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5 Solutions if text from iPad to Android not working

Posted on by darion

Trying to send a text from an iPad to an Android device and discovering that it doesn’t work can seem incredibly confusing, especially if you’re used to seamless communication within the Apple ecosystem. If you’re like most users, you might be quick to blame the iPad.

However, due to the way Apple handles messaging services, your iPad technically does not send messages to Android devices directly, even if you have a cellular plan. While this news may seem even more frustrating, it is important to keep it in mind. Otherwise, you will waste time troubleshooting in the wrong areas.

Things to remember when texting on iPad

iPad cannot send or receive SMS/MMS messages on its own, regardless of whether the device supports the cellular feature. To be able to forward messages and enable continuity features, you need to pair it with your iPhone.

With this in mind, here are some things to remember:

  • For everything to work smoothly, you need to enable iMessage on both devices. Find this setting near the top Settings > Messages. Be sure to turn this option off if you’re switching from iPhone to another non-Apple smartphone.
  • Both devices will also need to be connected to a Wi-Fi and/or cellular network. Check yours Control Center to make sure that airplane mode is disabled and that you have a proper connection.
  • Make sure you are not blocked by the number you are trying to call.
  • You should also make sure your devices are up to date via Settings > General > Software update.

1. Check your Apple ID/iCloud settings

Time needed: 2 minutes

Check if your iPad and iPhone use the same Apple ID. If your devices use different accounts, the Messages app will not sync properly. Fortunately, they can be checked and changed quite quickly. You can follow these steps on both devices:

  1. First, make sure both devices use the same Apple ID. You can check this right at the top of the file Settings. You can check the specific email address associated with your Apple ID via Settings > Your name > Login and security.

    The share button works in iOS 17. Click your nameThe share button works in iOS 17. Click your name

  2. If you don’t use the same Apple ID, you can sign out of one or both devices by clicking Your name. Scroll down and select log out.

    AirDrop not working iOS 17 Click Sign OutAirDrop not working iOS 17 Click Sign Out

  3. Be sure to keep all your details when asked for. Obtain log out in the corner.

    AirDrop not working iOS 17 Keep your dataAirDrop not working iOS 17 Keep your data

  4. You can log in again directly from Settings > Log in (device) (where you saw your name).

2. Turn on message forwarding

The next thing you need to do is turn on message forwarding. This allows your iPhone to communicate with your iPad – you can check if your iPad is also listed for this setting.

  1. On iPhone, go to Settings.
  2. To choose The news.iMessage issues in iOS 17 Select MessagesiMessage issues in iOS 17 Select Messages
  3. To choose Forwarding text messages.
  4. Find your iPad and make sure the button next to it is green, which means it’s turned on. If you don’t see your iPad, it’s probably because both devices don’t share a shared Apple ID.

3. Restart your iPhone

It may be that a small bug on your iPhone is preventing your iPad from sending and receiving messages. Performing a force restart won’t hurt anything

  1. Press and release quickly Turn up the volume button.
  2. Press and release quickly Turn down the volume button.
  3. Finally, press and hold Side button until you see the Apple logo.Sony headphones app connecting iOS forces iPhone to restartSony headphones app connecting iOS forces iPhone to restart
  4. Check here if you’re using an older iPhone model.

4. Reset network settings

Again, the problem may be that a network issue on your iPhone is preventing messages from being passed between devices. In this case, it may be wise to reset your network settings. However, remember to try other solutions first as this solution will erase your Wi-Fi and VPN settings.

  1. On iPhone, go to Settings > General.
  2. Scroll down and select Transfer or reset iPhone.Sony headphones app connecting iOS Tap Transfer or Reset iPhoneSony headphones app connecting iOS Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
  3. Obtain Resetting.AirDrop not working iOS 17 Click ResetAirDrop not working iOS 17 Click Reset
  4. To choose Restart network settings and confirm your decision. sony headphone app connecting ios Tap Reset Network Settingssony headphone app connecting ios Tap Reset Network Settings

5. Use a different messaging service

If you’re still having trouble forwarding messages or still can’t send messages to non-Apple devices, you may want to consider switching to a different messaging service.

While this doesn’t fully count as a solution, these days virtually anyone can be contacted via an alternative messaging service. Whether you use Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Instagram or SnapChat, you can most likely send a message to the person you want to contact if they want to talk to you.

Of course, maybe it’s time to convince your friends to join the Blue Bubble Club. You may also want to know how to fix an iPad Pro that won’t turn on.