Can You Text on WiFi?
Introduction
Texting has gone way beyond its cellular confines in today’s high-speed, tech-centered universe. Well, this week the company can celebrate one such advancement: If your cell service is weak or nonexistent and you’re on WiFi instead, texting still works.
With it, users can send SMS (Short Message Service) messages over a WiFi connection rather than relying on sending from conventional cell towers. You could be in an area with no coverage, or you are looking to use as little data as possible texting over WiFi is your answer.
While WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, in particular, need you to have an internet connection active on your device (the former even came up as a marketing point for its acquisition!), sms over wifi networks works just the way it does with cellular networks. Below I will guide you on how you can set up SMS over WiFi on Android as well as iPhones. Also check out the Pros & Cons.
How Does SMS Over WiFi Work?
WiFi calling = Your phone sends your text message through a WiFi network instead of relying on the cellular connection. To put it simply, WiFi works as a substitute for data signals. The process is exactly the same as with traditional SMS except that instead of traveling via mobile towers it goes through the internet, routed over your network provider’s system.
SMS Over WiFi vs WhatsApp and other popular internet-based apps: The main distinction between SMS over WiFi and some of the well-liked web-based messaging services is that, while utilizing an SMS implies both you and your recipient must have a phone number to utilize it for those who don’t already bypass this requirement by using IP telephony internet-centered app method like WhatsApp requires only that each user has an account on their service.
SMS over Wi-Fi is a feature that will allow users to text anyone via wi-fi while using cellular data. If your carrier is onboard then there is no need to install third-party apps.
How to Send SMS Over WiFi on Android Phones?
Android users can send SMS over WiFi too, but there are a couple of prerequisites before you start. Your carrier has to support WiFi calling/texting, and your device must be compatible, as well as have some kind of connection to a WiFi network.
Here are the steps to activate SMS over WiFi on Android:
1. Open the Settings of your Android device.
2. If your phone is from the Open Network you will have to install either of its app settings or Connections page.
3. Next tap on the WiFi Calling option and enable the toggle.
This helps send your calls and texts through WiFi wherever it works.
4. Make Sure You Are On A Reliable Wifi Network
5. Just go to your messaging app (for example, Google Messages) and begin sending SMS as regular.
Some third-party messaging apps can do SMS over WiFi, such as Google Messages. As long as the app is your default messaging client and you’re on WiFi. As Android is more flexible, it can be used on all devices but this feature may vary depending on your carrier.
How to Send SMS Over WiFi on iPhones?
It is because, over WiFi calling, SMS are sent using a stock messaging app, and the same traffic for the built-in messages of iPhone users. iMessage uses the internet to send messages between two iPhones, but SMS over WiFi lets you communicate with anyone no matter what device or carrier they are using.
In this situation, sending such SMS over WiFi on an iPhone would look as in:
1. Go to Settings and tap Phone.
2. Find and tap WiFi Calling
3. Your iPhone will start using WiFi calling for calls and texts whenever a cellular network signal is poor or missing entirely so long as you turn it on.
4. Tap into your stock messaging app, and give WiFi texting a go!
FYI: WiFi texting iPhones are directly related to Wifi calling. Although iMessage is a good option for Apple users, SMS over WiFi gives the flexibility to reach Android or non-iMessage recipients as well.
How to use iMessage on a Wi-Fi-only iPhone?
If your second iOS device is an iPhone that only works on Wi-Fi, iMessage can be a great way to communicate when you don’t have service. First, make sure your Fire Cube is connected to a WiFI network. This app allows you to send sms texts with an iMessage feature of iPhone. You can quickly send & receive messages over Wi-Fi Using iMessage settings > Pass setup > Activate sms through wifi! This is a great option for those business owners and marketers who run campaigns through mass sms.
In addition to regular messaging, iMessage supports voice and video calls, enabling comprehensive communication options. Users can even play games with other users while chatting. To optimize your experience, consider toggling the option next to automate notifications, ensuring you’re always updated on receiving messages over wifi. For those interested in a cost-effective solution for business messaging, exploring third-party apps may also provide additional functionalities. Check out related articles for a comprehensive guide on managing your iMessage settings effectively.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Using SMS Over WiFi?
Well, as with all features SMS over WiFi has its pros and cons. Let’s take a look at both.
Pros:
With a WiFi connection: This allows you to send SMS through Wifi free, and generally it requires no costs. This will be particularly helpful for users with capped data plans.
Works in poor signal areas: Even if you have weak or no cellular signals (basements, rural areas, and away from urban areas), SMS over WiFi makes sure that your text will still be sent/received.
Airplane mode (with WiFi): You can also send and receive texts from the comfort of airplane mode.
Cons:
Connected to WiFi: The main downside is having an internet connection. The downside is, that you cannot use the feature if there is no WiFi present.
Carrier dependent: Not all carriers enable SMS over WiFi. However, the service does rely on user carrier support so users need to check if their carrier supports this.
International message problems: Not all carriers support international SMS over WiFi, and you may be limited in your ability to send texts while abroad.
Using VoIP Texting for SMS Over WiFi
For that we unarmed with VoIP(Voice over Internet Protocol) SMS messages through WiFi so it is a much better solution to send text without considering your cellular coverage. Send and receive text messages over WiFi, even when cellular service is spotty. A lot of applications these days such as Viber, Telegram, and WeChat support wifi calling/texting people without a plan from the mobile carrier.
When you send an SMS over WiFi, your messages are delivered through the wifi network you wish to use, eliminating the need for cellular coverage. This functionality is especially beneficial for those who can’t send or receive SMS messages over WiFi through their cellular network provider. The ability to utilize a third-party messaging app can enhance the user experience, as texts sent between iPhone users can be transmitted effortlessly. However, pricing for these services varies depending on the provider’s support for such features.
Conclusion
In short, when there are no mobile networks or they have poor reception, sending an SMS over WiFi is one of the most practical solutions. This provides basic SMS functionality which can be handy in some circumstances as it allows you to send and receive text messages without having a mobile signal.
Even though it is not compatible with every device, you can find this by the WiFi calling option in modern Android and iPhones. The setting is likely not widely available for users at the moment, and those who are interested in turning on SMS over WiFi should contact their carrier to check if they support it before going through settings.
SMS over WiFi is the bridge between old SMS and new web-based messaging services, so you always keep in touch even if your cellular network can’t.
FAQs
1. Can I send SMS over WiFi with Android phones?
Do Android phones typically support SMS over WiFi (over certain carriers)? You can find such a feature from the settings.
2. Do iPhones support sending SMS over WiFi?
Anyways yes, iPhones don’t exactly support SMS over WiFi per say but rather through the Wifi calling feature that is when you are connected to a network.
3. Are there any third-party apps to send an SMS over WiFi?
Google Messages, among other third-party messaging apps, can do SMS over WiFi.
4. What is the main difference between SMS over WiFi and regular texting?
The difference: SMS over WiFi instead of conventional cellular networks.
5. Are there any costs involved in sending SMS over WiFi?
In almost all cases, using the WiFi network for sending SMS messages is included in your wireless carrier’s plans which are at best free if you already pay something minimal monthly or maybe can’t do it depending on not-so-great individual carriers’ data competitive strategy.
