![Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7041023-f-5e820817-016a-4d33-ac78-1cb78107f041.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 15 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/7041023-f-f44299dc-4f7a-4300-9782-d4e0bd965755.png?width=212&height=458)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7041023-f-071a4e80-ef11-465d-b6bc-ed6e9ea215de.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/7041023-f-3643958d-3f42-4dc7-abcc-69f2f180a3e4.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/7041023-f-ff3fddef-17c1-404c-9ae6-b775fd8f1af3.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/7041023-f-ff3fddef-17c1-404c-9ae6-b775fd8f1af3.png?width=212&height=458)