage plan, the system first attempts to send the message through iMessage. If iMessage is available for the recipient, the message is sent as an iMessage. If iMessage is unavailable or the recipient does not support iMessage, the message can fall back to SMS through the connected iPhone.Important: You do not need to purchase an additional SMS plan from myCRMSIM for iMessage SMS fallback. However, the SIM card in the iPhone must have an active SMS service or text-messaging plan provided by the mobile carrier. Apple also confirms that iMessage messages appear in blue bubbles, while SMS/MMS messages appear in green bubbles.
How Message Delivery Works
When a message is sent through your myCRMSIM iMessage setup, the delivery method depends on the recipient and whether iMessage is available.
Sending Messages to an iPhone
If the recipient is using an Apple device and iMessage is available, the message will be sent through iMessage.
The message will appear as a blue bubble.
The message will appear as a blue bubble.
Example:
- A message is sent through the myCRMSIM iMessage integration.
- The recipient is using an iPhone with iMessage available.
- The message is delivered through iMessage.
- The message appears as a blue bubble.
Sending Messages to an Android Device
iMessage is not used when sending to a recipient who does not support iMessage. In this case, the connected iPhone can send the message as a standard SMS using its SIM card and mobile carrier service.
The message will appear as a green bubble.
The message will appear as a green bubble.
Example:
- A message is sent through the myCRMSIM iMessage integration.
- The recipient is using an Android device.
- iMessage is not available for that recipient.
- The message falls back to SMS through the connected iPhone.
- The message appears as a green bubble.
Note: Green bubbles on an iPhone can represent SMS/MMS or, on supported setups, RCS. For this myCRMSIM iMessage fallback setup, the fallback described here is SMS through the iPhone's carrier service.
Enable SMS Fallback on Your iPhone
To allow your iPhone to send an SMS when iMessage cannot be used, make sure Send as Text Message is enabled.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Open Messages Settings
Navigate to:
Settings → Apps → Messages
Depending on your iOS version, Messages may appear directly in the main Settings menu.
Settings → Apps → Messages
Depending on your iOS version, Messages may appear directly in the main Settings menu.
Step 3: Enable Send as Text Message
Scroll down and find:
Send as Text Message
Turn the toggle ON.
This allows the iPhone to send a message as SMS when iMessage cannot be used.
Send as Text Message
Turn the toggle ON.
This allows the iPhone to send a message as SMS when iMessage cannot be used.
SMS Plan Requirements
You do not need an additional SMS plan from myCRMSIM to use SMS fallback with your iMessage plan.
However, because the fallback message is sent through the SIM card in your iPhone, the SIM card must have an active SMS service or text-messaging plan from your mobile carrier.
However, because the fallback message is sent through the SIM card in your iPhone, the SIM card must have an active SMS service or text-messaging plan from your mobile carrier.
Requirement | Required? |
myCRMSIM iMessage Plan | ✅ Yes |
Additional myCRMSIM SMS Plan for Fallback | ❌ No |
iPhone with an Active SIM Card | ✅ Yes |
Active SMS/Text-Messaging Service from Mobile Carrier | ✅ Yes |
iMessage Enabled | ✅ Yes |
Send as Text Message Enabled | ✅ Yes |
How to Test SMS Fallback
After completing the setup, test both message types.
Test iMessage
Test iMessage
Send a message to an iPhone with iMessage available.
Expected Result:- The message is sent through iMessage.
- The message appears as a blue bubble.
Send a message to an Android number or another recipient where iMessage is not available.
Expected Result:- The message is sent as an SMS through the iPhone's SIM card and mobile carrier.
- The message appears as a green bubble.
- The recipient receives the SMS successfully.
Summary
- Messages sent to compatible Apple devices through iMessage appear as blue bubbles.
- When iMessage cannot be used and SMS fallback is available, the message can be sent as SMS and appears as a green bubble.
- Sending to an Android recipient uses the SMS fallback described in this setup.
- No additional myCRMSIM SMS plan is required for SMS fallback with the iMessage plan.
- The iPhone's SIM card must have an active SMS/text-messaging service from the mobile carrier.
- Make sure Send as Text Message is enabled on the iPhone.