![Apple iPhone XR](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7061123-f-5663c36a-5fb8-4051-9b07-98e269c95d6b.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone XR
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/7061123-f-441da185-c82c-4086-b613-9bb60500f9c5.png?width=206&height=448)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7061123-f-ec89b2fb-8b86-4e12-8ac0-01d15ec92774.png?width=206&height=448)
2. 2. Turn on iMessage
Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7061123-f-db242f91-a8d5-4c11-8956-85de94135ad9.png?width=206&height=448)
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/7061123-f-11774acc-3c5c-47d2-9026-80fbdab25b22.png?width=206&height=448)
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/7061123-f-11774acc-3c5c-47d2-9026-80fbdab25b22.png?width=206&height=448)