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, it’s an Apple exclusive app, so getting it to work elsewhere isn’t easy. Fortunately, however, there are some tricks you can use to get iMessage working on Windows. Here’s how to do it.
How to use iMessage on Windows with Phone Link
Microsoft has a new Insider Program feature for iPhone users that lets them connect their iPhone to Windows using the Phone Link app, giving you quick and easy access to iMessage from your PC.
Step 1: Enroll in the Windows Insiders program if you haven’t already. There’s no guarantee that this will give you access to the Phone Link beta, but it’s the only way to do it for now.
Here are some details on how to become part of the Insider program.
Step 2 Download the Phone Link app on your PC. It must be version 1.23012.169.0 or higher.
Step 3: Launch the app and when prompted, select iPhone from the available options.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your phone via Bluetooth and confirm all syncing and permissions requirements.
Step 5: On your iPhone, give the app permission in your Bluetooth settings.
Step 6: When the setup is complete, you should see your iPhone mirrored in the Phone Link app with access to Messages, Calls and Contacts, giving you easy iMessage access on Windows.
How to use iMessage on Windows with a MacBook
Another way to get iMessage on Windows is by using Chrome Remote Desktop. But first, you need to set up your iOS and Mac devices.
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone and select your Apple ID account.
Step 2: Select iCloud.
Step 3: If you haven’t already, toggle Messages to green to confirm that iCloud is in use.
Step 4: Switch to your MacBook and launch the Messages app. Then sign in with your Apple ID and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, enter your confirmation when prompted.
Step 5: From the app’s menu bar, select Messages followed by Settings.
Step 6: Select the iMessage tab when it appears.
Step 7: If necessary, activate your account and messages in iCloud.
Step 8: Activate the number and email address you want to use with iMessage on Windows.
Step 9: Choose where you want new conversations to start and then choose the Sync Now button.
Step 10: 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 11: Sign in to your Google account in Chrome – or create one if you don’t already have one.
Step 12: Navigate to Chrome Remote Desktop page and select Share this screen. Then select the blue download button next to Share this screen, followed by the Add to Chrome button in the pop-up window. This will download the Chrome Remote Desktop extension.
Step 13: In order to use iMessage on Windows, your Mac needs to stay awake, so it might be worth navigating to System Preferences > *Power Saver* and setting your Mac to not automatically go to sleep when the display is off . Alternatively, you can wake up the Mac while using iMessage and put it to sleep when not in use.
Step 14: On your Windows PC or laptop, install Chrome from the official website if you don’t already have it and sign in with your account or create one if you don’t already have one.
Step 15: Navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop extensions page and select Add to Chrome to add the extension to your Chrome installation.
Step 16: Navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop web app on your MacBook and select Share this screen > + Generate code.
Step 17: Navigate to the Chrome Remote Desktop web app on your Windows PC and select Share this screen. Then, under the Connect to another computer heading, enter the code you generated on your MacBook.
Step 18: When prompted on your MacBook, give permission for the connections.
If you’ve 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 streamed MacBook.
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