Send and receive text messages (SMS) on your iPad or Mac!

Learn how to send traditional text messages on your iPad or Mac when you have an iPhone. Keep in touch with your green bubble friends!

[@susanprovan7748]

You helped me in less than 5 minutes. I was on the help line for 45 minutes with no resolution. Thanks so much!

[@nYkpTheArtist]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I was giving myself a headache trying to figure out why one iPad would allow me to text my mom (she has Android) but the other iPad would not. I asked ALL my techy friends who have iPhones and they all said that "you should not be able to text an Android from your iPad" and AT&T said the same thing... even after I said "but I send texts from one iPad all the time to Android numbers" lol. It was hard for me to find a video that addresses this very specific issue but you fixed the problem instantly for me! Thank you again!!!

[@mikestutorials]

I'm glad I could help!

[@Owlhunter10]

Thanks Mike - this video is 3 years old and I was trying to get my iPad mini 5 to send sms messages. When I saw add my iPad mini on my 11 pro max I was delighted! I turned it on and it worked. Thanks Again!

[@mikestutorials]

You're welcome!

[@billschannel]

Is this outdated already? I show no "forwarding" as an option inside messagibng.

[@mikestutorials]

Nope, it's current. Try signing out and in of messages, and try rebooting.

[@mikestutorials]

Check to make sure you are signed in with your Apple ID on both devices.

[@hiddenn]

Hi bill huge fan

[@katelyns4246]

billschannel tins I

[@atomicatomzz3264]

Omg it’s bill

[@Cayuanna92]

Omg thank you!!!!! It works again finally!! I thought I was crazy cuz I was always able to text from my iPad until I did an update a year ago. So for a year I couldn’t figure out why I wasn’t able to send SMS to androids. Thank you thank you

[@mikestutorials]

Glad I could help!

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

Lucky you, for a year no texting on new iPad to other Android equipment, STILL NO ANSWER, NONE of this works for new iPhone13, new iPad. Apple thinks world runs on Apple, NO does not. How about hospitals, insurance big companies, not Apple driven.

[@theclueless11212]

Thank you soooo much! After scrolling through at least twenty other vids, yours is the only that is up to date and helpful. Keep up the good work!

[@genxsp]

Awesome! This worked. More specifically the make sure to be signed in to Apple ID part.

[@mikestutorials]

Glad to hear it!

[@AlexChipman]

My mac never shows the code. What can I do to get the code to show up?

[@williebryantt]

If text message forwarding option doesn't show up you have to tap on Send & Receive then enable an email address by tapping on it

[@alexleon5292]

@Jira Sukosol gayyyyy

[@AerdnaL]

Hi, this was helpful but I am also not getting the code to pop up on my iPad Air or MacBook Air. I've made sure both iOS's are up to date, both have the latest iOS, all have been restarted, including my iPhone, and I'm signed into AppleID on all devices. I've tried looking through forums but can't find any trouble shooting about this. Any ideas? Thanks!

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

I also cannot get any messaging as described though signed into same info, NO CODE, NO TEXTING ON IPAD TO PLACES WHO ARE SMART ENOUGH TO NOT USE APPLE. I used to love Apple devices, since 1989. Now, any new product is so irritating, frustrating as Apple is selfish, most greedy company out there. This is not the company Steve Jobs envisioned. I am desperate but cannot afford to replace apple stuff. I loathe this iPhone13, Newer iPad, new Apple TV. Wasted so much of my precious time. Any thing new you know about the texting situation?

[@mikestutorials]

I have had to force quit settings sometimes to make the forwarding option show. Even had to do a reboot once.

[@awxlio8496]

Mike's Tutorials my code comes in letters

[@EinsteinTheDog]

It worked. Thank you. I just got a new ipad and didn’t realize that would be an issue.

[@doughall9694]

I have set up my iPad from my iPhone as detailed in the video, however I can only receive iMessage (blue bubble) on my ipad? I have logged in and out of Apple ID several times. I thought I had it working last night but iCloud update overnight might have changed the settings. Thoughts?

[@arthurushijima6543]

When you add the device such as the iPad, you need to have the message ap open on the iPad. A code will be sent from your iPhone to the iPad. You will enter that code on the iPhone as shown on the video. This will in turn connect the iPhone to the iPad for messaging. If you don't have the iPad message ap open, you won't see the code which can become very frustrating.

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

Thanks, you know more than this idiot who is so Cool & casual that he throws out incomplete advice, leading to MORE apple confusing BS. I will follow your advice here.

[@jalebjaba1487]

Thank You for your help.❤

[@mikestutorials]

You're welcome!

[@plantsforhire2572]

Is there a way to show the conversation history on your iPad like how it normally shows up on your iphone? I also do not get this verification code pop up. I have tried just about every troubleshooting tip that's in the comments and still no luck. Any other ideas?

[@mikestutorials]

plantsforhire tcg I believe that for security reasons, Apple sends each device a copy of each message, so you might not have a every message in your iPad if you've been having trouble. Next best idea is to contact Apple for help. Good luck!

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

Contact Apple? You are kidding, The now Apple Genius Tech know next to nothing. It used to be viable option, now dumbest company, dumb engineers, dumbest new products ever. I tremble to think if they come out with iCar. Please people do not risk your lives with this ridiculous construct. You would be taking…….Huge risk.. OMG. It cannot get iPhone13 and new iPad to work. This video makes some sense but only few people can benefit. Check out replies.

[@Siply]

Thank you, this helped me out a lot, my phone has a problem with charging, now I can just keep it plugged in 24/7 to forward to my iPad.

[@lennyf1957]

2:24 text messaging on my iMac stopped working after the last system restart. Prior to that it had been working fine. I do not get the window on my Mac asking for the six digit code. Any thoughts or suggestions?

[@mikestutorials]

I'd try signing out and then back in via Messages, Preferences.

[@lennyf1957]

First off thank you for responding so quickly. Signing out on my phone or on my Mac? I believe I did so but I'll try doing it again.

[@danielroman7333]

Thank you for the helpful tutorials, Mike!

[@GusdeChandrariz]

It is must the iphone and the other device have same OS version,,??? I want to allow but it not showing any code on my ipad,, maybe the version different,,?? My ipad used ios 8.3,, and my iphone used 9.3.1,,,

[@supergplus]

+Chandrariz Jonas It should work as long as you have iOS 8 or later. More info on the feature is here: support.apple.com/en-us/HT204681.

[@nakishamincey3285]

THANK YOU, THIS REALLY HELPED!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikestutorials]

You're welcome!

[@williambennett1736]

Thanks this really help me

[@mikestutorials]

Glad it helped

[@RossRossan]

Bro you came in at such the perfect time!

[@jefftaylor5884]

Thanks! New iPad and could not remember how to do this. So helpful!!

[@mikestutorials]

Glad it helped!

[@cheftoe_7368]

so do you need your iphone to do this; or can you do this in mac settings too? because my iphone is messed up; stuck in a boot loop and i have some messages i need to send/ receive

[@mikestutorials]

yes you need your phone to turn on text message forwarding.

[@bobbrown7511]

Thank you thank you! This solved a big problem for me! Much appreciated!

[@mikestutorials]

Glad it helped!

[@flymatt1968]

Thank you…..was able to use what you said and get it fixed!

[@mikestutorials]

Glad I could help!

[@Robertnight888]

Have iPad and iPhone and want to sign onto Twitter. They want iPhone number, ok and then they say they will send code, so where do I Gina it on my iPad? Please

[@mikestutorials]

If you have it all set up to get SMS, you’ll get it in the Messages app on your iPad.

[@STARBOYGODD]

thanks

[@edwardsokoloff7370]

I have called Apple they had there engineers looking at this I went step by step with you and now it works. Apple couldn't figure this out. Thanks

[@mikestutorials]

Sweet!

[@projectocipitio8664]

Thanks! It really worked!

[@zennaax3]

very helpful! Used this on my new Macbook pro and iphone 8+. Thanks

[@kathysligh2303]

EXACTLY what I needed!!! Thank you!

[@mikestutorials]

You are so welcome!

[@shateratraylor1851]

I can send messages from my iPad to iMessage only, even after I turned on all the setting you showed in the video. I also can’t see messages in the same text thread from either device. For example: if a send a message to my mom from my iPhone, I can’t see it in my text thread on my iPad, & vice versa. Can you help?

[@mikestutorials]

I'd double check to make sure you're signed into Messages with the same Apple ID. You could try signing out and in too.

[@timnash6870]

Thank you this helps a lot Tim from Canada

[@saranghae2947]

why is it in my settings theres no send sms selection..

[@mikestutorials]

I'm not sure, you might want to check with Apple and/or your carrier.

[@johnpetern.hamiladan8402]

You said,make sure I signed in the same Apple ID.So for example,I got iPhone and iPad,so,it means I should sign my one and only Apple ID to my iPhone and iPad to receive and to send messages?

[@mikestutorials]

Yes, indeed!

[@rafa106900]

Dude, you’re video is still going strong . Viewed several others with no luck. Your, worked in less than 2 mins. Keep up the great work.

[@mikestutorials]

I know, right? Made this years ago and the steps remain the same. Glad it helped you.

[@BengieRodriguezRealtor]

I am happy that I learned this from you. Thank you.

[@supergplus]

I'm glad to hear that it helped!

[@message22610]

If both my iPhone and iPad are connected and i respond to a text message on either device, does it dismiss the same notification on the other device not being used? Are notifications dismissed on all devices when i swipe them away from one device?

[@supergplus]

I think it's normally supposed to, but I've had cases of it not happening.

[@Amytalbott82]

Super helpful. Thank you

[@mikestutorials]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EricPiano]

For some reason I could send messages from my iPhone, but I cannot send a message back from my iPad..... what should I do?

[@supergplus]

Make sure you're signed into the same apple id on both devices and have configured text message forwarding.

[@evahometx100]

Very helpful, thank you. Did it on mine.

[@craigbertram6223]

Thank you helped.

[@mikestutorials]

Glad it helped

[@asamisfishy]

Thanks. Very helpful

[@mohammadmahjoub4165]

How can one take all the messages that already exists in your iPhone and let it show up in your Mac. Is there is a way to load all your massages?

[@mikestutorials]

I don't think you can do that right now, but when iOS 11 and High Sierra come out, Apple will offer true iMessage sync with iCloud, and then it should be possible. Maybe I'll do a video on it.

[@BlackRobb55]

How to I send the message directly from the sim in the iPad? Also, when someone sends me a message directly to the iPad sim it doesn't appear

[@mikestutorials]

Hi Robert, it's not possible to send or receive SMS from the data plan of your iPad. You have to use iMessage and the text message forwarding feature of your iPhone.

[@lilburry69]

What if you’re screen is destroyed?

[@mikestutorials]

Tell me more about what you're trying to do?

[@ts6408]

I did everything but when I try to get text message forwarding to my mac I don't get an alert for a code nor do I get a code on my mac. any thoughts or help in this matter? Taylor

[@mikestutorials]

Try rebooting each device, sign out of Messages, sign back in. Sometimes takes some fiddling.

[@jerylmoreno7897]

I dont have text message forwarding

[@mikestutorials]

Make sure you're signed in with the same Apple ID on both devices. Restarting or signing out/in can help too.

[@esketitmyguy7959]

I can’t seem to get my number to pop up on the send and receive list on my iPad.. put my sd card in it so I can text other iPads but number won’t show up at all.. please help!

[@supergplus]

I'm assuming you mean SIM card, not SD card. This method is not supported and does not work. What does work is to leave the SIM card in your iPhone, be signed in as the same Apple ID on both devices (in Settings, Messages, Send & Receive), and to enable Text Message Forwarding in Settings, Messages.

[@darrylwolski9571]

very helpful thank you

[@jaclynmarie5747]

When you say, "Toggle that," and the cell phone screen pops up on the mac and a bubble shows your code, what did you do? How did you get the code?

[@mikestutorials]

You get the code when you turn on Text Message Forwarding, from your iPhone.

[@lakers.714]

Thanks u iwas looking for this long time

[@mikestutorials]

No problem

[@samiyamalik6678]

Do we need data to use message

[@mikestutorials]

Samiya Malik yes, iMessages use data. SMS (green bubble messages) don’t use data.

[@Armaanyo26]

I have no text message forwarding option on my phone.

[@supergplus]

Usually that means that you’re not signed into Messages with your Apple ID on either your phone or other device.

[@bharatarshabhadasa3538]

People who don't have iPhone but have iPad or Mac book. Can they also send messages from iPad ?

[@mikestutorials]

Out of the box you can use the messages app to send iMessages. But that only works between apple devices. Otherwise you can use an app that supports more than just apple, like WhatsApp. I did use an app called Textie for a while that did let me send SMS, but haven't used it in years so not sure if it still works.

[@josephgarcia9134]

Does the iPhone need to be turned on at all times for this to work?

[@supergplus]

Yes, it does, as the iPhone is the device that receives the text and then forwards it on. If the phone is off, it can't forward the text along.

[@nmov9999]

If I want to send sms from iPhone to another ipad by different Apple id cannot right?

[@mikestutorials]

I'm not sure exactly what you're trying to do. I don't think you can send an SMS directly to an iPad, unless you have a 3rd party texting app that supports it. I used to use Textie to do this. But you can do this using iMessage!

[@afentertainmentpublicenter8847]

Hi how i can use my ipad like phone to make calls . Without liking to iphone

[@mikestutorials]

I think there are some VOIP apps that will let you do this? Skype perhaps?

[@mypearcompany9780]

Can u do this if ur iPhone has no sim

[@mikestutorials]

I think you can only send iMessages. You need a sim to do sms.

[@mypearcompany9780]

Oh ok

[@akitotolilbro]

thanks!

[@mikestutorials]

No problem!

[@theringoone]

Doesn't this work with an iPhone 5c? Cant find the settings you talk about in the " messages" section. Doesn't have "sign in" and it doesnt have " text message forwarding". Can text messaging actually be done on my iMac OS Sierra?

[@supergplus]

Yes it works on the iPhone 5C and Sierra. Try going to Settings, Send and Receive and make sure you're signed into the same apple ID as on your iMac.

[@theringoone]

Don't see Text Message Forwarding in my phone. Did everything else, but now stuck on this. GRRR!

[@theringoone]

Tried signing out and in of messages and rebooted. Still shows no text message forwarding. Not to repeat others but, is this outdated?

[@theringoone]

Also dont see" use your Apple ID to send messages. Starting to think I got ripped off with this phone. Stuff seems to be missing. I moved your video ahead, and I don't see any of what your're saying in my iphone 5c Sierra. Sorry I wasted your time. Apple's gonna hear from me.

[@solidsnake58]

I don't see "forwarding" either

[@feawfqw8878]

Thanks man this helped!!

[@bizzygurl87]

I need help can I send other messages on ipad other an apple subscribers if so, please let Me know

[@supergplus]

Yes you can, but you have to turn on text message forwarding on your iPhone to do so.

[@longislandforester859]

How come when I click on messages, it opens the messages automatically, not just who sent the message?

[@mikestutorials]

I'm not sure what you mean exactly. Are you talking about the phone or Mac? Give me more details...

[@longislandforester859]

Mike's Tutorials sorry, iPad. When I open the app, it also opens the messages automatically

[@kizzylr]

Thanks, Brother 😎

[@abreauu94]

I don't have the text message forwarding option

[@supergplus]

That usually means that either you aren't on a supported operating system, or aren't signed into iCloud on all of your devices. I've had to sign out and in to get it to show up too.

[@skytectheemeraldcar6150]

Is this iPad or iPhone?

[@mikestutorials]

It's sending SMS messages with your iPad or Mac. You do need an iPhone to do so with this method.

[@lukemik5470]

Text messages forwarding is not there for me

[@mikestutorials]

Usually means you're not signed into Messages with your Apple ID, either on your Mac or iPhone.

[@sayyedtalhaabir8244]

If Text Message Forwarding don't show either I sign in with my Appli ID.

[@ogp4life681]

Yo same? whats going on?

[@Ursadlonely1]

how are u using ur iPhone on the mac?

[@mikestutorials]

Zarlasht H I use screenflow for mac.

[@3Meitli]

Thanks, it worked!

[@supergplus]

Woo hoo!

[@LILYBULLY]

THANKS, WAS PERFECT!!!

[@royemolgard4356]

I don’t have Iphone

[@Puruuuu1]

You need a updated version of this

[@supergplus]

Thanks, I suppose I could make a new one. Nothing's really changed in terms of the steps to get this working, though.

[@NunoLopesZA]

Nice! - Thanks...

[@noname-codm4590]

I see no text message forwarding😭 and the send as sms

[@supergplus]

Usually the reason why you don't see this is that you're not signed into Messages with the same Apple ID on all of your devices. Give that a try.

[@noname-codm4590]

Mike Brogan oh lol so i cant use sms feature without having 2 or more devices????

[@supergplus]

@@noname-codm4590 With this approach, you're relaying sms messages from an iPhone to another Apple device, so yes.

[@yerikim7932]

That's great tutorial video! I have an issue when I send an iMessage from my Mac, it shows my iCloud email address instead of my phone #. How can I fix that?

[@supergplus]

Sure thing, go to the Messages Preferences and for your iMessage account you can change from where you're sending from.

[@yerikim7932]

Thank you for the quick reply! However how can I go to Message Preferences on my Mac;0??

[@supergplus]

Open Messages, go to the Messages menu and click Preferences.

[@yerikim7932]

Thank you!

[@Nancy-tr5fi]

@@supergplus there is no iMessage preferences on new iPad. I can not use text message on iPad it only sending to other apple devices. New iPhone13 is the worst, all their new equipment is terrible.

[@DrakeLuke1214]

I DONT HAVE THIS SETTING

[@mikestutorials]

If you don't have the setting, make sure you go to Settings, Message, Send & Receive and are signed in with your Apple ID on your iPhone. Then make sure you're signed in on all of your other devices.

[@mscheez247]

Thanks so much !!

[@hareshchaudhary6870]

Thanks

[@mikestutorials]

No problem

[@kazantip9103]

Sms not iMessage

[@gilhd2]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 thank you

[@aaalaaain6671]

The send as sms is not appearing on my ipad. Please i need your help

[@mikestutorials]

Send as SMS is not a supported feature on the iPad.

[@Puruuuu1]

Mike's Tutorials What’s the point of imessage on iPad if so

[@lameesalafeishat8231]

guys, i cant figure out how to solve this message forwarding thing i have an iphone 7plus

[@lameesalafeishat8231]

yet i can’t get this txt message forwarding to appear

[@supergplus]

Make sure you're signed into the same Apple ID in settings, Messages, Send & Receive...on both devices.

[@imthebeesknees111]

Thank you this was driving me crazy

[@mikestutorials]

PDove365 you’re welcome!

[@treedmn]

How do I get my cell # to show instead of me e-mail address

[@mikestutorials]

Check settings, messages, send and receive, start new conversations from.

[@mikestutorials]

On the mac it’s in Messages, preferences.

[@FKenyan]

Thanks dude

[@carlostavares6052]

thanks Mike

[@EduardAnton718]

Very helpful, thank you 🫡

[@demiox]

Tranks

[@FunkyTimeNow]

it dont work for iphone 4s u.u

[@supergplus]

It is supported on the 4S. Try signing out and in. Make sure you have the latest iOS too.

[@rxsesz]

My iPad is newer 😞it wouldn’t work

[@supergplus]

This method works on all iPads. Is it still not working?

[@rxsesz]

@@supergplus well it works now

[@supergplus]

@@rxseszGlad to hear it!

[@davesuccess]

You didn't show an example of you showing that it works after you linked them up.

[@supergplus]

Good point! I guess you'll have to trust me... 😀

[@davesuccess]

The reason I commented that was cause it didn't quite work for me. which is ok cause I think that my issue was a little different from this. I was more dealing with tryin to get messages to work on my iMac where it was working before.

[@supergplus]

I appreciate the feedback. If it was working, and now is not, sometimes you have to sign out, sign back in, on both Mac and phone.

[@elmosworld5168]

Didn’t work

[@mikestutorials]

Look at the comments, there's a few things to try like signing out and in again.

[@jael2236]

how i can use ipad pro 12.9 as a phone? lol

[@supergplus]

Not a problem, use wifi calling: support.apple.com/en-us/HT203032

[@jael2236]

@@supergplus if i have the lte version how can i turn my ipad to a phone when textme or textnow are not supported in my country like in asian countries.

[@supergplus]

@@jael2236You can't use the LTE version for making phone calls, it's just for data. You'd need a voip app.

[@michaelnicoletta5519]

My daughter has an IPAD and I have Android

[@mikestutorials]

Michael Nicoletta you would need to use an app like WhatsApp to message then. iPads without an iPhone can’t send sms messages.

[@kaliwork2214]

I just wanted to be the hundredth person to comment

[@mikestutorials]

That's awesome, well done.

[@davefiano4172]

Nope! Doesn’t work.

[@supergplus]

It does! I just helped someone with it today. What happens when you try?

[@davefiano4172]

@@supergplus Did all that, doesn’t fix the issue of receiving texts from phone onto iPad. Spoke to 2 Apple Senior Reps. Still an open req.

[@supergplus]

@@davefiano4172 Good luck getting it resolved!

[@davefiano4172]

@@supergplus Thanks. I’ll let you know what happens if you want?

[@supergplus]

@@davefiano4172 Sure!

[@cambamnails8675]

mine doesn't work

[@supergplus]

Sorry to hear that, there are some troubleshooting tips in the comments.