As an iPhone user, you may have encountered the perplexing message “Join” instead of the usual “Send” while starting a conversation on iMessage. This can leave you puzzled and wondering what it signifies.

In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind iMessage displaying “Join” with a particular contact and the possible explanations for it.

What is iMessage?

To understand why iMessage might say “Join” with one person, it’s crucial to know what iMessage is.

iMessage is Apple’s messaging platform that enables iPhone, iPad, Mac, and iPod touch users to send text messages, photos, videos, and other media types over the internet.

It’s a user-friendly way to stay connected with loved ones, and it comes pre-installed in the Messages app on Apple devices.

What Does “Join” Mean on iMessage?

If you initiate a new conversation with someone on iMessage and see the word “Join” instead of “Send,” it indicates that the recipient has enabled the “Send as SMS” feature on their iPhone.

This feature allows the phone to automatically send messages as text messages if it can’t send them as iMessages due to any reason.

Why Does It Say “Join” with One Person?

When you encounter “Join” on iMessage with only one person, it is probable that the individual you are attempting to message has enabled “Send as SMS” for their messages.

They may have done so because of inadequate internet connectivity in their area, or they may have disabled their mobile data.

It is also possible that they have completely disabled iMessage, causing “Join” to always appear when you try to message them.

How to Turn off “Send as SMS”

To prevent iMessage from displaying “Join” with one person, you can disable the “Send as SMS” feature on your iPhone.

Here’s how: go to your iPhone’s Settings, select “Messages,” and then find the “SMS/MMS” section. You should see an option labeled “Send as SMS.”

Just toggle this off, and iMessage will no longer switch to text messaging if it can’t send an iMessage to that person.

Conclusion

If you’ve ever been confused by why iMessage says “Join” with one person, this article has hopefully provided some clarity.

In essence, this message appears when the recipient has activated the “Send as SMS” feature on their iPhone, which will automatically send a message as a text if it can’t be sent as an iMessage due to poor connectivity or mobile data being turned off.

By disabling “Send as SMS” on your own iPhone, you can avoid seeing “Join” with that person in the future.