Why can't I get texts without iMessage?

[iMore Question]

Can't get texts without iMessage

A friend turned on my iMessage and now I can't receive texts from certain iPhone user contacts unless iMessage is on. I turned it off and they get my texts but I don't get their replies. I have unlimited text but not data and I don't want to use the iMessage. What do I do? I restarted the phone it didn't help.

 

[BreakingKayfabe]

Re: Can't get texts without iMessage

Their phones adapted to your number being on iMessage. Tell them to reply to you by holding down the bubble and selecting "send as text message." They'll have to do that a few times before their phone recognizes you're not on iMessage anymore.

 

[Ledsteplin]

Re: Can't get texts without iMessage

Do you not have wifi? If you are on wifi, iMessage uses no data. Off wifi, it's been my experience that iMessage doesn't use all that much data, as long as no photos or videos are sent.