When text messages are sent between iPhones, the color of the message bubbles depends on whether the phones are using iMessage or SMS/MMS. iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging service that sends messages over wifi or cellular data, while SMS/MMS rely on traditional cellular networks. The colors allow users to quickly distinguish between iMessage and SMS/MMS.
iMessage Bubble Colors
Text messages sent using iMessage appear in blue message bubbles by default. This indicates the message was sent using Apple’s iMessage service and will not count against SMS allotments from your carrier.
Some key points about iMessage bubble colors:
- Default color is blue
- Sent messages appear in blue
- Received messages appear in gray
- Applies to messages between iOS devices only (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch)
- Media messages like photos also appear in blue bubbles
The blue and gray colors help differentiate between messages you’ve sent versus received in an iMessage conversation thread. This allows you to quickly scan back through a thread and see this visual separation.
Changing iMessage Colors
While blue and gray are the defaults, you can customize these colors in the iPhone settings:
- Go to Settings > Messages
- Tap on Text Message Color
- Select a new color
This will change the color of iMessage threads for both sent and received messages. Some common changes are using black bubbles instead of gray ones or orange bubbles instead of blue. While custom colors don’t affect the function, some users prefer to personalize the chat screen.
SMS/MMS Bubble Colors
When texting between iPhones using traditional SMS/MMS, the messages appear in green and light gray bubbles instead. This indicates the message was sent via your cellular carrier rather than over wi-fi/data using iMessage.
Some key points about SMS/MMS bubble colors:
- Sent SMS/MMS messages appear in green
- Received SMS/MMS messages appear in light gray
- Applies when texting non-iOS users or using SMS/MMS between iOS users
- Media messages like photos also appear in green bubbles
Again, the different colors help you quickly identify that the messages were sent via SMS/MMS and may count against your monthly allotment if you have a limit. The color distinction is useful when texting both iPhone and non-iPhone users from the same message thread.
Why Different Colors?
Apple specifically chose to make iMessage and SMS/MMS bubbles different colors to allow for this quick visual identification. Some key reasons behind the color choices:
- Identify when a message was sent/received using iMessage vs. cellular SMS
- Know if a message counts against your carrier allotment
- Distinguish between iMessage and SMS users in group chats
- See your sent vs received messages in a thread
Having this color-coded system allows users to get this information at a glance without having to look for other indicators in the messaging interface. It improves the user experience and helps avoid confusion when messaging between iOS and non-iOS devices.
How Users React to Green Bubbles
Since green and blue message bubbles have different implications, some users attach a sort of social stigma or status symbolism to the colors. For example:
- Blue bubbles may be seen as cooler or more prestigious
- Green bubbles may indicate someone is using an Android or outdated phone
- Users may feel pressure to convince friends/family to switch to iPhone
- May cause minor friction in group chats with mixed bubble colors
In reality, the colors are simply a technical indicator and have no bearing on the actual messaging or users. However, some people have expressed feeling self-conscious about green bubbles due to perceived social connotations. Critics argue the color coding contributes to subtle platform favoritism.
Why Does it Matter?
For most users, the color bubbles don’t carry much weight or social impact. However, a few key reasons some users care about green vs. blue bubbles:
- Perceived prestige of iMessage over SMS
- No delivered/read receipts or typing indicators in SMS
- No built-in profile pictures, names, or group naming with SMS
- SMS messages compressed, lower quality than iMessage
- Stigma of green bubbles as outdated in some social circles
So while not everyone cares, some iPhone loyalists see green bubbles as a dated, inferior messaging option. However, messaging should be about the conversations, not the color bubbles they appear in.
Troubleshooting Bubble Colors
Sometimes message bubbles may appear in unexpected colors, which can indicate issues with iMessage or SMS/MMS delivery. Here are some troubleshooting tips:
Blue/Gray Bubbles Turning Green
If you notice blue iMessage bubbles suddenly turning green, try these steps:
- Check if iMessage is still enabled in Settings
- Confirm cellular data or wi-fi connection is on
- Toggle iMessage off and on again
- Restart device
- Remove and re-add Apple ID account
This typically indicates a problem with iMessage connectivity. Verify your connection and account settings.
Green Bubbles Not Sending
If your SMS/MMS messages are stuck with “sending” or not delivering:
- Check cellular signal strength
- Confirm SMS/MMS is enabled in Settings
- Contact carrier to confirm SMS/MMS service is active
- Try toggling Airplane mode on/off to reset connection
Connection issues, disabled service, or network outages can prevent sending SMS/MMS. Check your settings and service status first.
Inconsistent Bubble Colors
If message bubble colors seem to change inconsistently:
- Check if recipient number/contact is correct
- Remove and re-add recipient number/contact
- Ask recipient to verify iMessage enablement on their device
Mistakes in numbers or contacts can lead to unexpected threading and bubble colors. Ensure contacts are entered correctly on both devices.
Conclusion
While simply a technical indicator, iMessage bubble colors have taken on some social significance that leads some users to prefer blue over green. In reality, the color does not impact the conversation and users should make efforts to look past color perceptions. Troubleshooting bubble issues typically involves connection and account settings. When in doubt, ensure contacts are correct and iMessage/cellular service is properly enabled.