iMessage is Apple’s free messaging service that allows you to send texts, photos, videos, and more between Apple devices over the internet. Here’s how to turn it on across your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Turning on iMessage on iPhone or iPad
Step 1: Open the Settings App
On your iPhone or iPad, locate the Settings app on your Home Screen. It resembles a set of grey gears.
Step 2: Tap Messages
Scroll down and tap Messages, which can be found about one-third down the menu in the fifth group of settings.
Step 3: Turn On iMessages
Move the white iMessage slider to the right to turn it on. It will turn green when enabled.
- If prompted, enter your Apple ID username and password.
- iMessage may take up to 24 hours to activate, but it usually completes within an hour.
- Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
Step 4: Press “Send & Receive”
Tap Send & Receive to open the iMessage settings.
Step 5: Select a Phone Number or Email Address
Choose the email address or phone number you’d like to use with iMessage. A checkmark will appear next to enabled addresses.
- Tap “Use Your Apple ID for iMessage” if prompted.
- Add or remove email addresses under You can receive iMessages to and reply from.
- Select your preferred address or number under Start new conversations from.
Turning on iMessage on a Mac
Step 1: Launch the Messages App
Open the Messages app from your desktop or dock. The icon resembles a white speech bubble on a green background.
Step 2: Log In with Your Apple ID
Enter your Apple ID credentials to log in. If it’s your first time, you may be prompted to create a new Apple ID.
Step 3: Open Preferences
Click Messages in the menu bar at the top of the screen, then select Settings from the dropdown menu.
Step 4: Select the iMessage Tab
Click on the iMessage tab, which appears in the center of the Settings window with a grey “@” symbol.
Step 5: Enable Messages in iCloud (Optional)
Check Enable Messages in iCloud to sync your messages across Apple devices signed in with the same Apple ID.
Step 6: Choose Reachable Addresses
In the You can be reached for messages at section, check the phone numbers and email addresses you’d like to use for iMessage on your Mac.
Step 7: Turn Read Receipts On or Off
Check or uncheck Send read receipts depending on whether you want others to see when you’ve read their messages.
Step 8: Choose an Address for Starting New Conversations
Under Start new conversations from, select the address or number you want others to see when you initiate messages.
Troubleshooting iMessage Activation Issues
Step 1: Check Your Internet Connection
Ensure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or has cellular data.
- Swipe down from the top-right to open Control Center.
- Check the Wi-Fi symbol (blue when connected) or ensure Cellular Data is green and enabled.
Step 2: Update iOS
Go to Settings > General > Software Update and install the latest iOS version.
Step 3: Set Date & Time Automatically
Navigate to Settings > General > Date & Time and enable Set Automatically to avoid activation errors.
Step 4: Ensure SMS Messaging is Included in Your Plan
Verify that your mobile plan includes SMS messaging, which may be required to activate iMessage.
Step 5: Restart iMessage
Toggle iMessage off in Settings > Messages, restart your device, and toggle it back on.
Step 6: Wait for Activation
Activation can take up to 24 hours. If it doesn’t work immediately, wait and try again later.
Step 7: Use Your Email Address Instead
If your phone number isn’t working, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive, and select an email address associated with your Apple ID.
By following these steps, you can successfully enable iMessage on your Apple devices and start messaging with ease.
Leave a Reply