Girlfriends iPhone 14 screen isn’t working and phone is dead. She has been using her Apple Watch instead and our texts have been sent and received as iMessages. Her location wouldn’t show up when her watch died, I’m assuming she plugged it in and now my iMessages are being sent as SMS and I can see her location. Why?
iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOS 16
Hello Applewatch_Questions_,
If your messages aren't sending as iMessages, please check out this link, which explains the difference between SMS/MMS and iMessage, and the requirements: What is the difference between iMessage and SMS/MMS?
You can use the Messages app on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to send messages. Those messages are sent as iMessage or SMS/MMS. Learn more about the difference between the message types.
iMessage
iMessages are texts, photos, or videos that you send to another iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac over Wi-Fi or cellular-data networks. These messages are always encrypted and appear in blue text bubbles. To turn iMessage on or off, go to Settings > Messages.
SMS/MMS
If you aren’t using iMessage, you can use SMS/MMS. These messages are texts and photos that you send to other cell phones or another iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. SMS/MMS messages aren't encrypted and appear in green text bubbles on your device.
To use SMS/MMS on an iPhone, you need a text-messaging plan. Contact your wireless carrier for more information. You can also set up your other Apple devices to send and receive messages from any Apple device.
If Wi-Fi is unavailable, iMessages will be sent over cellular data. Cellular data rates might apply.
If the Apple Watch isn't receiving messages as expected, we would also suggest ensuring iMessage is enabled correctly, to rule out a possible issue there. This link explains how: If you can’t send or receive messages on your Apple Watch
Thanks!
SMS and iMessage
