Receiving texts in Europe

goodValue

In Europe, can you receive texts whilst in airplane mode (to reduce possibility of roaming charges)?
In other words, do texts use the same mechanism as calls, or can they be received if wiFi is on?

marcia_

 Use WhatsApp over wifi 

TadleyBaggie

The answer is...it depends. If you are truly in full Airplane Mode (i.e. WiFi, cellular. and bluetooth is off), then there is no possibility to receive anything. If you turn on WIF and connected to WiFi, then if using an iPhone you will be able to receive iMessages from other iPhone users. However to get regular SMS text messages, then cellular needs to be turned on (mobile data needs to be off or data roaming disabled, or data charges will likely occur).

I have no experience of Android however.

goodValue

marcia_ said:

 Use WhatsApp over wifi 

Can you have text messages re-routed through WhatsApp?

goodValue

However to get regular SMS text messages, then cellular needs to be turned on 

Is this the same for all phones? Meaning that SMS text messages for receiving logon codes will require airplane mode to be switched off??

TadleyBaggie

goodValue said:

marcia_ said:

 Use WhatsApp over wifi 

Can you have text messages re-routed through WhatsApp?

Not that I'm aware of. Just WhatsApp messages AFAIK.

TadleyBaggie

goodValue said:

However to get regular SMS text messages, then cellular needs to be turned on 

Is this the same for all phones? Meaning that SMS text messages for receiving logon codes will require airplane mode to be switched off??

I believe so, SMS text messages are sent via the regular mobile connection, data can be turned off.

eDicky

SMS text messages are transmitted through the cellular network, as are voice calls. So they will arrive when only mobile data is switched off, but not in airplane mode.