i can't receive text messages (sms) when imessage is turned on

Hi shineshinebobo,

Thanks for the question. Based on what you stated, it seems like you are not receiving sms messages. I would recommend that you read this article, it may be able to help you isolate or resolve the issue.

iOS: Troubleshooting Messages - Apple Support

If you can't send and receive SMS

You will need these to send and receive SMS:

• An iPhone
• A strong cellular network connection through a cellular network provider
• A domestic SMS plan from your cellular provider (You might need an international messaging plan to send SMS to an international contact. Contact your carrier for more information)
• A roaming SMS plan when you use a cellular provider's network that is different from your billing cellular provider's network (Learn more about roaming and contact your carrier for more information.)

To resolve issues sending and receiving SMS, follow these steps

1. Go to Settings and turn airplane mode off.
2. Make sure that you have a cellular network signal in the status bar of your iPhone. If there's no signal, learn more about troubleshooting no service.
3. Restart your iPhone.
4. Tap Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings on your iPhone.
5. Remove your SIM card and insert it again.

If you still can't send or receive SMS, follow these steps

1. Make sure that the contact who's trying to message you isn't blocked in Settings > Messages > Blocked.
2. Make sure that you're using the area code with the contact's phone number. When sending messages internationally, you also need to use the contact's international code.
3. If you're using a "Pay as you go" SMS plan, make sure it has enough available balance. Contact your carrier if you're unsure of your SMS plan or the available balance.
4. If the issue occurs with a specific contact or contacts, back up or forward important messages and delete your current messaging threads with the contact. Create a new message to the contact and try again.
5. If the issue occurs with a specific contact or contacts, delete and recreate the contact from the Contacts app. Send a new message to the contact.
6. Back up and restore your iPhone as new.
7. If your carrier has recently ported your phone number, the porting process might not be complete. Contact your carrier to confirm that the porting process is complete.
8. Contact your carrier to confirm that you're provisioned for sending SMS and are in an area with cellular coverage.
9. Contact your carrier to verify there are no blocks or filters placed on your wireless account preventing you from sending SMS.

Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.

Cheers,

Mario