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Why can't I send an SMS using my iPad 8.1.2 to android cellphone

I upgraded my iPad to 8.1.2. I have several android cellphone numbers of friends I want to send SMS messages to directly from my iPad. There is one whose name keeps popping up in the address part of the message in "Red". I am unable to send her a SMS. We have another iPad using 8.1.2 and in that one we can send SMS to the same android phone without a problem. Am I missing something?

iPhone 4S, Other OS, Main syncing computer is MacBook

Posted on Dec 27, 2014 7:43 AM

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Posted on Jun 23, 2017 2:27 AM

Apple Devices without sim cards CAN send messages, but only to other iOS/Apple devices due to their lack of sim cards. Sim cards can be used in apple and android devices, the devices are made to be used with any phones, no matter what they are, but, there apple devices aren't made to, thanks to Apple that can at least interact with other apple devices.

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Jun 23, 2017 2:27 AM in response to Mark1154

Apple Devices without sim cards CAN send messages, but only to other iOS/Apple devices due to their lack of sim cards. Sim cards can be used in apple and android devices, the devices are made to be used with any phones, no matter what they are, but, there apple devices aren't made to, thanks to Apple that can at least interact with other apple devices.

Dec 27, 2014 8:04 AM in response to Mark1154

I've done a little research on this and according to what I've seen there is supposed to be an option for sending and receiving SMS messages in my "Settings>Messages". There is no option there. As a matter of fact, in the other iPad, which allows me to send SMS there is no option there either, except the other iPad allows me to send a SMS message to the same android number where the 2nd iPad has the name in "red". Very confusing!

Dec 28, 2014 5:06 AM in response to Mark1154

So after spending way too much time on this issue, here's what I discovered...there is NO option in the iPad settings using IOS 8.1.2 to select "use SMS messaging when iMessage is unavailable". The option is on the iPhone! Even though I think this is a recent Apple issue that needs to be resolved on their end, the only way to send and receive text messages from an Android phone user is to select the option on your iPhone. Then I assume that your iPhone MUST be in the area in order to initiate a text from your iPad. This should be corrected by Apple.

Dec 28, 2014 7:11 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

I Just sent an SMS message to a friend who has an Android phone. It changed to "Green" on my iPad. As I've said earlier, the IOS 8.1.2 release notes clearly state that the IOS 8.1.2 will allow iPhone users to send and receive SMS messages on their iPads and other Mac devices. Read the release notes. I had no hardware changes when I did this. The only thing different was in iphone "SETTINGS>MESSAGES" clicking on "Send SMS messages when iMessage is not available".......it works!

Dec 28, 2014 7:22 AM in response to Mark1154

Yes, you can send messages using an iPad if it's connected to an iPhone as it's using the iPhone as a conduit.


The setting you're referencing has nothing to do with sending SMS messages to non-iPhone users. That setting controls, when you send an iMessage to an iMessage user and it fails, whether or not the phone should try to resend it as an SMS. You could turn that off on your phone and still send SMS messages to non-iPhone users.

Dec 28, 2014 7:36 AM in response to IdrisSeabright

YES! I tested your explanation by shutting off my iPhone and trying to send another SMS message from my iPad. The message came up "undelivered". Then I turned on my iPhone, selected "try again" to send the message and it went right through. Amazing that YOU were the only one who could figure this out! I spent a long time this a.m. chatting with an Apple Rep, and she even had an upper level Rep on the chat, and they didn't offer the explanation you did. Way to go!!

Dec 28, 2014 7:38 AM in response to Mark1154

I've not used it myself but I have heard of an app called WhatsApp that some folks use for cross platform texting. There may be a charge for the service.


You can also try texting to your friends email address rather then their phone number. This is the method I use however keep in mind that they may have to change the way they text you from phone number to email in order for you to get their texts. Look up their contact and select send message then pick their email. Good luck.

May 26, 2016 2:59 PM in response to IdrisSeabright

This blows... you should be able to send SMS from a cellular connected ipad. Apple needs to catch up with its hardware capabilities. My connected 3 year old Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 support SMS text messaging through the assigned cellular number.


Not sure if this is apples greedy way to force you to have both an iphone and tablet.

Why can't I send an SMS using my iPad 8.1.2 to android cellphone

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