![Apple iPhone 11](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7271123-f-f34f67f0-9728-48ce-bfa7-d442f8c3ff35.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 11
iOS 17
Set up your phone for iMessaging
You can send iMessages to phone numbers or email addresses if the recipient has a device which supports iMessage. To set up your phone for iMessaging, you need to activate your Apple ID.
1. 1. Find "Messages"
Press Settings.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7271123-f-aa8fa17a-fa1e-478c-9714-6c8b880b60d3.png?width=206&height=444)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7271123-f-ec89b2fb-8b86-4e12-8ac0-01d15ec92774.png?width=206&height=444)
2. 2. Turn on iMessage
Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7271123-f-16b0e10a-c690-4b10-afa5-ae6a8e79d307.png?width=206&height=444)
3. 3. Turn text message alternative on or off
Press the indicator next to "Send as SMS" to turn the function on or off.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7271123-f-11774acc-3c5c-47d2-9026-80fbdab25b22.png?width=206&height=444)
4. 4. Return to the home screen
Slide your finger upwards starting from the bottom of the screen to return to the home screen.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7271123-f-11774acc-3c5c-47d2-9026-80fbdab25b22.png?width=206&height=444)