Can’t send texts from iPad Pro but works on iPhone 13 Pro

Trying to send text message on iPad (iPad Pro) but get message “not delivered.” I can send message to same number from my iPhone (iPhone 13 Pro). Both devices have current OS and are on the same phone network (Verizon) and tried on same WIFI network.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: can’t send text message from iPad


iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Aug 29, 2025 8:23 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 29, 2025 9:09 AM

By itself, the iPad cannot send an SMS/RCS (green) message. It can only send iMessages (blue). If you have an iPhone, you can connect the iPad to the iPhone:


Forward text messages from your iPhone to other devices - Apple Support


4 replies

Aug 29, 2025 9:36 AM in response to freichorn

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



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Can’t send texts from iPad Pro but works on iPhone 13 Pro

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