imessage

I need to send an iMessage to my Chinese friend, but I successfully sent it, but there was no message notification from his side. I want to know if my iPhone blocked my message?

iPhone 12 Pro Max, iOS 16

Posted on Apr 4, 2024 5:56 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 4, 2024 6:15 AM

I am not clear about what exactly do you mean by "Chinese friend"

A friend who lives in China? or A friend who uses iPhone made for China?


  1. Your friend can receive iMessages over WiFi (WLAN) or a cellular data connection.
  2. Occasionally, internet restrictions in China might cause temporary issues with iMessage, but it's not commonly blocked
  3. There are also other popular messaging apps in China, like WeChat, that you and your friend could use to communicate if iMessage isn't working



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.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 4, 2024 6:15 AM in response to SMSproblem-

I am not clear about what exactly do you mean by "Chinese friend"

A friend who lives in China? or A friend who uses iPhone made for China?


  1. Your friend can receive iMessages over WiFi (WLAN) or a cellular data connection.
  2. Occasionally, internet restrictions in China might cause temporary issues with iMessage, but it's not commonly blocked
  3. There are also other popular messaging apps in China, like WeChat, that you and your friend could use to communicate if iMessage isn't working



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.


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