Can’t send text to Android user from new Ipad: can from new Iphone. Is there a way to fix?

Do you have an iPhone - or just an iPad? If exchanging messages with Android or non-Apple devices, you’ll need to use Cellular SMS/MMS messaging.

An iPad, whether a Cellular model or not, is not capable of directly accessing Cellular Voice or SMS/MMS Messaging features. An iPad with either WiFi or Cellular connectivity alone can only access IP-data services. If you have added a DataSIM and Cellular plan to a WiFi+Cellular model of iPad, the number associated with the SIM card is only used to identify your account for billing purposes. This number is not used for making calls or sending messages.

However, when paired with an iPhone, the capabilities of iPad significantly broaden to include access to Cellular Voice and Messaging services of the associated iPhone - relayed to the iPad over WiFi using Apple’s continuity features.

More information about Continuity and the relevant Cellular services can be found here:

Continuity

Use Continuity to connect your Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Apple Watch – Apple Support

SMS/MMS Messaging

How to forward SMS/MMS text messages from your iPhone to your iPad, iPod touch or Mac - Apple Support

If you have an iPhone - and both iPad and iPhone are signed-in to iCloud with the same AppleID - to send SMS/MMS messages (green bubbles) from your iPad you must explicitly enable Text Message Forwarding for your iPad on your iPhone...

On your iPhone:

Settings > Messages > Text Message Forwarding - set to ON - and explicitly enable your iPad from the list of devices.

Also ensure that Messages in iCloud is enabled on both your iPhone and iPad:

Settings > [Your Name / AppleID] > Messages - set to ON

It seems like the issue might be related to the iMessage settings on your iPad. Here are some steps you can try to fix it:

1. **Check iMessage Settings**:

- Go to Settings on your iPad.

- Scroll down and tap on Messages.

- Make sure iMessage is turned on.

2. **Ensure Send as SMS is Enabled**:

- Still in the Messages settings, make sure that "Send as SMS" is enabled. This will allow your messages to be sent as regular SMS if iMessage is unavailable.

3. **Verify Contact Details**:

- Ensure that the contact you're trying to message has the correct phone number listed in your contacts.

4. **Check Network Connection**:

- Ensure that both your iPad and iPhone have a stable internet connection, as iMessage requires an internet connection to work.

5. **Restart Your iPad**:

- Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches.

6. **Update iOS**:

- Check if there's an iOS update available for your iPad. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.

7. **Reset Network Settings**:

- In Settings, go to General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will reset Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN settings. Note that you'll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords.