![Apple iPhone Xs Max](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7101123-f-3b7c0a81-e19e-4ebc-91c0-1da23b86a2f5.png?width=150&height=320)
Apple iPhone Xs Max
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/7101123-f-7cad6ffb-3861-43c8-a4c3-fea0bfeaf19a.png?width=210&height=454)
Press Messages.
![](http://wmstatic.global.ssl.fastly.net/ml/7101123-f-e22924b7-b63f-4400-9d5b-7288995a7b33.png?width=210&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-fc00dc8f-e215-475d-a121-a23034816e97.png?width=210&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-dde63774-695f-4ca9-916d-c98150dbce46.png?width=210&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-dde63774-695f-4ca9-916d-c98150dbce46.png?width=210&height=454)