Messages are sent between devices.Messages can be received on the iPad and iPod Touch when they are connected to a 3G or 4G network.When you send a message to another person that uses iMessage, it will be sent to your device.
Step 1: Use the Messages app to send messages.
Similar to your text messages, iMessage messages are sent through the Messages app.Messages will be collected into one conversation.
Step 2: Don't use your carrier's plan to message Apple users.
Messages can be sent to other Apple users.You won't be able to count iMessages against your text limit.The correct message is sent.It's not necessary to switch when messaging different people.Messages that are sent to other users will be blue.The messages will be green.
Step 3: You can use iMessage on all of your Apple devices.
All of your connected Apple devices can receive iMessages if they have internet.It is not available on Windows computers.
Step 4: To use iMessage, you need a wireless network or mobile data network.
The internet connection is required.You need to be connected to a 3G or 4G network in order to use it.If your phone isn't connected to a network, you'll be able to send text messages.You won't be able to use iMessage if you're not connected to a wireless network with your iPod or iPad.Your carrier's messaging plan does not include iMessages.Unless you are on wi-fi, iMessages will count against your mobile data.
Step 5: An Apple ID is required.
It requires an Apple ID.You will use this ID to log into each device.All of your devices will have iMessages.At appleid.apple.com/account, you can create a free Apple ID.To verify the account, you'll need a valid email address.
Step 6: If you have an Apple ID, you can log into your device.
You can use your Apple ID to log into your devices.You can log into multiple devices with your ID.Select "Messages" to open the settings app.You can use your Apple ID for iMessage.You need to enter your Apple ID and password.It may take a moment to send an email.
Step 7: You can use iMessage on your computer.
Messages can be sent and received from your OS X computer.You can open the Messages app.You can find it in your applications folder.Pick "Preferences" from the menu and click "Messages".Make sure that your Apple ID is selected.If you don't have an Apple ID, click the + button and log in.The "Enable this account" option should be checked.You can send and receive messages.
Step 8: You can reach the addresses that you have set.
Messages can be sent to either your phone number or email address.You can choose which email addresses you want to use.Select "Messages" in the settings app on your device.To send and receive, tap "Send & Receive" and then tap an address.Adding another email address will allow you to be reached at that address.You can't have more than one email address associated with a device.You can send messages from either address or number.
Step 9: The app can be used to open the Messages.
You can send iMessage messages through your Messages app.
Step 10: To start a conversation, tap the "Compose" button.
It's possible to start a new conversation with anyone on your contacts list.If they are using iMessage, it will be a conversation.
Step 11: Go to the "Send" button.
If you look at the Send button's color, you can see if the message will be a standard text message or an email.The message will be sent if the button is blue.The button will be sent as an email if it is green.Messages can only be sent to other users of iMessage.
Step 12: Attach videos and pictures.
Just like a text, you can attach media to your messages.You can send them without eating into your carrier's plan.The Camera button is in the lower left corner of the conversation.You can see all of the photos and videos on your device with the Photo Library option.You can add a photo or video to your message.Send the message.Sending a message over a mobile data network will count against your plan.
Step 13: You can send a voice message with iMessage.
Voice memos can be sent to your friends.This requires an older version of the software.A conversation can be opened in Messages.The microphone button is in the lower-right corner.Hold your finger and say the message you want to record.Send a recorded message by pressing up.
Step 14: Send location information.
You can send locations from Apple Maps to your friends.If you want to share a location, open the Maps app.The Share button is in the upper-right corner.You can choose from the list of options.To send the location, tap "Send".The Maps app will launch when your recipient taps the map in their conversation.
Step 15: On your device's lock screen, turn off iMessage previews.
Messages will appear on the lock screen.You can turn off these if you prefer more privacy.Select "Notifications" to open the settings app.Go to the "Messages" option and scroll down to see previews.This is off.
Step 16: It's a good idea to set old iMessages to be deleted.
Old messages with pictures and video can take up a lot of your device's space.Your device will keep your entire message history.If you're running an older version of the device, you can set it to automatically remove old messages.Select "Messages" to open the settings app."30 days or 1 year" is what you can choose from the "Keep Messages" option.You will be asked if you want to remove older messages from your device.
Step 17: If you don't want to be notified, leave a group discussion.
If you no longer want notifications, you can leave a group message.If all of the participants are using iMessage, then this works.If you want to leave, open the conversation.The "Details" option is in the upper-right corner.You can leave this conversation by scrolling down.If the option is grayed out, at least one participant is not using iMessage on an Apple device.
Step 18: You can hide or show if you've read a message.
You will be able to see if you've read their latest message.If you don't want to share this information, you can disabling this.Select "Messages" to open the settings app.Depending on your preferences, send read receipts on or off.
Step 19: Take a look at your connection.
The internet is required for iMessage to work.If you can't load any web pages, there is something wrong with your network connection.Try not to use the wireless network.Try to restart your device.You can check the status of the service at apple.com.
Step 20: If you can't send regular texts, you should check your settings.
Some of the iMessage settings can cause problems with the service.Select "Messages" in the settings app on your device."Send as SMS" should be enabled.If iMessage is unavailable, messages will be sent as text messages.All forwarding will be disabled if you tap the "Text Message Forwarding" option.It has been known to cause problems with forwarding, which allows you to send and receive messages on all of your devices.
Step 21: Check your time and date settings
It's possible that iMessage won't be able to connect to the server with the correct time and date.tap "General" to open the settings app.Go to "Date & Time" and make sure that your location settings are correct.
Step 22: If you can't receive or send messages, restart your device.
A quick restart will fix your issues.Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button.The device can be turned off with the power on.To turn the device back on, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button.
Step 23: If iMessage doesn't work, restore the system.
Sometimes a system restore is the only way to fix a problem.After restoring to protect your data, you can create a backup using iTunes.Go to your computer and connect your device to it.From the top row of buttons, choose your device.You can click the Back Up Now button.This will backup your device to the computer.Click the Restore button.Wait for your device to work again.When setting up the device, choose the backup you just created.More detailed instructions can be found here.
Step 24: If you're moving to a non-Apple phone, you should be able to access iMessage.
You may not be able to receive text messages from your old friends if you don't use iMessage.Select "Messages" in the settings app if you still have your phone."iMessage" should be turned off.It may take a while for the server to process the change.Go to selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage and enter your phone number if you don't have the phone.You'll get an alert on your phone with the code.To turn off iMessage, enter the code in the second field.