Computers, Laptops & Tablets > Apple How to Set up iMessage on the iPad Text your friends on your Apple tablet By Daniel Nations Daniel Nations Twitter Writer University of Texas at Arlington Daniel Nations has been a tech journalist since 1994. His work has appeared in Computer Currents, The Examiner, and other publications. He is a developer who has published apps in the Apple App Store, Google Play marketplace and Amazon Appstore; he also has worked as a data analyst and DB administrator. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on December 4, 2022 Reviewed by Christine Baker Reviewed by Christine Baker Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Apple iPad Macs What to Know To set up iMessage, go to Settings > Messages and make sure the iMessage option is on.Tap Send & Receive to select or deselect phone numbers and email addresses by which to receive messages.In a new message, tap Photos, Apple Pay, Images, and more to send more than just text in your iMessage. This article explains how to set up iMessage on iPads with iOS 8.1 or later. How to Set up iMessage To set up iMessage on iPad, you'll need to make a few changes in the Settings app. Here's how to do it. Tap Settings (gear icon) from your iPad's home screen. Scroll down and tap Messages. Ensure the iMessage switch is turned on (green). If prompted, log in with your Apple ID. Tap Send & Receive to configure how others can reach you on iMessage. Tap the phone numbers and email addresses you want to use to receive messages. You must check at least one destination on this screen. Be sure any phone numbers that aren't yours are unchecked, so family members don't receive messages meant for you. You've set up iMessage and can now use the Messages app to keep in contact with your friends and family without needing an iPhone. How to Send More Than Just Text in an iMessage You can send more than just text in an iMessage. Here are some examples of what you can do: In a new message, tap the heart with two fingers, draw a message, and send it. Tap the Apple Pay icon to send money via iMessage. Tap the Photos icon to attach pictures and movies from your Camera Roll, and tap the Images icon to send animated GIFS. Tap More to see even more options for sending a message via iMessage. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit