![Apple iPhone 8](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7140723-f-6bd140ef-8bb4-44b5-a81d-bf78dd12e808.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 8
iOS 16.0
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/7140723-f-71405d83-2b08-4846-98e6-c658c610e4e5.png?width=202&height=362)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7140723-f-11f485ed-c6ee-44b9-9b2f-ef95870f6db6.png?width=202&height=362)
2. 2. Turn on iMessage
Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7140723-f-ec5c6dfd-0f84-4b35-9600-b9c896fa3f1f.png?width=202&height=362)
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/7140723-f-99db5a7c-2e63-4e88-9d28-1a53697ecc4d.png?width=202&height=362)
4. 4. Return to the home screen
Press the Home key to return to the home screen.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7140723-f-99db5a7c-2e63-4e88-9d28-1a53697ecc4d.png?width=202&height=362)