Messages Settings on iPhone and iPad in iOS 10

In iOS 10, Messages settings on iPhone and iPad are found in the Settings app under Messages, where you control iMessage, SMS, read receipts, and more. This article explains each option and how to use them effectively.

Background: What Changed in iOS 10 Messages

iOS 10, released in September 2016, brought a major overhaul to the Messages app. It introduced a dedicated App Store for iMessage, bubble and full-screen effects, handwritten messages, digital touch, and the ability to replace the default “Send” button with an app drawer. Alongside these features, Apple also reorganized the Messages settings to accommodate the new functionality. The settings screen gained sections for iMessage, SMS, and new toggles for the app-based features. Understanding these settings helps you control how messages are sent, received, and displayed, and can also impact data usage and notification behavior.

How to Access Messages Settings

To open Messages settings on any iPhone or iPad running iOS 10:

Tap the Settings app on your home screen.
Scroll down and tap Messages (the green icon with a white speech bubble).

Here you will find all the options that control your messaging experience. The settings are grouped into logical sections: iMessage, SMS, and general options. Some options, like “Send as SMS” and “MMS Messaging,” are only visible when a carrier SIM is installed, because they rely on cellular services.

Key Settings Explained

The most important toggles in iOS 10 Messages settings include:

iMessage: The master switch for Apple’s instant messaging service. When on, you can send blue bubble messages over Wi-Fi or cellular data to other Apple devices.
Send as SMS: When iMessage is unavailable (e.g., no internet), this lets the phone automatically send the message as a regular SMS (green bubble) using your cellular plan.
MMS Messaging: Enables sending and receiving picture and video messages via cellular network when iMessage is not used.
Read Receipts: When on, senders see “Read” when you open their message. You can also set this per-conversation in the chat details.
Show Subject Field: Adds an extra line above the message input to enter a subject, which is rarely used but available.
Blocked: Manage a list of contacts you want to block from calling, messaging, or FaceTiming you.

Each toggle has a brief explanation below it in the settings, so you can see what it does before changing it.

iMessage-Specific Options

Under the iMessage section, you’ll find:

Send & Receive: This is where you choose which phone numbers and email addresses are linked to iMessage. You can also set which one is your “Caller ID” (the address others see when you message them).
iMessage Apps: A new section in iOS 10 that shows a list of installed iMessage apps. You can manage which ones appear in the app drawer and whether they can auto-share data.
Low Quality Image Mode: When on, images sent via iMessage are compressed to save data. This is useful if you have a limited data plan.

Note that iMessage requires an Apple ID and an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data). If you sign out of your Apple ID, iMessage will stop working.

Choosing the Right Settings for You

Your choice of settings depends on your usage and data plan. For example:

If you have a limited SMS plan, keep Send as SMS off to avoid accidental charges. You’ll get a warning when a message fails to send as iMessage, and you can manually send as SMS.
If you want to save cellular data, enable Low Quality Image Mode and consider turning off automatic video message downloads (in Settings > Messages, there is an option for “Auto-Play Videos” and “Expire” for audio/video messages).
If you value privacy, turn off Read Receipts so others don’t know when you’ve read their messages. You can still enable it for specific contacts in a conversation’s Details screen.

There is no one-size-fits-all; adjust based on your needs.

Common Problems and Fixes

Users often encounter issues with Messages settings in iOS 10:

iMessage not activating: Go to Settings > Messages and toggle iMessage off, wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on. Ensure you have an internet connection and that your Apple ID is signed in.
Messages sending as green instead of blue: Check that iMessage is on and you have internet. Also verify that the recipient has iMessage enabled. If not, it will send as SMS.
Can’t send photos: Ensure MMS Messaging is on if you’re not using iMessage. For iMessage, check Low Quality Image Mode isn’t causing issues.
Read receipts not working: Make sure the toggle is on in Settings > Messages, and also check the per-conversation setting (open a chat, tap Details, and toggle Read Receipts).

If problems persist, restarting your iPhone or iPad often resolves temporary glitches.

Comparison with Later iOS Versions

iOS 10 was a significant update, but later versions have refined Messages settings. For instance, iOS 11 added the ability to sync messages across devices via iCloud, and iOS 13 introduced Memoji and more robust search. However, the core settings like iMessage, Send as SMS, and Read Receipts have remained consistent. If you’re on a newer iOS, you’ll find these options in the same place, with a few additions like “Keep Messages” (how long to keep messages) and “Message History” options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my messages green instead of blue?

Green bubbles mean the message was sent as SMS/MMS, not iMessage. This happens when iMessage is off, the recipient doesn’t have iMessage, or there’s no internet connection. Check your iMessage toggle and internet connection, and confirm the recipient’s Apple device is set up for iMessage.

How do I turn off read receipts for everyone?

Go to Settings > Messages and toggle off Read Receipts. This disables them for all conversations. To enable for a specific person, open that conversation, tap Details, and turn on Read Receipts just for that chat.

What does “Send as SMS” do?

When iMessage fails to send (e.g., no internet), this setting automatically sends the message as a regular SMS using your cellular plan. If it’s off, you’ll see a red exclamation mark and can manually choose to send as SMS.

How do I add or change my iMessage phone number or email?

Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. There you can see all phone numbers and email addresses associated with your Apple ID. Tap an email to add or remove it, and select which one is your “Caller ID” for outgoing messages.

Does turning off iMessage affect my SMS texts?

No. Turning off iMessage only disables Apple’s internet-based messaging. Regular SMS and MMS texts will still work if you have a cellular plan. However, features like read receipts and typing indicators will not work for SMS.

Can I block someone from messaging me in iOS 10?

Yes. Go to Settings > Messages > Blocked, then tap “Add New…” and choose a contact. You can also block from a conversation by tapping the contact’s name and selecting “Block this Caller.” Blocked contacts cannot send you iMessages, SMS, or call you.

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

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