![Apple iPhone 12](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7011123-f-27d86d8d-3105-48aa-ab2b-06572ef6c749.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 12
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/7011123-f-388c0a61-04fc-4888-9276-1d0aeaccd8aa.png?width=210&height=458)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7011123-f-ff9d6ab5-e395-4ac0-a34a-f8ade2126d21.png?width=210&height=458)
2. 2. Turn on iMessage
Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7011123-f-c8494c78-c5ef-4b48-93b5-e04e92ef2a8f.png?width=210&height=458)
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/7011123-f-f24d577f-9920-4986-adf1-e90eec1e8e61.png?width=210&height=458)
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/7011123-f-f24d577f-9920-4986-adf1-e90eec1e8e61.png?width=210&height=458)