using the messages app (iMessage) tonight on mojave 10.14.6
i had to set text messaging forwarding option on my iphone to make it let me able to send sms messages to my friends android phone
it says this option will "Allow your iphone text messages to also be sent and received on other devices signed into your imessage account" (aka icloud - they are really inconsistant with their language...)
iMessage is a proprietary system exclusive to Apple devices, meaning it cannot natively send messages to Android phones, resulting in errors if SMS/MMS settings are misconfigured.
To fix this, enable "Send as SMS" and "MMS Messaging" in your iPhone's Messages settings, ensuring messages turn green instead of blue. If you switched from iPhone to Android, you must deregister your number.
Key Reasons & Fixes:
Disabled SMS/MMS: Go to Settings > Messages and enable Send as SMS and MMS Messaging to allow green-bubble texting.
Previous iPhone User:
If you switched from iPhone to Android, your number may still be linked to Apple servers. Use the Apple deregister tool.
Network Issue:
Restart your iPhone or reset network settings (Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Reset Network Settings).
Contact Carrier:
If issues persist, contact your mobile carrier (e.g., Bell, Verizon) to ensure SMS/MMS is enabled on your account.
Common Fixes:
Toggle iMessage: Turn off iMessage temporarily to force SMS.
Check Blocked Contacts: Ensure the recipient isn't in your blocked list.
Use International Format: If texting outside the US, ensure the full format (including +) is used.
heres how to make the magic happen:::
To send SMS/MMS (green bubble) messages from your Mac, you need to enable Text Message Forwarding on your iPhone so it can relay messages through the same Apple Account (Apple ID).
Here’s how to set it up:
On your iPhone, open Settings.
Tap Messages.
Tap Text Message Forwarding.
Turn on the toggle for your Mac (it must be signed in with the same Apple Account).
If prompted, enter the verification code shown on your Mac.
Make sure:
Your iPhone and Mac are signed in to the same Apple Account.
Both devices have Wi-Fi (or cellular on iPhone) enabled.
On your Mac, open the Messages app and sign in if needed.
Once enabled, your Mac will be able to send and receive:
iMessages (blue bubbles) directly via Apple’s servers.
SMS/MMS (green bubbles) relayed through your iPhone.
