iMessage replaces regular text messages when both people have Apple devices

iMessage is Apple's messaging system that works over internet data or Wi-Fi instead of your phone's text message plan. When you send a message to another iPhone, iPad, or Mac user, your phone automatically sends it as iMessage instead of a regular text message — you'll see the message bubble turn blue instead of green. This happens without you doing anything extra, as long as iMessage is turned on in your settings.

The switch from text messaging to iMessage is not something you request or apply for. It happens automatically when your device recognizes the person you're messaging also has an Apple device registered with iMessage. If you're sending to someone with an Android phone or older device, your message stays as a regular text message (green bubble) even if iMessage is on.

Key Takeaways

  • iMessage turns on by default on most iPhones and Macs, so you may already be using it without realizing it.
  • You can see whether a message sent as iMessage (blue bubble) or text message (green bubble) by looking at the color in the conversation thread.
  • iMessage requires an internet connection or Wi-Fi; text messages work on cellular data alone.
  • Turning iMessage on or off takes less than a minute and is found in Settings on iPhone or System Settings on Mac.

Turn iMessage on in iPhone Settings

Open the Settings app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap Messages. Look for the toggle next to iMessage and make sure it is switched to the on position (the toggle will be green). If it's already on, iMessage is active and you're already using it for conversations with other Apple users.

The first time you turn iMessage on, your phone registers your phone number and Apple ID email address with Apple's servers. This registration can take a few minutes. During that time, you may see a "Waiting for Activation" message. Once it's done, the toggle stays green and iMessage is ready to use.

If you see a message that says iMessage is not available, your phone may not have an internet connection. Make sure Wi-Fi is on or you have cellular data turned on. If the problem continues, try turning the toggle off and back on again after waiting 30 seconds.

Turn iMessage on in Mac Settings

On a Mac, open System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click General in the sidebar, then look for Login Items & Extensions or scroll down to find Messages. Open the Messages app itself and go to Messages in the menu bar at the top, then click Settings or Preferences. Look for the Accounts tab and make sure your Apple ID is signed in and iMessage is enabled.

Your Mac needs to be signed into the same Apple ID as your iPhone for iMessage to work across both devices. If you use different Apple IDs on your Mac and iPhone, messages may not sync between them, and people may not reach you on your Mac when they text your phone number.

What happens when you turn iMessage on

Once iMessage is on, any message you send to someone with an iPhone, iPad, or Mac will automatically send as iMessage if their device is also set up to receive it. You don't have to do anything different — just open Messages and type as normal. The color of the message bubble tells you which type of message was sent: blue means iMessage, green means regular text message.

iMessage messages use your internet connection instead of your text message plan, so they don't count against any text message limits you may have. If you're in a place with no Wi-Fi and no cellular data, iMessage messages won't send until you have a connection again. Regular text messages, by contrast, will send over cellular even if data is off.

Read receipts and typing indicators (the three dots that show someone is typing) only work with iMessage. If you're texting someone with an Android phone, you won't see those features even if iMessage is on, because the message is being sent as a regular text.

Turn iMessage off if you need to use text messages instead

If you want to send regular text messages to everyone, even people with iPhones, you can turn iMessage off. Go to Settings, tap Messages, and toggle iMessage to the off position. All your messages will then send as regular text messages using your phone plan.

Some people turn iMessage off temporarily when switching from iPhone to Android, because iMessage can interfere with text messages reaching you on your new Android phone. If you're planning to switch phones, turn iMessage off on your old iPhone before you stop using it, or use Apple's Deregister iMessage tool on Apple's website to remove your phone number from iMessage's system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my messages green instead of blue?

Green messages are regular text messages, which means the person you're texting either has an Android phone, an older device, or doesn't have iMessage turned on. iMessage only works between Apple devices. If you want to use iMessage with someone, they need an iPhone, iPad, or Mac with iMessage enabled.

Do I need to pay for iMessage?

No. iMessage is free and comes built into every iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It uses your internet connection instead of your text message plan, so it doesn't cost anything beyond your regular internet or data bill.

Can I use iMessage on my iPad or Mac even if I don't have an iPhone?

Yes. You can set up iMessage on an iPad or Mac using your Apple ID email address. You won't be able to receive messages sent to your phone number, but you can send and receive iMessages from other Apple users using your email address.

What if iMessage won't turn on?

Make sure your device is connected to Wi-Fi or has cellular data turned on. Sign out of your Apple ID in Settings, wait 30 seconds, and sign back in. If the problem continues, restart your phone by turning it off and back on. Contact Apple Support if iMessage still won't activate after these steps.