When setting up Messages (whether on iOS or OS X) we’re asked how to start new conversations. The options offered in Settings are typically an iPhone number or two email addresses. I’ve always opted for the phone number. Does it matter? Presumably the option chosen (e.g. start new messages from an iCloud or Gmail email address) must be the same on my Mac and iPhone. But will it make any difference to how well the app works and how quickly messages I send sync between all my iOS and OS X devices?
Thanks
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Charles Bake
If the person is using Apple's iMessage system, then it doesn't matter. Both their iPhone's number and their email address is associated with the iMessage account and you'll be sending messages to their iMessage account.
However, if they don't have an iMessage account, then you'll have to send to them using mobile phone service SMS connections. In that case, you'll need to use their phone number. But I think Messages is smart enough to figure it out if you choose their email address by mistake.
The bottom line is that if you are using iMessage, then any identifier associated with their iMessage account will work the same as any other.
Thanks Gary. The reason for my question was that I’ve not been able to send messages to a non-iOS user from my Mac, but can send messages from my iPhone/ iPad. Seems illogical to me and frustrating when I discovered my messages hadn’t been sent.
Charles: Check Settings, Messages, Text Message Forwarding.