iMessage is one of the most popular messaging apps for iOS device users. You can use it to send text messages, photos, videos, or even audio messages to anyone with an Apple device. It is a convenient way to stay connected with your family and friends who also have Apple devices.
If you’re new to iMessage or have recently switched from an Android device, you may be wondering how to enable it. Enabling iMessage on your iPhone is fairly easy and can be done in a few quick steps. Keep reading to discover how to enable iMessage on your iPhone.
What is iMessage?
iMessage is a messaging service that allows Apple device users to send and receive text messages, photos, videos, and other media through the Messages app on their devices. When iMessage is enabled, users can send and receive text messages for free. This includes group messages, as well as messages that are sent from one user to another. It also supports multimedia messages, such as photos and videos. iMessages can be sent over Wi-Fi or cellular data networks.

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How to Enable iMessage on an iPhone
To enable iMessage on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap Messages.
- Turn on the iMessage toggle switch. You should see the green color next to the switch when iMessage is on. That’s it! You can now start using iMessage to communicate with other Apple users for free!

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How to Check if iMessage is Enabled on Your iPhone
If you’re not sure if iMessage is enabled on your device, here’s how to check:
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Messages.
- Check to see if the switch next to iMessage is green. If the switch is off or not green, that means your iMessage is not yet enabled.

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Check out the video below to see just how quick and easy this method is.
How to Fix “iMessage Needs to be Enabled to Send this Message”
If you see the error message “iMessage needs to be enabled” when trying to send an iMessage, here are a few things you can try:
- Check that iMessage is turned on. If it’s already on, try turning it off and then back on again.
- Check if your device has an active internet connection.
- Update your iOS to the latest version.
- Check if the Apple iMessage server is down.
- Try restarting your iPhone.
- If you’ve tried all of these steps and iMessage still isn’t working, contact Apple Support for further assistance.
How to Enable iMessage on Your iPhone: 8 Must-Know Facts
- You can only use iMessage if you have an iPad, iPhone, or Mac.
- iMessage uses your data plan or Wi-Fi connection to send and receive messages.
- You can send voice memos, share your location, and even play games with friends right from within the Messages app!
- iMessage supports group chats.
- You can also use iMessage to send money to other people using Apple Pay.
- Messages sent using iMessage are encrypted.
- You can see when the person you’re messaging has read your message if their read receipt is on.
- If you are sending a message to someone who does not have iMessage enabled, the message will automatically be sent as an SMS/MMS text message (and you will be charged for it accordingly).
Benefits of Enabling iMessage on Your iPhone
If you have an iPhone, you should definitely enable iMessage. Here are some of the benefits of enabling iMessage on your iPhone:
You can send messages for free
iMessage is a free messaging service that Apple offers to its users. When you enable iMessage on your iPhone, you can send messages for free to any other iPhone user. That includes text messages, photos, videos, and even audio files. This is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family who also have Apple devices.
Unlike traditional SMS text messages, iMessages are sent over the internet and are therefore free to send. This can save you a lot of money on your phone bill, especially if you frequently send texts. If you’re on vacation or traveling for business, you can also save money by sending iMessages instead of SMS or MMS messages.
It is more secure than regular SMS text messaging
iMessage is more secure than regular SMS text messaging because it uses end-to-end encryption. This means that your messages are encrypted before they are sent, and can only be decrypted by the intended recipient. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to intercept and read your messages.
It offers a variety of features that aren’t available with traditional SMS text messaging
iMessage is more than just a way to send text messages. It offers some great features that aren’t available with traditional SMS/MMS messaging. You can send pictures, videos, and audio messages. You can also share locations and even use Apple pay. iMessage also allows you to create group chats with multiple people. With iMessage, you can also keep your conversations in sync across all of your devices.