How to Turn Off iMessage on iPhone

Turning off iMessage stops your iPhone from sending and receiving blue-bubble messages through Apple’s servers, so texts fall back to standard SMS/MMS. This is essential when switching to an Android phone, troubleshooting delivery issues, or simply wanting to use another messaging app. You can disable it in Settings in under a minute, but there are a few extra steps to ensure your number is fully deregistered.

What You’ll Need

Your iPhone with the latest iOS version installed (Settings > General > Software Update).
Your Apple ID password, in case you need to sign out of iMessage.
Access to the phone number associated with your iPhone (for verification if needed).

Step-by-Step

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. It’s the gray gear icon on your home screen.
Scroll down and tap Messages. This is where all SMS and iMessage settings live.
Find the iMessage toggle at the top of the screen. It will be green when enabled. Tap the toggle to turn it off. The switch will turn gray.
If you also want to disable FaceTime (which uses the same Apple ID), go back to Settings and tap FaceTime, then toggle it off as well. This is optional but recommended if you’re leaving the Apple ecosystem.
To fully deregister your phone number from Apple’s servers, go to Settings > Messages and tap Send & Receive. If iMessage is off, this option may be grayed out. If you can tap it, do so and then tap your Apple ID at the bottom, select Sign Out.
If you’ve already switched to an Android phone and can’t access your iPhone, use Apple’s official deregistration page (selfsolve.apple.com) on any web browser. Enter your phone number and follow the instructions to receive a confirmation code via SMS, then enter it to remove your number from iMessage.

Common Mistakes

Only turning off iMessage but leaving FaceTime on. FaceTime also uses your phone number, and if you switch to Android, other iPhone users may still try to FaceTime you, causing confusion.
Not signing out of your Apple ID on the iPhone before selling or trading it. If you don’t, the next owner could potentially access your iMessage history or use your Apple ID.
Assuming turning off iMessage deletes your message history. It doesn’t. Your existing conversations remain on your iPhone unless you delete them manually.
Forgetting to turn off iMessage on your iPad or Mac. If you have other Apple devices, they can still send iMessages from your number unless you disable it on each device (Settings > Messages > iMessage on iPad, or Messages > Preferences > iMessage on Mac).

Tips

Before switching to Android, turn off iMessage and wait a few minutes. Then send a test SMS to an iPhone user to confirm it arrives as a green bubble.
If you’re traveling internationally and want to avoid data charges, turning off iMessage forces your phone to use SMS, which may be cheaper depending on your plan. However, this also disables end-to-end encryption for your texts.
If you only want to stop receiving iMessages on one device (like your iPad) but keep them on your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive on that device and uncheck your phone number and Apple ID.
Keep your Apple ID password handy. You’ll need it if you ever want to re-enable iMessage later.

Troubleshooting

If you’ve turned off iMessage but still see blue bubbles or messages not delivering, try these steps:

Restart your iPhone. A simple reboot can clear any lingering network or software glitches.
Check your cellular plan. Ensure you have an active SMS/MMS plan. Some carriers require a separate text messaging add-on.
Reset network settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings. This will erase saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth connections, so use it as a last resort.
Contact your carrier. If you’re still having issues with SMS delivery after turning off iMessage, your carrier may need to refresh your account or re-provision your SIM.
If you used the web deregistration tool and didn’t receive the code, wait 24 hours and try again. Sometimes the SMS can be delayed, especially if you’re in a different country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off iMessage delete my text messages?

No. Your existing message history stays on your iPhone. Turning off iMessage only stops new messages from being sent via Apple’s service.

How long does it take for iMessage to deactivate?

It’s usually instant. However, Apple’s servers may take up to 24 hours to fully deregister your number, especially if you use the web tool.

Can I still send photos and videos to iPhone users after turning off iMessage?

Yes, but they’ll be sent as MMS (multimedia messages) instead of iMessage. This uses your cellular data or Wi-Fi, and your carrier may charge for MMS if you don’t have a texting plan.

What happens if I turn iMessage back on later?

You can re-enable it anytime in Settings > Messages. Your phone number will be re-registered with Apple, and you’ll be able to send and receive iMessages again.

Do I need to turn off iMessage if I’m just switching to a new iPhone?

No. When you set up a new iPhone, it automatically transfers your iMessage settings. You only need to turn it off if you’re moving to a non-Apple device or troubleshooting an issue.

Why do my texts still go to my iPad after I turned off iMessage on my iPhone?

iMessage is enabled per device. You need to go to Settings > Messages on your iPad and turn off iMessage there as well. Also check that your Apple ID isn’t still listed under Settings > Messages > Send & Receive on the iPad.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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