How to Activate iMessage

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This wikiHow teaches you how to set up your Apple device to send and receive iMessages. This will allow you to send and receive messages to other iPhone, iPad, and Mac users using WiFi instead of cellular data. Additionally, you can sync iMessages on iCloud .

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using an iPhone or iPad

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    This app looks like a set of grey gears and is found on your Home Screen. [1]
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    It's located about a third of the way down the menu.
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    The slider will turn green, indicating that iMessages are now enabled. Your device will now be able to send and receive messages without using cellular data when connected to a wireless network . If you are using an iPhone, you can still send text messages without a wireless network by using your normal cellular data. [2]
    • If you are prompted to sign into your Apple ID, simply input your username and password into the pop up. The device will verify your login information and then activate iMessages if successful. If you don’t have an Apple ID, see this guide for detailed instructions on creating one.
    • iMessages may take up to 24 hours to activate because Apple needs to verify that the phone number and Apple ID match. Activation usually happens within an hour.
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    This will lead you to the iMessage settings that affect which emails or phone numbers you can send and receive messages to/from. [3]
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    A check mark will appear next to the account. This will allow the email or number to send/receive messages using the iMessage service.
    • In the You can be reached by iMessage at: section, you can add, remove, and select email addresses to receive iMessages. On an iPhone, you can also add or remove the phone’s number to or from this list. Other devices will only display this phone number in the list once it has been enabled from the iPhone. [4]
    • In the Start new conversations from: section, you can select one address others will see when you send an iMessage to them. On an iPhone, you can also add or remove the phone’s number to or from this list. Other devices will only display this phone number in is list once it has been enabled from the iPhone. [5]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using a Mac

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    It looks like a blue talk bubble located either on your dock or desktop. [6]
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    It is located in the menu bar at the top of the app.
    • If you haven't used Messages before on this mac, you will be prompted to enter or create your Apple ID Input your Apple username and password, or click on Create Apple ID to create a new account.
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    The icon looks like a white “@” symbol and is located in the top left corner of the window.
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    It is in the left side menu of the window.
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    [7]
    • If you are already logged into your Apple account, you will not see this login option.
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    It is located under your Apple ID. A check mark will appear, indicating that your Apple account can now send and receive messages from your Mac. [8]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    What does the "show subject" field mean?
    Community Answer
    You can literally have a subject (much like an email) in your text messages and iMessages.
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  • Question
    Why are some numbers listed as "not registered with iMessage"?
    Community Answer
    If you are on an iPad, only iPhone and other iPad numbers can be used to text and Facetime.
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    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 12
  • Question
    iMesage has an inactivation error, how can I fix it?
    Community Answer
    Call or visit your service provider.
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    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • If you have issues, make sure your device is up to date. You can check for updates in the General section of the Settings app. [9] See this guide for more details on updating your iOS software.
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      • On an iPhone, if you want to only use iMessage for incoming and outgoing messages you can set the Send as SMS setting to “off.”
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-up-messages-iph3d039b67/ios
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-up-messages-iph3d039b67/ios
      3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-up-messages-iph3d039b67/ios
      4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ae/HT201349
      5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ae/HT201349
      6. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/messages/set-up-messages-on-mac-ichte16154fb/mac
      7. ↑ https://support.apple.com/guide/messages/set-up-messages-on-mac-ichte16154fb/mac
      8. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201349
      9. ↑ http://support.apple.com/kb/ts4268

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open Settings on the iPhone.
      2. Tap Messages .
      3. Switch iMessages to “on.”
      4. Tap Send & Receive .
      5. Tap on an email or phone number to enable.

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