How to Use IMessage on Windows | Digital Trends

Apple’s iMessage isn’t as universal as some of the best messaging apps, but as a default app it’s extremely popular and could be considered one of the best Mac apps. However, since it’s an Apple-exclusive app, it’s not easy to get it to work elsewhere. Luckily, however, there are a few tricks you can use to get iMessage working on Windows. Find out how to do it.

How to use iMessage on Windows with Phone Link

You can connect your iPhone to Windows using the Phone Link app for quick and easy access to iMessage from your PC. Note that iMessages that you sent before setting up Phone Link on your iPhone cannot be synced to your PC. Only the messages you sent via your PC after connecting your iPhone to Windows will be displayed. Initial messages from first senders are also not synchronized.

Step 1: You need iOS 14 or later and the latest version of Windows 11 to use the Phone Link app with Windows. Therefore, if necessary, update your iPhone and Windows installation to the latest versions.

Step 2: Search for the Phone Link app in Windows Search and select the corresponding result to launch it. If you can’t find it, you can download the application manually here.

Step 3: When prompted, select iPhone from the available options.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your phone via Bluetooth. You need to enable Bluetooth on your PC. You then need to pair the devices with the QR code.

Step 5: Point your iPhone camera at it to scan the QR code on your PC. On your iPhone’s resulting screen, select ” Open on the Pair your devices Screen. Then on your iPhone, give the app permission in your Bluetooth settings. Choose Keep going

Step 6: A prompt will appear on your PC to pair your iPhone with your PC. Accept the prompt and make sure the PIN matches the one shown on both devices. Choose Yes

Step 7: Choose on your PC Keep going. Go to your iPhone to complete the required additional options. That’s what you’re going to have to do Allow access to notifications and allow shared system notifications, and Sync contacts.

Step 8: When setup is complete, you should see your iPhone mirrored in the Phone Link app, with access to messages, calls, and contacts, allowing you to easily access iMessage on Windows.

How to use iMessage on Windows with a MacBook

Another way to get iMessage on Windows is to use Chrome Remote Desktop. However, first you need to set up your iOS and Mac devices.

Step 1: Open this Settings app on your iPhone and select your Apple ID account. Then select Select iCloud.

Step 2: If you haven’t already, switch over Messages to green to confirm iCloud is being used.

Step 3: Switch to your MacBook and launch that Messages app. Then sign in with your Apple ID and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, enter your verification when prompted.

Step 4: Select in the app’s menu bar Messages followed by Settings.

Step 5: Choose iMessage Tab when it is displayed.

Step 6: If necessary, activate your account and Messages in iCloud.

Step 7: Enable the number and email address you want to use with iMessage on Windows.

Step 8: Choose where you want new conversations to start, then select Sync now Button.

Step 9: Now that iMessage is working, we need to set up Chrome Remote Desktop.

Download Chrome browser from the official website and install the application.

Step 10: Sign in to your Google account in Chrome – or create one if you don’t already have one.

Step 11: Navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop page and select Share this screen. Then select the blue download button next to it Share this screen, followed by the Add to Chrome Button in the pop-up window. This will download the Chrome Remote Desktop extension. When prompted, grant the necessary setting permissions.

Step 12: To use iMessage on Windows, your Mac must remain active, so it may be worth navigating there System settings >Energy saverand set your Mac so that it doesn’t automatically go to sleep when the display is turned off. Alternatively, you can wake the Mac while using iMessage and leave it in standby mode when not in use.

Step 13: Install Chrome on your Windows PC or laptop from the official website if you don’t have it already and log in with your account or create one if you don’t have one yet.

Step 14: Navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop extension page and select Add to Chrome to add the extension to your Chrome installation.

Step 15: On your MacBook, navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop web app and select Share this screen > + Generate code.

Step 16: On your Windows PC, navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop web app and select Share this screen. Then under the heading Connect to another computerEnter the code you generated on your MacBook.

Step 17: When prompted on your MacBook, grant permission for the connections.

Step 18: If you followed these steps correctly, your Mac’s screen should now be streaming to your Windows PC. You can then launch the iMessage app from your streaming MacBook.

And those were two ways you could use iMessage on Windows. The easiest way is to use the Phone Link app, but there is still the problem that you won’t necessarily see all the iMessages from your iPhone to your PC. Only those that you have created yourself on your PC will be displayed. Still, it’s a good way to use your iPhone to send text messages from your PC if you don’t mind that caveat. To fully access iMessage, you can also use Chrome Remote Desktop, but you’ll need a Mac. There is also a third method, namely the Intel Unison app, but it requires a lot of additional setup, while Phone Link is a more native solution.

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