Why can I receive iMessages but not send?

[iMore Question]

When I send iMessages they are blue on my end, but the receiver says that they are only coming through with my email. In settings my two email accounts are checked marked and black but my phone number is checked and grey.

 

[nikkisharif]

Your phone number should be grey because it's the primary number & can't be deleted. In order to correct your issue, make sure you have your number checked under settings > iMessage > start new conversations from...