My messages are sent as emails to other people starting today. I went in to change it as suggested by the Apple website, but my Send and Recieve is greyed out. How do I fix it without access to the Send and Recieve?
iPhone XR, iOS 16
Hello Guyschurfhhydv,
It appears you aren't able to send texts through iMessage using your phone number, only email. You mentioned your number shows greyed out in Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. That is helpful information. Your number might no longer be activated with iMessage. That will be required in order to send iMessage (MMS) texts from your phone number.
Until that is resolved, you will only be able to text using your phone number with SMS (green bubble) texts. You might text someone to confirm SMS texts are working first. If not, then you'll want to reach out to your cellular provider to make sure nothing is wrong on their end.
For iMessage activation issues, start with the steps outlined here: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support
Check your device settings
1. Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network.
2. If you're using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.
3. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that your time zone is set correctly.
Those steps usually resolve most iMessage issues, like not being able to text from your phone number Reply back with any questions or concerns.
Take care.
Hello Guyschurfhhydv,
It appears you aren't able to send texts through iMessage using your phone number, only email. You mentioned your number shows greyed out in Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. That is helpful information. Your number might no longer be activated with iMessage. That will be required in order to send iMessage (MMS) texts from your phone number.
Until that is resolved, you will only be able to text using your phone number with SMS (green bubble) texts. You might text someone to confirm SMS texts are working first. If not, then you'll want to reach out to your cellular provider to make sure nothing is wrong on their end.
For iMessage activation issues, start with the steps outlined here: If you can’t turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple Support
Check your device settings
1. Make sure that you’re connected to a cellular data or Wi-Fi network.
2. If you're using an iPhone, you need SMS messaging to activate your phone number with iMessage and FaceTime. Depending on your carrier, you might be charged for this SMS.
3. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and make sure that your time zone is set correctly.
Those steps usually resolve most iMessage issues, like not being able to text from your phone number Reply back with any questions or concerns.
Take care.
Messages sending as emails
