Cellular data off/on question

[Steener]

If I have wifi and cellular data is off can I get texts from everyone and send texts? Like to people with androids or do I need to turn cellular data on? And if I have wifi on and cellular data on it doesn't use data right? And if I have no wifi and cellular data is on and I text does it use data?

[Snn5 · Accepted solution]

Steener wrote:

If I have wifi and cellular data is off can I get texts from everyone and send texts?

You can send and receive SMS, but not iMessage.

Like to people with androids or do I need to turn cellular data on?

Androids don't use iMessage. 

And if I have wifi on and cellular data on it doesn't use data right?

Data use defaults to WiFi when both are on.  (Careful though, iPhones disconnect from WiFi when left idle, so keep mobile data off when at home with WiFi)

And if I have no wifi and cellular data is on and I text does it use data?

Text does not use data unless you use iMessage.

[Steener]

So can't I just disable iMessage then?

[Steener]

And what if cellular data is off and no wifi? Do I get texts or no and can I send texts?

[Snn5]

Yes, you can choose to use regular SMS text to everyone.  No iMessage required.  Apple users use iMessage to communicate via data and I believe iMessage backs up their messages in iCloud or iTunes.  With no data connection via wifi or mobile data, you wont receive MMS/pic messages though.  As long as you have a signal and airplane mode is not on, youll get calls and sms/text messages.  You only have to have data for pic messages.

[Steener]

So sms is free if you have unlimited texting right?

[Snn5]

yes