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On an iPhone, blue bubbles are iMessages. Green bubbles are messages sent using either RCS or SMS/MMS. Green does not automatically mean SMS, an Android recipient, or a problem: it identifies the service used for that message.
What do blue and green message bubbles mean?
Blue means iMessage
Apple Messages displays iMessages in blue. They travel over Wi-Fi or mobile data to another Apple device and include features such as high-resolution photo and video sharing, delivery and read receipts, and typing indicators. Apple says iMessage conversations are end-to-end encrypted. Apple’s explanation of iMessage, RCS and SMS/MMS was published on May 22, 2026.
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| 1 |
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Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed) | $300.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed) | $584.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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Green means RCS or SMS/MMS
Messages sent using RCS or SMS/MMS appear in green. SMS/MMS are carrier messaging services that require an appropriate text-messaging plan. RCS is also a carrier-supported service, but it can offer richer messaging features than SMS/MMS. So a green bubble does not tell you which of those two services was used.
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Green means that particular message went through RCS or SMS/MMS rather than iMessage. It does not, on its own, reveal why. Apple lists several possibilities:
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- The recipient does not have an Apple device.
- iMessage is turned off on your device or the recipient’s device.
- iMessage is temporarily unavailable on either device.
- Messages settings may need updating after you set up a new device.
Check iMessage and your sending address
- Open Settings > Apps > Messages and make sure iMessage is turned on.
- Open Send & Receive and check that the phone number or email address you want to use is selected, especially if you recently set up a new device.
These checks can identify a setting issue, but a green bubble alone cannot distinguish that from a temporary service problem or a different recipient device.
What does RCS add to green messages?
RCS can provide a richer experience than SMS/MMS, including high-resolution media, typing indicators, delivery or read receipts, and group-chat features. Google lists typing indicators, read receipts in one-to-one chats, group-chat management, and high-resolution photo and video sharing for Android–iPhone RCS chats. Which features work depends on the carrier, region, device, software, and setup.
Rank #2
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
- 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.
On iPhone, RCS requires iOS 18 or later and a text-messaging plan from a provider that supports RCS on iPhone. Availability varies by carrier and region; Apple’s support information covers its requirements, while Google’s RCS FAQ describes cross-platform behavior.
Does bubble color tell you whether a message is encrypted?
No. Apple says iMessage conversations are end-to-end encrypted, but color is not a reliable way to determine encryption for every conversation. Google’s RCS FAQ says RCS chats with iPhone users in the implementation it describes do not have end-to-end encryption. Apple says end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging is in beta starting with iOS 26.5 for supported providers and rolling out over time. Protection depends on support from all participants’ providers.
Rank #3
- 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
- Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
- Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
- Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
- Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID
To check a conversation, look for its explicit encryption status rather than inferring it from the bubble. Apple says a protected RCS conversation shows an “Encrypted” label and a lock. Provider and device support, as well as the software version, affect whether that indicator and protection are available. See Apple’s current description and Google’s RCS FAQ.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
- 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
- Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
- Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
- Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
Quick way to interpret the color
- Blue: the message used iMessage.
- Green: the message used RCS or SMS/MMS; the color alone does not say which.
- Expected blue, got green: check iMessage under Settings > Apps > Messages, then review Send & Receive if you recently set up a device.
- Need to know about RCS or encryption: check current carrier, region, device, and software support, along with any encryption indicator in the conversation.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
