Sending TXTs from an iPad

[rnorman345]

It would appear that, despite that this iPad has a mobile SIM in it and my plan allows a number of 'free' texts I cannot send texts to my contacts where I have their mobile number unless they have an iPhone!!!

 

[twerppoet]

SMS is part of the signal that makes voice calls on your cellphone work, not part of the new data signals such as CDMA, GSM, or LTE. As such you can't use SMS unless the device is also a phone.

The iPad is not registered as a phone and can't make phone calls. As such it can not do SMS.

The Messages app is different between the iPhone and iPad. On the iPad it only has Apple's iMessage service, which needs internet and only connects to other Apple devices; if they have iMessages enabled.

Messages on the iPhone can use both the iMessages service and SMS/MMS, the cellular text service. When enabled in settings it will automatically choose SMS when iMessages won't work.


There are several apps in the App Store that can give you access to SMS on your iPad. Some cost, and I believe a few are free (with limitations). What they all will do is give you another phone number using an online service that will act as a go-between for the internet and cellular networks.

 

[petermillard]

Here in the UK some carriers have an app that allows you to send texts as if they were sent from your phone - O2 has one called TuGo that allows this, and will also make cals over wifi - so check your carrier to see what they offer.

As an aside, I've never seen a tablet-based SIM plan that has a text allowance - are you using a regular phone-plan SIM?

 

[leelai]

Hi and welcome to the Forum!

The IPad Forum is a community of members from all walks of life and from all over the world coming together to share our experiences and to help each other learn about this wonderful piece of technology the Ipad. There is a wealth of information already here in the many threads we have so doing some searches will answer most of the questions you have. If then you cannot find the answer you are seeking then by all means post your question. There are many friendly and informed members here only too willing to help you.

We also have our own App - It is a very simple app to navigate.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/discussion-forum-for-ipad/id412896524?mt=8
Tutorial for our App
http://www.ipadforums.net/new-membe...sistance/107524-ipad-forums-app-tutorial.html
Tutorial on creating posts on the Forum
http://www.ipadforums.net/new-membe...-creating-posts-starting-new-threads-how.html
Reading the IPad manual is a great place to start so please download a copy of these.
http://www.support.apple.com/manuals/ipad/
3 very informative threads from which you will learn many tips and shortcuts for the IPad.
http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-general-discussions/21590-tips-tricks-those-us-who-dont-know.html
http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-os/49581-ios5-tips-tricks.html
http://www.ipadforums.net/ipad-help...shortcuts-helpful-places-people-new-ipad.html
We have rules like any Community so please read these also
http://www.ipadforums.net/forum-rul...um-rules-everybody-please-read.html#post14697

Once again we welcome you here and are so pleased you have joined us!

 

[rnorman345]

thanks for that I have looked at the various apps and as you say they give you yet another number (that cannot be used on a phone) so I will just have to continue to carry my phone AND iPad till someone sees the opportunity or move to skype and get rid of the phones which is not going to happen

SMS is part of the signal that makes voice calls on your cellphone work, not part of the new data signals such as CDMA, GSM, or LTE. As such you can't use SMS unless the device is also a phone.

The iPad is not registered as a phone and can't make phone calls. As such it can not do SMS.

The Messages app is different between the iPhone and iPad. On the iPad it only has Apple's iMessage service, which needs internet and only connects to other Apple devices; if they have iMessages enabled.

Messages on the iPhone can use both the iMessages service and SMS/MMS, the cellular text service. When enabled in settings it will automatically choose SMS when iMessages won't work.


There are several apps in the App Store that can give you access to SMS on your iPad. Some cost, and I believe a few are free (with limitations). What they all will do is give you another phone number using an online service that will act as a go-between for the internet and cellular networks.

 

[twerppoet]

I believe (though I am not sure) that Google Voice would allow you to receive the same SMS messages on both the iPhone and iPad. It would still be a different number than your iPhone's main number, but it would be the same on both devices.

I haven't looked into Google Voice very deeply so I could easily be wrong, and I have no idea of how to set it up.