Seeing green text bubbles instead of the familiar blue on your iPhone can be a little unsettling. So, why are your texts green? The answer lies in the iMessage vs. SMS/MMS protocol.
Blue bubbles indicate iMessage, Apple's proprietary messaging service that uses Wi-Fi or cellular data. Green bubbles mean you're sending a traditional SMS or MMS message. This usually happens when:
* **The recipient isn't using an Apple device:** Android phones, for example, rely on SMS/MMS.
* **iMessage is disabled:** Either on your phone or the recipient's.
* **You or the recipient have a poor or no data connection:** iMessage requires data; SMS/MMS relies on cellular service.
* **The recipient's number isn't registered with iMessage:** It's a new number or iMessage hasn't been properly activated.
Don't panic! Green texts still deliver your message. If you prefer iMessage, make sure it's enabled in your iPhone settings (Settings > Messages > iMessage). Also, check your data connection and that the recipient has iMessage activated if they're on an Apple device. Now you know the secret behind the green!
