Ctina8

Q: text messaging only when iPhone is on

Why does my phone need to be on to get text messaging on iPad and Mac? if phone isn't on messages don't come though. I have turned off each device and turned each one back on.

thanks

iPad 2

Posted on Apr 30, 2016 7:44 AM

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Q: text messaging only when iPhone is on

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  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Apr 30, 2016 7:49 AM in response to Ctina8
    Level 9 (58,181 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 30, 2016 7:49 AM in response to Ctina8

    Because the iPad and Mac are not capable of SMS, since that is handled with the cellular system. You need the phone to be on for the text forwarding to work. As you probably already know, iMessage works, but that is because it uses data. Since the iPad and Mac do not have cellular capability, they are dependent on the phone to receive the messages to forward to those other devices.

  • by Ctina8,

    Ctina8 Ctina8 Apr 30, 2016 8:28 AM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 30, 2016 8:28 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

    I don't really understand how this all works, is there a way it would work through the iCloud?

  • by ChrisJ4203,Solvedanswer

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Apr 30, 2016 9:40 AM in response to Ctina8
    Level 9 (58,181 points)
    iPhone
    Apr 30, 2016 9:40 AM in response to Ctina8

    No. Text messaging, or SMS, is something handled by a cellular phone. In the past it was only capable of being done on the phone, and some computer programs that would connect directly with a phone via wire.

     

    With the newer iOS and ability with the Mac computers, you have the ability to setup Text Message forwarding with your iPhone to allow you to use SMS as well as iMessage with those other devices. It requires the devices to be linked to the phone as long as they are signed in with the same Apple ID and on the same Wi-Fi network. However, since SMS requires a cellular connection, it will only function if the phone is nearby and powered on.

     

    See the SMS section of this support document for help. Use Continuity to connect your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, and Mac - Apple Support

  • by Ctina8,

    Ctina8 Ctina8 Apr 30, 2016 9:39 AM in response to ChrisJ4203
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 30, 2016 9:39 AM in response to ChrisJ4203

    thank you so much