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For those who don’t know, iMessage is the special messaging application and service offered by Apple for iPhones, iPads, iPods, and Mac desktops and laptops. The service is entirely free, and should be activate at the very least on your iPhone by default. It may not be active on your iPad, iPod, or Mac when you first turn them on, but the process is one that is not particularly complicated. This article focuses on how to activate iMessage on all types of Apple devices.
How to Activate iMessage on iPhones, iPads, and iPods
The process to activate iMessage on your Apple mobile devices is the same for all of them, as the company has specifically set it up this way to make it less complicated. Here are the steps you need to follow.
Step 1: Open the Settings application on your device. This is the app that has a grey gears logo.
Step 2: Scroll down to Messages, and tap this menu item.
Step 3: Tap the white iMessage slider. This should then turn the icon green, illustrating it is on.
Step 4: If told to sign into you Apple account, use the email and password associated with this account, or sign up for a new account.
Step 7: Tap on the email or phone number you want to use. This should activate your iMessage service.
How to Activate iMessage on Macs or iMacs
When looking to activate the iMessage app on a Mac or iMac, the process is similar for these two computers, but is quite different than the one for mobile devices. Follow these steps to activate the service.
Step 1: Open the iMessage app that looks like a blue talk bubble. This should be located in your iMac or Mac dock.
Step 2: In the menu bar located at the top of the application, click on the Messages button.
Step 3: Enter your Apple sign in information, or create a new Apple account if you don’t already have one.
Step 4: Click on the Preferences menu.
Step 5: Click on the Accounts icon. This is a blue @ symbol at the top of the menu.
Step 6: On the left side of the menu, click on the iMessages account tab.
Step 7: Check to see your Apple account information is entered, and enter it if it is not autopopulated.
Step 8: Click on the blue Settings tab.
Step 9: Click the “enable this account” tab located just below you apple ID.
If you run into any problems while activating iMessage, you can always contact Apple Support. They should be able to walk you through the issue. Did this article help you activate iMessage on your devices? Leave a comment or question below!
