This wikiHow teaches you how to set up your Apple device to send and receive iMessages. This way, you can send and receive messages to/from iPhone, iPad, and Mac users using Wi-Fi instead of a cellular data connection.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Enabling iMessages on iPhone
Step 1. Open the settings menu/app (“Settings”) on the device
The settings menu is marked with a gray gear-shaped icon and can be found on the homescreen.
Step 2. Scroll down and select Messages
It's in the third group of options on the settings page.
Step 3. Slide the white iMessages switch to the on position
After sliding, the switch color will change to green indicating that iMessages is now active. Your device can now send and receive messages without a cellular data connection when the device is connected to a wireless network. If you're using an iPhone, you can still send messages without a wireless network using a regular cellular data connection.
- If you're prompted to sign in to your Apple ID, type your username and password into the pop-up window that appears. After that, the device will verify the account information and activate iMessages if the account is successfully verified. If you don't have an Apple ID, read the article at this link for complete instructions on creating an Apple ID.
- The activation process for iMessages may take up to 24 hours as Apple needs to verify that the mobile number matches the Apple ID. Usually, activation is done within an hour.
Step 4. Touch the Send & Receive option
After that, you will be taken to the iMessages settings which will allow you to send or receive messages to/from the selected email address and phone number.
Step 5. Select a specific email address or phone number to activate iMessages with the corresponding address or phone number
After that, a check mark will be displayed next to the selected account's email address or phone number. This selection allows the user's e-mail address or telephone number to send and receive messages through the iMessages service with you.
- In the “You can be reached by iMessage at:” section, you can add, remove, and select email addresses that can send messages to you. On iPhone, you can also add or remove phone numbers from this list. Other devices can only show your phone number in the device list after you have enabled iMessages for the device's phone number.
- In the “Start new conversations from:” section, you can choose an address that other people can see when you message that person. On iPhone, you can also add or remove phone numbers to or from this list. Other devices can only show your phone number in the device list after you have enabled iMessages for the device's phone number.
Method 2 of 2: Enabling iMessages on Mac Computer
Step 1. Open the messaging app (“Messages”)
This app is marked with a blue speech bubble icon that sits on the dock or desktop.
Step 2. Click the Messages option
It's in the menu bar at the top of the app.
If you've never used the messaging menu on your computer before, you'll be prompted to enter or create an Apple ID. Type in your Apple ID username and password, or click “Create Apple ID” to create a new account
Step 3. Click Preferences
Step 4. Click Accounts
The icon looks like a white “(at)” symbol and is in the upper-left corner of the displayed window.
Step 5. Click the iMessages account
It's in the window's left-hand menu.
Step 6. Type in your Apple ID username and password, then click Sign In
If you're already signed in to your Apple account, you won't see that login option
Step 7. Click Settings
Step 8. Check the box labeled Enable this account
It's below your Apple ID. Once clicked, a check mark will appear to indicate that your Apple account can now send and receive messages through your Mac computer.
Tips
- If you're having problems, make sure your device is up to date. You can check for updates in the “General” section of the settings menu. Read the article at this link for more information on updating iOS software.
- For iPhone users, if you only want to use iMessages to send and receive messages, you can turn off the “Send as SMS” option.
Warning
- If you are abroad, using iMessages over Wi-Fi allows you to send short messages for free. Make sure you disable the SMS messaging feature to avoid high fees.
- To use the iMessages feature without a wireless connection, you need to subscribe to a short message plan from your cellular service provider.
- You need an active internet connection to send and receive messages through iMessages.
