![Apple iPhone 14](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7250923-f-8f77d059-9912-4137-b689-ec895ee2491d.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 14
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/7250923-f-9c704824-a22a-42ff-9745-1265194aec5d.png?width=210&height=458)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7250923-f-6b3315f9-5d31-4860-b6ef-033735032871.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/7250923-f-f9aa66aa-a3da-4f7a-9575-9492c9f3d320.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/7250923-f-fda307ab-accd-40d3-976e-7649e1674753.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/7250923-f-fda307ab-accd-40d3-976e-7649e1674753.png?width=210&height=458)