Useful for verification codes via SMS
Texting on iPad and Mac
It may be surprising that you can also receive and send text messages from your Mac or iPad. You no longer have to pick up your iPhone if you want to send a message to someone without iMessage. This is also very useful for verification codes by SMS. But you must first enable SMS forwarding.
- Forward verification codes and other text messages
- Enable SMS forwarding
- How does SMS forwarding work?
Forward verification codes to iPad and Mac
Forwarding text messages is part of Continuity. This group of functions ensures that you can switch from one device to another effortlessly. With Continuity, for example, it is also possible to make telephone calls on your iPad or Mac. You can read more about this in our article about calling with your Mac and iPad or in our detailed explanation of Continuity.
Enable SMS forwarding
It is important that all devices are logged in with the same iCloud account. You can check this on the Mac under System Settings and on the iPhone and iPad under Settings. At the top is your profile photo with the name and profile photo of the account used.
To enable iOS SMS forwarding, follow the steps below:
- Go to Settings > Messages on your iPhone.
- Tap Forward SMS.
- Turn on the switch next to the device on which you want to send and receive text messages.
- If you do not use two-factor authentication for your Apple ID, you will receive a code on your iPad or Mac. Enter this on your iPhone.
If you do not receive the code, it may help to disable iMessage and reactivate it. This allows you to register all your linked devices again. You will then receive the code on the desired device. You can also set up two-factor authentication.
On Mac, go to the Messages app, then go to Messages > Preferences > iMessage in the menu bar to make sure you’re signed in with the correct Apple ID. You must be signed in with the same Apple ID on all devices. As long as iPhone is turned on and connected to the Internet, you can send and receive new text messages on the added devices.
How does SMS forwarding work?
The SMS forwarding feature uses your iPhone’s SIM card to let you send and receive messages from your iPad or Mac. This means that all messages sent to your mobile number will be forwarded. If you send a response, this will also be done using the iPhone. So you use the SMS bundle of your mobile phone. The text messages are therefore also on your iPhone after you send them.
To receive and answer phone calls on the Mac, read our separate article.
Forward older text messages
You can also forward text messages you have already received, but you have to do that manually. That is how it works:
- Touch and hold the speech bubble in the Messages app that you want to forward.
- Then tap More.
- Select any other text messages you want to forward.
- Tap the arrow at the bottom right and specify a recipient.
- Tap the Send button.
You can read more tips about SMS here:
- This is how you request confirmation of receipt for an SMS message
- Hide incoming text and iMessage messages and don’t show them a preview
