![Apple iPhone 12 mini](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7051023-f-ad7b5b66-e4b2-48cf-85d0-b7dd68294ec2.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 12 mini
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/7051023-f-89c81eab-2c19-4853-b9e2-4353ee0849be.png?width=210&height=454)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7051023-f-6b344b14-2a49-4ff9-9666-41af59a23d64.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/7051023-f-9961fe05-0f8e-4652-ac5b-a6a40bbf7fe0.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/7051023-f-d323c912-e2fe-4b2e-8804-82de84913ba3.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/7051023-f-d323c912-e2fe-4b2e-8804-82de84913ba3.png?width=210&height=454)