I always have the option “Send as sms” turned on. But, when ever I sent an iMessage and for that instance there is no cellular data or wifi iMessage not falling back to sms automatically. The blue progress bar just stuck. I have to manually click and send as text message. Isn’t it supposed to switch automatically?
iPhone XS Max, iOS 16
Hey shafiqrahman,
Welcome to Apple Support Communities.
With "Send as SMS" enabled, the Messages app will try to send the message as SMS if iMessage isn't available. We suggest refreshing the "Send as SMS", by turning it off, restarting the iPhone, and then turning "Send as SMS" back on. We've provided the steps to restart the iPhone below. You can also access them here: Restart your iPhone.
1. Press and hold either volume button and the side button until the power-off slider appears.
2. Drag the slider, then wait 30 seconds for your device to turn off. If your device is frozen or unresponsive, force restart your device.
3. To turn your device back on, press and hold the side button (on the right side of your iPhone) until you see the Apple logo.
If you continue to have issues, make sure your iPhone is update-to-date. Keeping your device up-to-date ensures all security updates and bug fixes are installed. The latest version is iOS 16.6.1 and can be checked in Settings > General > About.
If it isn't up-to-date use the steps below to first back up to ensure your data is safe, and then update the software. For further reference, you can also review the steps here: Update your iPhone or iPad.
1. Back up your device using iCloud or your computer.
2. Plug your device into power and connect to the internet with Wi-Fi.
3. Go to Settings > General, then tap Software Update.
4. If you see more than one software update option available, choose the one that you want to install.
5. Tap Install Now. If you see Download and Install instead, tap it to download the update, enter your passcode, then tap Install Now. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.
Hope this helps. Take care.
My phone is already updated to the latest ios version. None, of the above methods works. Still having the same issue. After trying for a few minutes it returns a notification message sending failed. Then I have to send it manually by " Send it as SMS".
iMessage not falling back to sms.
