iPhone sending messages as email

[swampcritter2]

I have an android phone. My friend has an iPhone 14. His Message app is set to “Send as SMS.” But when he sends me a message, I receive an email. The return address on the email is his phone number ([email protected].) Why is this happening and how do we fix it?

[FuzzyLogic]

Is it possible they are sending to a number that doesn't accept SMS (such as a land line)? I can't think of any other reason why it would arrive as an email.

[swampcritter2]

The only number my friend has for me is my cellphone number. He doesn't have my land line number. I'm thinking that this problem must be caused by some settings or processes on the iPhone, because once the message is handed off to the carrier, there would be no way for the carrier to determine my email address.    

[Nighthawk]

Is it just limited to messages from your friend or other iPhone users also? Did you previously have an iPhone by any chance?

[swampcritter2]

He's the only person I know who uses an iPhone, and I may be the only person he knows who uses an android device! I need to confirm that, though. I've never owned an iPhone myself and it's extremely unlikely that I ever will  

[Nighthawk]

Have your friend create a totally separate message and manually type in your phone number directly and not use any existing saved contact info. There's a small chance the issue may be with how he has your contact details saved on his phone.

[swampcritter2]

Great idea, thanks very much. I might not be able to try it until after the holidays, though, because friend is non technical and I need to look over his shoulder.