The basic switch: turn iMessage on in Settings
iMessage is turned on by default on most iPhones, but if you've disabled it or inherited a phone with it off, you can turn it back on in about 30 seconds. Open Settings, tap Messages, then toggle the iMessage switch to on (it will turn green). Your phone will connect to Apple's servers using your Apple ID, and within a few moments you'll be ready to send iMessages instead of regular text messages.
Once iMessage is on, your iPhone automatically decides which messages to send as iMessages and which to send as regular texts. If you're messaging another iPhone, iPad, or Mac user, it sends an iMessage (shown in blue bubbles). If you're messaging an Android phone or older device, it sends a regular text message (shown in green bubbles). You don't have to choose — the phone handles it.
The switch happens at the conversation level. You might have iMessage turned on globally but still send green text messages to specific people if their device doesn't support iMessage. That's normal and expected.
Key Takeaways
- iMessage is enabled in Settings > Messages by toggling the iMessage switch on, and your phone will automatically use it for conversations with other Apple device users.
- Your iPhone sends blue iMessages to Apple devices and green text messages to Android and other phones — the choice happens automatically based on who you're texting.
- You need an active Apple ID and an internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) for iMessage to work, since it sends over data rather than through your carrier's text network.
- If you're switching from Android or a non-Apple phone, you may need to deregister your old phone number from iMessage to receive texts from iPhone users who still have it registered.
Why your messages might still be green even with iMessage on
If you've turned iMessage on but some of your messages are still sending as green texts, the most common reason is that the person you're texting doesn't have an Apple device. iMessage only works between Apple products — iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. If you're texting someone with an Android phone, a Windows device, or an older phone, your iPhone will automatically fall back to sending a regular text message through your carrier.
Another reason is that the recipient's iMessage is turned off on their end. If they have an iPhone but have disabled iMessage in their Settings, your messages will arrive as green texts instead of blue iMessages. You can't force someone to use iMessage — both people have to have it enabled for the conversation to be blue.
A third possibility is a connectivity issue. If your iPhone can't reach Apple's servers — for example, if you're on a network that blocks iMessage traffic — your phone will send a regular text instead. This usually resolves itself once you're on a network with full internet access.
What you need to use iMessage
iMessage requires three things: an iPhone, iPad, or Mac; an active Apple ID; and an internet connection. The internet connection can be Wi-Fi or cellular data — iMessage doesn't use your text message plan at all. It sends over data, which is why it works on Wi-Fi-only iPads and why you can use it on any device signed into your Apple ID.
You also need to have a phone number or email address registered with your Apple ID. When you set up your iPhone, this usually happens automatically. If you've never set up an Apple ID, you can create one for free at appleid.apple.com or during the iPhone setup process. The same Apple ID works across all your devices.
iMessage does not work if you don't have internet access. If you're in airplane mode or on a device with no Wi-Fi and no cellular data, messages will send as regular texts instead. Once you're back online, new messages will go back to iMessage.
Switching from Android: deregister your number from iMessage first
If you're moving from an Android phone to an iPhone and you want to receive iMessages from your friends who use iPhones, you need to deregister your phone number from Apple's iMessage system first. Here's why: when iPhone users text your number, their phones check Apple's servers to see if that number is registered for iMessage. If your number is still registered from a previous iPhone, their messages might try to send as iMessages and fail to reach you on your Android phone.
To deregister, go to Apple's iMessage deregistration page at selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-imessage. Enter your phone number and follow the prompts. Apple will send you a confirmation text message. This removes your number from the iMessage registry so iPhone users' messages will automatically fall back to regular texts when they text you on Android.
Once you switch to your new iPhone and turn iMessage on, your number will be re-registered automatically. Your friends' messages will then come through as blue iMessages again. The whole process takes a few minutes and prevents the frustrating situation where messages disappear into the iMessage system and never reach you.
How to know if a message sent as iMessage or text
Look at the color of the message bubble. In the Messages app, messages you send appear on the right side of the screen. If the bubble is blue, it sent as an iMessage. If it's green, it sent as a regular text message. This color coding applies to all conversations — you can see at a glance which contacts are on iMessage and which aren't.
You can also look at the "Delivered" and "Read" indicators. iMessages show "Delivered" when they reach Apple's servers and "Read" when the recipient opens the message (if they have read receipts turned on). Regular text messages show "Delivered" only when your carrier confirms delivery, and they don't have a "Read" status because carriers don't track that. If you don't see a "Delivered" status at all, the message may still be sending or may have failed.
What happens to your text message plan when you use iMessage
iMessage doesn't count against your text message plan because it uses data instead of SMS (the carrier network that regular texts use). If you have unlimited texting, this doesn't matter to you. But if you have a limited text plan or if you're on a device with limited data, it's worth knowing that every iMessage you send uses a small amount of data — usually less than 1 KB per message, though photos and videos use more.
For most people, this is a non-issue. iMessage is designed to be efficient with data, and even a modest data plan can handle thousands of iMessages. The real benefit is that iMessage works over Wi-Fi, so you can send messages even if you don't have cellular service, as long as you're connected to Wi-Fi.
Turning iMessage off if you need to
If you want to stop using iMessage and go back to regular text messages only, open Settings, tap Messages, and toggle the iMessage switch off. All your messages will then send as regular texts through your carrier, regardless of who you're texting. This takes effect immediately.
You might do this if you're having trouble with iMessage delivery, if you're switching to a non-Apple device soon, or if you want to reduce data usage. Some people also turn it off temporarily to troubleshoot messaging problems. Turning it back on is just as simple — toggle the switch back to on in the same location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay extra for iMessage?
No. iMessage is free and included with every iPhone. It uses your existing data plan (Wi-Fi or cellular data), not your text message plan. You don't need to sign up for anything or add a service — it's built in.
Why do some of my messages show as "Not Delivered"?
This usually means your iPhone couldn't reach the recipient's device or Apple's servers. Common causes are poor internet connection, the recipient's phone being off, or their iMessage being disabled. Try sending again once you have a stronger connection, or ask the person to check that iMessage is turned on in their Settings.
Can I use iMessage on my iPad or Mac?
Yes. Sign into the same Apple ID on your iPad or Mac, go to Settings (or System Preferences on Mac) and enable Messages. You'll then be able to send and receive iMessages on those devices too. Messages sync across all your Apple devices.
What if I don't want read receipts showing when I open an iMessage?
Open Settings, tap Messages, and toggle off "Send Read Receipts." This stops your iPhone from telling others when you've read their messages. You can also turn this on or off per conversation by swiping left on a specific chat and tapping the info icon.
Will switching to iMessage cost me more on my phone bill?
No. iMessage uses data, not text messages, so it doesn't affect your text message plan. If you have unlimited data, there's no cost at all. If you have limited data, iMessages use a tiny amount — typically less than 1 KB per message for text.