![Apple iPhone SE (2020)](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7221123-f-c0a61c6c-4fab-42eb-8cdd-890ad273353a.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone SE (2020)
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/7221123-f-ea59f24e-caec-482d-a241-75deb27b9d6e.png?width=204&height=366)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7221123-f-8750a0df-e7e6-4b1e-aa9f-51ed809b31ae.png?width=204&height=366)
2. 2. Turn on iMessage
Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7221123-f-829287f7-0843-4b62-a0c2-4f974cb1bcd0.png?width=204&height=366)
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/7221123-f-b89dca57-63d0-4202-84f5-29d0450513cb.png?width=204&height=366)
4. 4. Return to the home screen
Press the Home key to return to the home screen.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7221123-f-b89dca57-63d0-4202-84f5-29d0450513cb.png?width=204&height=366)