iMessage International Texting 6+?

[ET iPhone Home]

I'm sending out "Happy New Year" GIFs to family and friends. The GIF's I sent via iMessage internationally are not getting sent, but the local ones are.

I'm sending them exactly as the phone numbers appear in my CONTACTS starting with: 011 xxx xx xxx xxx.

Am I doing something wrong? This is the first time I'm using iMessage for I=international texts. I do have an international text plan with ATT.

 

[Gav2k]

I'm sending out "Happy New Year" GIFs to family and friends. The GIF's I sent via iMessage internationally are not getting sent, but the local ones are.

I'm sending them exactly as the phone numbers appear in my CONTACTS starting with: 011 xxx xx xxx xxx.

Am I doing something wrong? This is the first time I'm using iMessage for I=international texts. I do have an international text plan with ATT.

My international numbers are set +44 etc have you tried that?

 

[scaredpoet]

My international numbers are set +44 etc have you tried that?

+44 is the dialing code for the UK. Fine if you're texting numbers in the UK, but not so much for other countries.

 

[Gav2k]

+44 is the dialing code for the UK. Fine if you're texting numbers in the UK, but not so much for other countries.

I was referring to the fact the op's numbers are set up 011 where mobiles use the prefix +11 which iMessage could be reading incorrectly!

 

[scaredpoet]

I'm sending them exactly as the phone numbers appear in my CONTACTS starting with: 011 xxx xx xxx xxx.

Try replacing "011 xxx xx xxx xxx" with "+xxx xx xxx xxx" instead. On GSM-based networks (like AT&T and most international networks) "+" indicates international dialing. that's also most likely how your friends overseas have their numbers registered in iMessage.

Or worst case, reach them through some other means and have them send you an iMessage first. This way you will get a message from them using their mobile number exactly as it should appear when sending them a message.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

Try replacing "011 xxx xx xxx xxx" with "+xxx xx xxx xxx" instead. On GSM-based networks (like AT&T and most international networks) "+" indicates international dialing. that's also most likely how your friends overseas have their numbers registered in iMessage.

Or worst case, reach them through some other means and have them send you an iMessage first. This way you will get a message from them using their mobile number exactly as it should appear when sending them a message.

I will do as you suggest by placing a + 011 63 2 xxx xxx, but if I make a call, will this + interfere with making a connection? I would have to edit all my international contacts by placing a + followed by the numbers. What exactly does the + do when sending out international texts?

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My international numbers are set +44 etc have you tried that?

I will try and insert the + to see if it works. I was also wondering if maybe the reason why my friends are not receiving my international texts is if their phones have actual loads where they need to pay into similar to our pay-as-you-go plans. I wonder if this affects the sending of these texts, but I will try the + and report back.

I had to re-read your reply. Yes, in my contacts, I have my friends number entered as 011 63 2 xxx xxxx. This is how I would dial them and call from a landline. I don't ever dial from my iPhone if I need to speak with them. So what you're saying is I need to add a + before the numbers to allow international texts, am I correct to understand this? I wonder if they need to add a + before my number for them to respond back? This is my first experience sending out international texts.

 

[buntym]

First off let's clarify a few facts:

• The code 011 is the Exit Code for the USA. An exit code is a number dialled before an international phone number in order to dial out of the country. Not all countries have an exit code. The US does. So for instance, if I were to dial a number in the UK I would dial 011 44 ***********.
  
• Exit Codes are only used for DIALLING out of a country, and for TEXTING out of it. iMessage uses your data to send an instant message instead of a text. Therefore, adding 011 will not make a difference. If you had a UK number saved as a standard international format, it would send. (+44 **********).
  
• If the people you are texting do not have iPhones with valid data plans/iMessage configuration, they will not receive the iMessage. This is a pretty big issue because outside the USA, iMessage generally takes a back-seat to other instant messaging services like Whatsapp.

So basically if you want to send an iMessage to anyone internationally, whether it's saved with the Exit Code or not, it will send as long as everyone has an iPhone and you have the right number. Note that some people only have their email addresses linked to their iMessage account, so you may have to send your message to that instead of their number.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

First off let's clarify a few facts:

• The code 011 is the Exit Code for the USA. An exit code is a number dialled before an international phone number in order to dial out of the country. Not all countries have an exit code. The US does. So for instance, if I were to dial a number in the UK I would dial 011 44 ***********.
  
• Exit Codes are only used for DIALLING out of a country, and for TEXTING out of it. iMessage uses your data to send an instant message instead of a text. Therefore, adding 011 will not make a difference. If you had a UK number saved as a standard international format, it would send. (+44 **********).
  
• If the people you are texting do not have iPhones with valid data plans/iMessage configuration, they will not receive the iMessage. This is a pretty big issue because outside the USA, iMessage generally takes a back-seat to other instant messaging services like Whatsapp.

So basically if you want to send an iMessage to anyone internationally, whether it's saved with the Exit Code or not, it will send as long as everyone has an iPhone and you have the right number. Note that some people only have their email addresses linked to their iMessage account, so you may have to send your message to that instead of their number.

Thank you!!! One of my friends does have an iPhone 4S. I'm testing and sending the text through different formats. I've tried:

+011 63 2 xxx xxxx
+63 2 xxx xxxx
+632xxxxxx (dropping the 0 zero before the number).

It still does not work. I don't get it.

 

[lordofthereef]

If it's just an immediate, do you actually need the country codes and all that?

Ask the person you are sending the message to how they would enter their number if they were texting locally and try that. May not work. I really don't know how imessage sees/stores numbers. I do know that ios essentially checks to see if said number is in a database before sending the message ss a standard mms though.

 

[buntym]

Thank you!!! One of my friends does have an iPhone 4S. I'm testing and sending the text through different formats. I've tried:

+011 63 2 xxx xxxx
+63 2 xxx xxxx
+632xxxxxx (dropping the 0 zero before the number).

It still does not work. I don't get it.

Looks like everything is being done right on your end. I'd suggest sending the iMessage to your friend's Apple ID that he associates with it and see if it goes through.

However just a heads up, there is no "+" before 011. You would just type "011632*******"

 

[Rayfire]

Thank you!!! One of my friends does have an iPhone 4S. I'm testing and sending the text through different formats. I've tried:

+011 63 2 xxx xxxx
+63 2 xxx xxxx
+632xxxxxx (dropping the 0 zero before the number).

It still does not work. I don't get it.

My hunch is you're from PH

Mine works and I send to +63 917 xxx xxxx which are mobile numbers. Of course the 917 prefix depends either if they're on Globe, Smart, Sun etc.

 

[Sumter]

My mom lives in a different country from me and uses an iPhone so we sometimes text internationally using iMessage.

She is in South Korea and their country code is 82. (USA is 1, for example) Her cell phone number starts with 010-xxxx-xxxx.

I have her added in my contacts with the number +82 10-xxxx-xxxx

So, a plus sign in front of country code and no zero in front of the actual phone number. At least that's how it works for the country I'm talking about.

 

[scaredpoet]

I will do as you suggest by placing a + 011 63 2 xxx xxx,

No, 011 needs to be removed entirely. "+63 2 xxx xxx" is how these numbers need to look.

but if I make a call, will this + interfere with making a connection?

No, + is the GSM signifier for international dialing. It replaces 011.


Given your lack of success on this, I think you need to call or e-mail these people ask them to send YOU a text first. Then whatever number shows up when you receive their text, you should use as their number in your contacts list. This should allow you to send messages to them. It will also verify if they do, in fact, have iMessage turned on.

Alternately, bear in mind that iMessage isn't limited to phone numbers. If they have an e-mail address associated with their iCloud account, then you should also be able to send them an iMessage using that e-mail address as the identifier.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

My hunch is you're from PH

Mine works and I send to +63 917 xxx xxxx which are mobile numbers. Of course the 917 prefix depends either if they're on Globe, Smart, Sun etc.

Yes! I am sending a text to a friend in the Philippines. She's in Manila and I believe she's on globe. How would I enter that number in my contacts to send a text?

 

[Rayfire]

Yes! I am sending a text to a friend in the Philippines. She's in Manila and I believe she's on globe. How would I enter that number in my contacts to send a text?

Same as what I quoted, some of my PH colleagues (i.e. using Globe telecom) are saved on my phone as "+63 917 xxx xxxx" without the quotes and remove the spaces in between. I can send/receive iMessage to them normally.

If yours still won't send, have them send you one using "011 xxx xxx xxxx" (remove quotes and spaces) standard area code, followed by your own number.

Let me know if it works or if you have any other questions.

 

[Paco II]

From my reading of this thread, OP is in the US and friends are in PH. The friends would not use the US exit code to message OP.

Optimal contact phone format:

+ [country code] [area code ] [phone number]

If yours still won't send, have them send you one using "011 xxx xxx xxxx" (remove quotes and spaces) standard area code, followed by your own number.

 

[Rayfire]

From my reading of this thread, OP is in the US and friends are in PH. The friends would not use the US exit code to message OP.

Optimal contact phone format:

+ [country code] [area code ] [phone number]

Thanks for ponting that out, one digit error 0. I have my friends at PH who have my number saved with 001 as the prefix, followed by my area code then phone nunver and I receive their texts.

 

[Paco II]

iMessage International Texting 6+?

With the exception of those countries that have multiple exit codes, most can use the plus symbol in lieu of the actual code. That also ensures greater portability, should you use your phone outside your home country.

In your example, it's actually not 001, but really 00 (exit code) 1 (US country code). Just adding that for clarity.

Edit to add: Good reference here. http://www.howtocallabroad.com/codes.html

Thanks for ponting that out, one digit error 0. I have my friends at PH who have my number saved with 001 as the prefix, followed by my area code then phone nunver and I receive their texts.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

Same as what I quoted, some of my PH colleagues (i.e. using Globe telecom) are saved on my phone as "+63 917 xxx xxxx" without the quotes and remove the spaces in between. I can send/receive iMessage to them normally.

If yours still won't send, have them send you one using "011 xxx xxx xxxx" (remove quotes and spaces) standard area code, followed by your own number.

Let me know if it works or if you have any other questions.

Initially, I was trying to send a Happy New Year GIF which would not send. I toubleshooted the issue by sending a normal text and it sent, but I can't send any type of photos or GIFs; only text. Are you able to send your friends in the PH picture texts?

 

[Rayfire]

Initially, I was trying to send a Happy New Year GIF which would not send. I toubleshooted the issue by sending a normal text and it sent, but I can't send any type of photos or GIFs; only text. Are you able to send your friends in the PH picture texts?

Yes I can. Does your friend from PH able to send iMessage to you?

If so, you should be able to send/receive anything including picture texts. You should try asking her to send you iMessage then reply from there.

 

[cyb3rdud3]

Don't forget that normal 'texting' as in sending an SMS message does not allow for graphics to be embedded. If they are on iMessage they'll receive it fine (if the number is entered correctly). If not it will be send as what is known as an MMS, not all operators or phones can display those, and quite often they also cost extra. An MMS unlike an SMS could quite often show as an URL for the recipient.

In short it is just not worth the hassle Just send them a normal SMS with the correct phone number and all be fine.

 

[ET iPhone Home]

Don't forget that normal 'texting' as in sending an SMS message does not allow for graphics to be embedded. If they are on iMessage they'll receive it fine (if the number is entered correctly). If not it will be send as what is known as an MMS, not all operators or phones can display those, and quite often they also cost extra. An MMS unlike an SMS could quite often show as an URL for the recipient.

In short it is just not worth the hassle Just send them a normal SMS with the correct phone number and all be fine.

Yes, I noticed the reply to my text had a URL of the GIF I was trying to send. I'm happy I got the normal text finally working.

 

[Apple blogger]

I'm sending out "Happy New Year" GIFs to family and friends. The GIF's I sent via iMessage internationally are not getting sent, but the local ones are.

I'm sending them exactly as the phone numbers appear in my CONTACTS starting with: 011 xxx xx xxx xxx.

Am I doing something wrong? This is the first time I'm using iMessage for I=international texts. I do have an international text plan with ATT.

Ask of they have their email adresses also where you can send imessage.. Then send it on them

 

[ET iPhone Home]

Ask of they have their email adresses also where you can send imessage.. Then send it on them

Thanks! I forgot that I could iMessage through an email rather than a number. I am able to send normal texts though their international cell numbers without picture texts. I sent my GIF New Years Greeting through email. I would have rather send it via iMessage. I'm trying that app called Whatsapp too. I created a new thread regarding my questions on Whatsapp.

 

[jxc1996]

prefix before area code

Also check if mobile numbers require a prefix... I iMessage a foreign country all the time but their mobile numbers require a "1" before the area code ... example... +XX 1 XXX XXX XXXX... i hope this helps