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Does iMessage work internationally?
Keep in touch with your loved ones with the iMessage service. Read how to activate it, features, and more information in this article!
Yes, iMessage works internationally and remains free as long as you’re connected to the internet. That means your texts, photos, and reactions (blue bubbles) won’t cost extra from Apple.
But heads up — you may still face charges from your mobile carrier if you’re using cellular data abroad, or if your phone falls back to SMS (green bubbles).
Here’s what to check and how to stay connected reliably while traveling.
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What is iMessage?
iMessage is Apple’s internet-based messaging service that lets you send texts, photos, videos, and voice notes for free through WiFi or mobile data instead of using traditional SMS.
This helps you avoid carrier charges on your SIM card for iPhone while accessing features like group chats, message reactions, and syncing across your Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
Is iMessage free internationally?
Yes, iMessage is free to use internationally when you are connected to WiFi or mobile data. You won’t pay to send or receive messages through iMessage itself (like WhatsApp and other messaging platforms).
However, if you’re using mobile data while traveling, your carrier may charge roaming fees based on your mobile plan. Always review your carrier’s international data rates before you travel. Some carriers offer international plans that can help minimize or eliminate those charges.
| 💡If you’re having trouble connecting to a network or sending messages, check your iPhone’s APN settings for possible issues. |
What is the difference between iMessage and SMS?
Apple’s iMessage works over the internet between Apple devices, while SMS sends messages via cellular data networks, often incurring carrier fees.
Here’s a quick overview:
| iMessage | SMS | |
| Connection | Requires WiFi or mobile data | Uses cellular network (no internet needed) |
| Compatibility | Apple devices only | Works on all mobile devices (Apple and Android phone) |
| Cost | Free over WiFi, may use mobile data | May incur charges based on carrier plan |
| Message bubble color | Blue bubble (iMessage) | Green bubble (SMS) |
| Encryption | End-to-end encrypted | Not encrypted |
| Media support | High-quality photos, videos, voice notes | Limited to basic text and MMS (lower quality) |
| Character limit | No limit | 160 characters per SMS (longer ones split) |
| Features | Read receipts, typing indicators, reactions | Basic text messaging only |
How do I get my iMessage to work internationally?
To get started, you need to enable iMessage in your settings and connect it to your phone number.
Go to Settings > Scroll down to Apps > Messages> toggle on iMessage.
If prompted, sign in with your Apple ID to sync iMessage across all your Apple devices.
⚠️To prevent unexpected costs, disable the “Send as SMS” option under Settings > Apps > Messages. This stops your phone from switching to SMS (which could incur fees) if the internet connection is lost mid-message.
💡 Pro tip: To use iMessage seamlessly abroad, make sure you have a reliable internet connection—either Wi-Fi or an international eSIM data plan.
What can I do with free iMessage abroad?
With iMessage abroad, you can send texts, share media, manage group chats, and recover messages — all while avoiding SMS fees if connected to WiFi or a data plan.
Let’s take a look!
Send voice notes with iMessage
Sending voice notes with iMessage is quick and easy. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Select an existing conversation or start a new one.
- Press and hold the microphone icon next to the text input field.
- Record your message while holding the icon.
- Swipe up or click the arrow to send the recording instantly. You can also release or click on the cross to cancel if you change your mind.
The voice note will appear in the chat bubble, and the recipient can listen to it directly from the conversation.
React and reply to messages
With iMessage, you can react to messages or reply directly within a conversation, making chats more interactive and organized. Here’s how:
To react to a message:
- Press and hold the message you want to react to.
- Choose from available reactions like a heart, thumbs up, or exclamation mark.
- Your reaction will a/ppear as a small icon attached to the message bubble.
To reply to a specific message:
- Press and hold the message you want to reply to.
- Tap “Reply” from the pop-up menu.
- Type your response, which will appear as a threaded reply within the conversation.
Edit or delete text messages after sending them
With iOS 16 and later, you can edit or delete iMessages up to 15 minutes after sending them. This feature works regardless of whether the recipient has already read the text message.
- To edit a message, tap and hold the message. Select More > Edit to make your changes. The message will be marked as “Edited” so recipients know it was changed.
- To delete a message, tap and hold the message. Select More > Delete.
Recover deleted text messages
With iOS 16 or later, you can recover deleted iMessages directly from the Recently Deleted section within the Messages app. Here’s how you can do it:
- Open the Messages app and tap Edit or Filters on the conversation page.
- Select “Recently Deleted” to view messages deleted within the past 30 days.
- Choose the messages or conversations you want to recover, then tap “Recover”.
- Confirm by selecting “Recover Message” or “Recover [Number] Messages” to restore them to your inbox.
There’s a 30-day window to recover your deleted messages, after which they are permanently removed. If needed, you can also opt to delete all messages in the Recently Deleted section before the 30-day limit.
Stay connected abroad with iMessage and an eSIM
iMessage itself is free worldwide over Wi-Fi, but depending on public networks while traveling, it can be slow, unreliable, or unsafe. That’s why the best way to keep iMessage working smoothly abroad is with an international eSIM.
With Holafly eSIM, you get:
- Unlimited mobile data in 200+ destinations.
- Instant setup via QR code—no need to buy local SIMs.
- Reliable and secure connection (safer than public Wi-Fi).
- 24/7 support to help you whenever you need it.
This way, you can chat, share photos, and stay connected on iMessage—without worrying about roaming fees or data limits.
After all, who wants to be ‘offline’ when there’s an Instagram-worthy sunset to catch?
| With Holafly, your data plan is as unlimited as your travel dreams. Get your Holafly eSIM here! |
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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.
