![Apple iPhone 15](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7290923-f-f3b629de-3ea7-49e3-8e5c-72bdedaec75c.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 15
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/7290923-f-d816297e-2fb8-4301-898b-43f581324aa6.png?width=212&height=458)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7290923-f-fbacf296-89c0-4848-9f9c-fb5e3646287c.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/7290923-f-569929a9-4361-47e2-844d-5edf8458002b.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/7290923-f-77e90f57-9917-4b76-b95e-aa5fa5041813.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/7290923-f-77e90f57-9917-4b76-b95e-aa5fa5041813.png?width=212&height=458)