![Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7171023-f-2bfb4bc6-653d-4bba-b686-6179a60fd3f5.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 13 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/7171023-f-c0bcc280-abf2-4de8-b367-e5e4f9abe776.png?width=212&height=458)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7171023-f-32593b59-810e-469a-9bfb-5ad161e7f950.png?width=212&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/7171023-f-6e076a1c-9835-4b47-9ec1-e10a42680bef.png?width=212&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/7171023-f-28bbc2d8-f655-4dd3-bf16-fe1222629cd4.png?width=212&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/7171023-f-28bbc2d8-f655-4dd3-bf16-fe1222629cd4.png?width=212&height=458)