![Apple iPhone Xs](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7101123-f-eb46b65f-d9b2-420e-9b20-ab0058eeb83c.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone Xs
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.
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Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7101123-f-6ff26e9d-6b5c-4ea9-931c-c0a7b5a684b9.png?width=208&height=454)
2. 2. Turn on iMessage
Press the indicator next to "iMessage" to turn on the function.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7101123-f-56402f47-7d42-4257-92c0-f238deab1707.png?width=208&height=454)
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/7101123-f-0db9e820-26fa-431b-a84d-15fedce44d85.png?width=208&height=454)
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/7101123-f-0db9e820-26fa-431b-a84d-15fedce44d85.png?width=208&height=454)