Q: How do I get imessage to send SMS texts to non iphone users?
I have read that I can use imessage to send and receive regulr SMS text messages to non iphone users; but, I can't seem to make it work. When I try to enter a mobile number of a non iphone user in the new text address bar and send anSMS text the adressee turns red and I get the following message:
Your message could not be sent.
4342496xxx is not registered with iMessage.
Does anyone have a suggestion? I've checked my preferences and any articles I could find but so far I can't find anything that helps. Thanks.
iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.1)
Posted on Oct 7, 2012 1:08 PM
Make sure you're using AIM. I send my mother SMS messages quite often from Messages. So often, I added a "chat" account in Contacts for her to use AIM and her phone number "+15551234567" of a type "AIM".
I forgot I had done that for frequent SMS, again, using AIM. I tried entering the format for another number I have never sent an SMS to via Messages. Lo, after hitting [enter], the number changes to iMessage protocol, turns red, and says I can't send it 'cause it's not an iMessage.
I click the dropdown arrow on the name (It's a name since it's a number in Contacts), and see about middle of the way down an AIM chat option with the same number I just typed, including the appropriate "+1" etc. See screenshot below. Sadly, you don't get the full effect. One of those iMessage lines near the top is a phone number identical to the AIM number...
I also did a random number I just made up, but typing in "+15557852122". This didn't result in a name (not in my Contacts), but I still got the dropdown arrow, I still see an AIM option. I assume it would attempt to send an SMS.
Posted on Oct 7, 2012 5:35 PM








