how to receive SMS on iPhone15 without cellular connection

Question

gvromano Author

Level 1

10 points

how to receive SMS on iPhone15 without cellular connection

I live in a rural area with no cell service.

Previously I was able to make calls,

send/receive iMessages

and SMS text messages

via my Wi-Fi satellite internet on my iPhone 13 Pro running iOS17.

I recently bought a new iPhone 15 Pro, iOS17.1

I can still make voice calls and send/receive iMessages via my Wi-Fi satellite internet.

However, I no longer receive SMS text messages over the Wi-Fi.

I do get the SMS text messages as soon as I am in an area with a cell signal.

How come I am no longer receiving the SMS text messages over my Wi-Fi?

I tried the support people at the local Apple Store,

They didn't know

Any help would be appreciated.

Thank you

iPhone 15 Pro

Posted on Oct 6, 2023 4:51 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Branta_uk

Level 7

32,666 points

Oct 6, 2023 5:01 PM in response to gvromano

I will try a guess, untested but it feels hopeful. Go to your iPhone's Settings app

Settings > Messages > (iMessage section)

iMessage should be ON (green). I guess it probably is...

Next line is Send & Receive tap into it and make sure it has both your cellular number and also your Apple ID email. (Based on my settings the cell number should probably be full international format including +nn country code.)

If you still have your retiring iPhone available, power up and compare settings.

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Answer 2

gvromano Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 7, 2023 10:42 AM in response to Branta_uk

Yes,

All those settings were checked on my iPhone 13 Pro.

And yes they are checked on my new iPhone 15Pro.

Unfortunately, I had to turn my old iPhone in at the Apple store when I picked up my new iPhone.

And didn't realize that the Wi-Fi texting wasn't working until I got home and away from a cell signal.

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

201,754 points

Oct 7, 2023 11:18 AM in response to gvromano

gvromano wrote:

Yes SMS is a carrier feature.

It does not require a cellular signal.

Actually, it does.

Wi-Fi SMS worked fine on my iPhone 13 Pro with iOS17 and AT&T.

The only thing that has changed is upgrading to iPhone 15 Pro

And what did AT&T say when you reported the problem to them.

As long as Voice Over WiFi is active, it should work.

Go into Settings>Phone, and make sure Wi-Fi calling On This iPhone is turned on.

It may not be after transferring to a new phone. You will have to verify your emergency address.

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Answer 4

gvromano Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 8, 2023 11:56 AM in response to KiltedTim

Yes Wi-Fi calling is on.

I can make and receive Wi-Fi voice calls.

Just not Wi-Fi SMS.

Apple and AT&T have not been very helpful.

Mainly because their stores are in area's that have a cell signal, so the phone works fine at the store.

I guess not many people use cell phones in area's with-out a cell signal.

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Answer 5

KiltedTim

Level 10

201,754 points

Oct 6, 2023 5:00 PM in response to gvromano

SMS is a carrier feature. SMS requires a cellular voice connection.

Depending on your carrier, it may work if you have WiFi calling enabled. Ask your carrier.

Reply

Answer 6

gvromano Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 7, 2023 10:39 AM in response to KiltedTim

Yes SMS is a carrier feature.

It does not require a cellular signal.

Wi-Fi SMS worked fine on my iPhone 13 Pro with iOS17 and AT&T.

The only thing that has changed is upgrading to iPhone 15 Pro

Reply

Answer 7

KiltedTim

Level 10

201,754 points

Oct 8, 2023 3:04 PM in response to gvromano

Apple's not going to be able to help you, this is strictly a carrier issue. If it's solvable, it will have to be AT&T that does so.

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how to receive SMS on iPhone15 without cellular connection

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