To turn on iMessage on an iPhone 13, open Settings, tap Apps > Messages (or just Messages on iOS 17 and earlier), and turn on iMessage. Activation usually takes a few seconds, but it can take up to 24 hours. Once it’s on, messages to other Apple users appear in blue bubbles, and you can send photos, reactions, and read receipts over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
You need an internet connection and an Apple Account to use iMessage. Here’s how to set it up, choose your phone number and email, and fix activation problems.
How to turn on iMessage on iPhone 13
- Connect to Wi-Fi or turn on cellular data.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then Messages.
- Turn on iMessage. If asked, sign in with your Apple Account.
- Wait for “Waiting for activation” to disappear.
Choose your phone number and email addresses
- In Settings > Apps > Messages, tap Send & Receive.
- Under You can receive iMessages to and reply from, check your phone number and any email addresses you want to use.
- Under Start new conversations from, choose your phone number so people recognize you.
Useful iMessage settings
- Send Read Receipts: Lets people see when you’ve read their messages.
- Send as Text Message: Sends a regular text when iMessage isn’t available.
- Text Message Forwarding: Lets your Mac or iPad send and receive regular texts through your iPhone.
- Messages in iCloud: Keeps your messages in sync across devices. Turn it on in Settings > your name > iCloud.
iMessage not activating? Try these fixes
- Check your connection. iMessage needs Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- Check the date and time. Go to Settings > General > Date & Time and turn on Set Automatically.
- Turn iMessage off and on, then restart your iPhone.
- Make sure you can receive SMS. Activation sends a hidden text message, which some plans or carriers may block. Contact your carrier if needed.
- Update iOS in Settings > General > Software Update.
- Wait up to 24 hours before contacting Apple Support.
Blue bubbles vs. green bubbles
| Bubble | What it means |
|---|---|
| Blue | iMessage, sent to another Apple device over the internet |
| Green | SMS, MMS, or RCS text message, usually to an Android phone |
Frequently asked questions
Is iMessage free?
Yes. It uses Wi-Fi or your data plan instead of text messages. Data charges may apply on cellular.
Why are my messages to an iPhone user green?
iMessage may be off on their phone or yours, or one of you has no internet connection.
Can I use iMessage without a SIM card?
Yes, with your Apple Account email over Wi-Fi.
How do I turn off iMessage before switching to Android?
Turn off iMessage in Settings before you move your SIM, or deregister your number on Apple’s website so texts from iPhone users reach your new phone.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.