![Apple iPhone 8 Plus](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7140723-f-856737fd-b274-4aa5-9010-af6902cfadda.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone 8 Plus
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-9f5985fa-d159-49db-9fe4-9e8de46db495.png?width=208&height=368)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7140723-f-17d45ff3-6be1-4aa1-9a02-16ea8237fdbc.png?width=208&height=368)
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-6fad3fe0-6ceb-4f39-9429-964f0afc2d8e.png?width=208&height=368)
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-2b019c3e-1e67-46a4-a01d-ad1342a505df.png?width=208&height=368)
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-2b019c3e-1e67-46a4-a01d-ad1342a505df.png?width=208&height=368)