Apple’s built-in messaging app is one of its core apps; anyone under the Apple umbrella should be familiar with this app.
Although many people know iMessage on other Apple devices, it is not on the Mac.
With your Mac, you can message all your iPhone and iPad friends and send and receive SMS messages from Android users.
How to set up iMessage On Your Mac?
Setting up iMessage on your Mac does not require the help of iCloud or your iPhone, but you must possess an Apple ID.
If you have an iCloud account, your Apple ID will be the email you used during sign-up.
To set up iMessage on your Mac, follow the steps below:
- Open the Messages app from the Dock
- Next, go to your application folder, or you can do this by using a shortcut command + space.
- If this is your first time launching the app, you will be asked to log in. If you don’t have an Apple ID, create one.
- After signing in, go to the Message settings by clicking Messages at the menu bar.
- Select Preference or use the shortcut key Command + comma.
Go under the iMessage tab. There, you will find options for managing your iMessage account.
Make sure it lists your email or phone number under “You can be reached for messages; otherwise, you won’t receive messages on your Mac.”
Note: Only phone-based accounts can message Android users over SMS. But you can receive messages on your phone number and Apple ID if you choose to.
Using an email account is the same as using a phone-based account, you can message anyone who uses iMessage even on their phone number.
Ensure you enable the Enable Message in the iCloud feature before closing the window in the image below. This is necessary to sync all your old messages to your Mac.
If your phone number does not show up in the Messages preferences, you must ensure the iMessage app is enabled on your device.
To do this, go to the Settings App, open Messages on your phone, and make sure iMessage is toggled on; if it’s not turned on, you will get a message like “Use your Apple ID for iMessage?” Click on it and sign in with the same account you are using on your Mac.
Your phone number should pop up in the Messages preference after you’ve enabled everything you require.
The changes will take place within a few minutes, after which you can send messages using your iMessage.
To send and receive SMS messages to Android users and everyone else who doesn’t have Apple iMessage, you will have to enable Text message forwarding on your iPhone to link your Mac and other connected devices together.
With this article, you should be able to know how to set up iMessage on your Mac.
