Never been able to send text messages to my kids iphones

iMessage (Blue) -

• iPhone to iPhone: requires internet (Either over WiFi or Cellular Service) as it is sent over internet protocol. Needs Activation on your device.
• iPhone to Android: Not available

SMS/MMS (Green) -

• iPhone to Android: does not require any internet it is sent over cellular voice protocol. Needs to be enabled by your Carrier for the SIM used by you.
• iPhone to iPhone: When iMessage is not activated or the device is not connected to the internet either over cellular or WiFi
• You need to have an SMS/MMS plan enabled by your carrier for the SIM/eSIM that you use on your device. Apple Inc does not provide SMS/MMS services.

It will turn from Blue to Green if you have enabled "Send as SMS" and whenever your iPhone is not connected to the internet it is sent as SMS (green) to all iPhone users.

You may try some of these steps, please check after each step...

1. To activate iMessage and FaceTime using your Phone number
   1. First, check to know whether you have an SMS plan enabled for at least One SMS*** with your carrier. Contact your Carrier (Cellular Service Provider) the agency that issued the SIM to you
   2. If your iPhone is used with a carrier not found in the wireless carrier articles, make sure you can send and receive international SMS. (One international SMS*** Only)
   3. If you can't turn on or sign in to iMessage or FaceTime - Apple ...
   4. *** You may not have an SMS plan (Domestic & International) enabled by your carrier for the SIM/eSIM that you use on your device. Apple Inc does not provide SMS services.
2. Go to Settings > Messages, then turn on iMessage. To select the phone numbers and email addresses you want to use with iMessage, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive, then choose from the available options below “You can receive iMessages to and reply from.” Set up Messages on iPhone - Apple Support (IN)
3. Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary software glitches. Turn off your iPhone, wait for a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
   1. Restart the device. That's it.
   2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
4. If the issue persists, you can try resetting all settings on your iPhone. This will not erase your data but will reset all personalized settings to their default values. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > Reset > Reset All Settings and confirm the action. Note that you will need to reconfigure your settings afterward. All settings—including network settings, the keyboard dictionary, the Home screen layout, location settings, privacy settings, and Apple Pay cards—are removed or reset to their defaults. No data or media are deleted.
   1. Reset All Settings: Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support:- Return iPhone settings to their defaults
   2. You can return settings to their defaults without erasing your content.
   3. If you want to save your settings, back up your iPhone before returning them to their defaults. For example, if you’re trying to solve a problem but returning settings to their defaults doesn’t help, you might want to restore your previous settings from a backup.
5. Make sure you have the latest updates installed.
   1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
   2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it is recommended to reach out to Apple Support or visit an authorized service center for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance based on your device model and iOS version.

SravanKrA wrote:

SMS/MMS (Green) -

iPhone to Android: • does not require any internet it is sent over cellular voice protocol. Needs to be enabled by your Carrier for the SIM used by you.

For MMS messages (the ones which contain media, like pictures), I believe you need cellular data, in addition to the SMS message requirements.