![Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7121023-f-e2636152-690b-437a-b70b-e0a006490c17.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 12 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/7121023-f-911dd421-ecd3-45da-8e75-21031e9b5c90.png?width=210&height=456)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7121023-f-6e69a3dc-2d1f-4582-846a-03a335c203bb.png?width=210&height=456)
2. 2. Turn on iMessage
Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7121023-f-817f536e-1645-4001-8637-281cdd0bf275.png?width=210&height=456)
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/7121023-f-f7567ce1-8634-42e7-9b30-0b100a2ad17e.png?width=210&height=456)
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/7121023-f-f7567ce1-8634-42e7-9b30-0b100a2ad17e.png?width=210&height=456)