![Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7071123-f-a1e023c1-bf42-4603-b46f-8925b0d10dfa.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 11 Pro Max
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/7071123-f-67acfb0e-fc31-4a91-b661-a23f8183be42.png?width=210&height=454)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7071123-f-e22924b7-b63f-4400-9d5b-7288995a7b33.png?width=210&height=454)
2. 2. Turn on iMessage
Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7071123-f-fc00dc8f-e215-475d-a121-a23034816e97.png?width=210&height=454)
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/7071123-f-dde63774-695f-4ca9-916d-c98150dbce46.png?width=210&height=454)
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/7071123-f-dde63774-695f-4ca9-916d-c98150dbce46.png?width=210&height=454)