What is the difference between an encrypted message (blue message bubble) compared to an unencrypted message (green message bubble) on the Messages app on iPhone?

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What is the difference between an encrypted message (blue message bubble) compared to an unencrypted message (green message bubble) on the Messages app on iPhone?

There are contacts I am texting using the messages app installed onto all iPhones. Not all contacts in the Contacts app use iPhones. Some use Android-operating system mobile devices. Their texts appear as green, unencrypted text messages on my iPhone 13 Pro Max Screen. Additionally, is the way unencrypted messages are sent and received different compared to the way encrypted messages are sent and received.

iPhone 13 Pro Max

Posted on Dec 6, 2022 7:19 PM

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Answer 1

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shoeluvr13

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Dec 6, 2022 9:29 PM in response to thisjam

See What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS? - Apple Support

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Answer 2

ghr165

Level 4

1,330 points

Dec 6, 2022 9:36 PM in response to thisjam

Blue messages are sent through Apple's servers (not via your telco's SMS system), green messages SMS/MMS are sent via your telco. Typically, in my experience, these are to non-Apple devices or when there is an issue sending via Apple servers and so revert to SMS/MMS. (This may be a bit of a simplification but it works for me)

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What is the difference between an encrypted message (blue message bubble) compared to an unencrypted message (green message bubble) on the Messages app on iPhone?

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