Messages Tips

iMessage: The ultimate guide

By Allyson Kazmucha, Thursday, Sep 20, 2012 a 8:55 pm

Mac running OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or higher. Whether you need help setting up or using any or all of the features, you've come to the right place!

Also note, we'll be updating this guide regularly as Apple introduces more iMessage features, so make sure you bookmark this page and check back frequently!

How to copy, forward, and delete iMessages

By Allyson Kazmucha, Tuesday, Sep 11, 2012 a 4:56 pm

Replying to an iMessage (or SMS or MMS) is only one of several things you can do with the iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, and Mac Messages app. You can also copy it, forward it, or delete it altogether. Copying an iMessage is a great way to move important information to other apps, like Mail or Notes or for searching in Safari. Forwarding is a super fast way to share one person's iMessage with another. And deleting, if you've received something personal in a text -- or sext, we don't judge! -- is the perfect way to maintain your privacy.

How to send photos using iMessage

By Allyson Kazmucha, Saturday, Sep 8, 2012 a 6:32 pm

If you've got an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad running iOS 5 or higher you've got iMessage, Apple's free MMS-like service that works with any other iOS device, and Mac running OS X Mountain Lion, to let you easily send photos without paying your carrier for a special messaging plan (data rates will still apply if you aren't on Wi-Fi). iMessage is built right into the same Messages app and Share Sheet that sends SMS and MMS to your non-iPhone using friends, so you don't have to do anything extra to use it. Just pick your photos and send them!

How to add additional email addresses to iMessage

By Allyson Kazmucha, Friday, Sep 7, 2012 a 1:39 am

iMessage is great way to send and receive text and multimedia images with any iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad running iOS 5 or higher, as well as any Mac running OS X Mountain Lion. Along with receiving iMessages at your phone number on the iPhone, you can receive iMessages at your Apple ID email address on iOS and OS X as well. But what if you've got more than one email address and you want to be able to use all of them with iMessages?

How to send a contact card using iMessage

By Allyson Kazmucha, Wednesday, Sep 5, 2012 a 1:19 am

If you need to quickly send contact information from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, it's easy to do with iMessage or even good, old-fashioned SMS. As long as you have the information listed in your iOS Contacts app, you're always only a few taps away from sharing a vCard file (vcf) containing phone numbers, email, street addresses, and much more.

How to send a video using iMessage

By Allyson Kazmucha, Monday, Aug 27, 2012 a 8:29 pm

If you've got an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad running iOS 5 or higher, or a Mac running OS X Mountain Lion, you've got iMessage, Apple's free MMS-like service. iMessage works with other iOS devices and Macs to let you easily send videos without paying your carrier for a special messaging plan (data rates will still apply if you aren't on Wi-Fi). iMessage is built right into the same Messages app and Share Sheet that sends SMS and MMS to your non-iPhone using friends, so you don't have to do anything extra to use it. Just pick your video and send!

How to increase the privacy of iMessage previews and alerts on your iPhone and iPad

By Allyson Kazmucha, Wednesday, Aug 22, 2012 a 4:27 pm

By default, iMessage and SMS messages will show previews and alerts on the Lock screen and Home screen of your iPhone, and iMessage previews and alerts on your iPad and iPhone. If you'd rather keep your messages -- be they big business dealings or super secret sextings, we don't judge! -- away from prying eyes, and give yourself some privacy, it's easy to do.

How to send a voice memo using iMessage

By Allyson Kazmucha, Monday, Aug 20, 2012 a 3:07 pm

The iPhone and iPod touch have a built-in Voice Memo app that can be handy for recording lengthy thoughts or instructions. After finishing your Voice Memo you can easily share it with someone else as an iMessage or SMS. Once they receive it they'll be able to play it directly through the Messages app.

How to send texts using iMessage

By Allyson Kazmucha, Monday, Aug 13, 2012 a 6:51 pm

If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch running iOS 5 or higher, or OS X Mountain Lion, you can cut out the carrier cash grab and use iMessage to send absolutely free text (SMS), picture and video (MMS), location, and contact messages to anyone else who's also using similar Apple devices.

While it sounds simple, and it is, there are a few important things to pay attention to.

How to send map locations using iMessage

By Allyson Kazmucha, Thursday, Aug 2, 2012 a 2:48 pm

iMessage isn't just for texting, you can easily and instantly share your location with friends, family, and colleagues as well. Whether you're lost or need someone to give you directions, or you're waiting and want to help someone find you, iMessage is as simple as hitting the share button and sending.