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How to Use iMessage on a PC (Windows Computer)?

How to Access the iMessage App on Your Windows Computer or Another Device?

iMessages have a massive success among Apple users. Quite often, users consider whether it is possible to use this great application on their home or work computers with Windows operating system. The main reason for iMessages success is the enormous collection of gifs and emojis, features such as P2P money transfer, digital touch, and secure encryption.

imessage-on-pc-introduction

As a result of many computer users searching for a way to use iMessage on Windows computers, we decided to announce the good news for all the searchers. There is a way to launch the iMessages application on Windows operating system.

Unfortunately, there isn't any straightforward way to run it, so many users will struggle with this task. In this article, we will describe step-by-step instructions on enabling iMessages on your device with a Windows-based operating system.

Video showing How to Access iMessages on Windows Computer?

Table of Contents:

Set the iMessage on Apple device

Sometimes the iMessage app might be missing, so you can download it from Apple App Store. Once you have the software, run it and sign in using your Apple ID and password. You have to log in with the same Apple ID on all devices you desire to reach particular conversations. Then, it automatically syncs your latest conversations immediately after you log in, so you can continue chatting at the same point you left on any synced device.

sign-in-imessage

If you're experiencing any issues related to iMessage, we recommend looking for a solution in this article.

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Set up Chrome's remote desktop feature to access iMessage on Windows or any other OS

Google Chrome's remote desktop allows you to access and control another computer via internet connection by using Chrome browser, which is available to any version of the operating system. All connections are fully secure. To access iMessage through this method, you will need an Apple computer that is turned on and not asleep, also connected to the internet.

Set up Chrome Remote Desktop

1. First, sign in to Chrome with your Google account or create a new one.

sign-into-chrome

2. Download the Chrome Remote Desktop App from Chrome App Store. To be able to download it, you must use Google Chrome as your browser.
3. Select Add to Chrome.

add-chrome-desktop

4. If you're setting up for the first time, you will probably see a message requesting authorization. Follow on-screen instructions to proceed.
5. Once finished, the Remote Desktop App will appear in your chrome://apps list. Run the feature and in popped up message choose Enable remote connections.

start-remote-connection-enable

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to obtain Chrome's remote host installer. A message requesting your agreement with the Terms of Service will appear. Click Accept and Install.

download-remote-desktop-host

7. Save the chrome remote desktop file to your desired folder like desktop, downloads, or other destination.
8. When the download process is finished, launch the installer.

install-remote-desktop-host2

9. Next, run the Chrome remote desktop host package and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed. Enter your computer's admin password when required.
10. When a host has been set, relaunch the Chrome Remote Desktop App and click Enable remote connections.
11. Create a new Pin of a minimum of 6 digits, which you will use to connect from another computer. Rules for creating a pin are similar to any other. Choose something you won't forget or write down and keep it secure.

create-pin-for-connection

12. Enter your Mac's admin password if required. When you successfully proceed, the message stating that remote connections are enabled will appear. Bear in mind that your Mac must be on, connected to the internet, and not asleep to access through another computer.

enable-successfully

Access iMessage via Chrome remote desktop

To launch the iMessages application on your Windows computer, you have to access your Mac first.

1. Repeat the procedure and sign in to Chrome with the same Google account you have used to set up Chrome Remote desktop on Mac.
2. Launch the Chrome Remote Desktop App by entering chrome://apps in the address bar.
3. Under My Computer, look for your Mac's name.

choose-remote-computer

4. Double-click to initiate a connection. If you can see the Get Started option, click it and select the remote computer you desire to access.
5. Write in the PIN you have created before.

connect-remote-computer

6. Once a connection establishes, your Mac's desktop will appear in-app. You may maximize your window to full-screen to ease the usage.
7. Now you have access to your Mac through the Chrome browser, so launch the iMessage app either from your Dock either use Launchpad.
8. To terminate your connection to Mac, click the Stop Sharing button at the bottom of your shared screen. In case you accidentally end a session, click Reconnect and re-enter the PIN.

imessage-remote-desktop

Remove the Chrome Remote Desktop from your Mac

1. Remove the Chrome Remote Desktop Host application by going to your Mac's application folder.
2. Then look for Chrome Remote Desktop Host Uninstaller app. Launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.
3. When it finishes, the message stating that uninstall succeeded will appear. Further, delete the Chrome Remote Desktop app from your Google account by opening your Chrome browser on Mac.
4. Enter the chrome://apps in the address bar and then Control-click or right-click the app and select Remove from Chrome. Follow on-screen instructions to proceed.

remove-chrome-remote-desktop

Remember that to use this method, you have to access your Mac, and it must be turned ON, connected to the internet, and not asleep. What is more, Chrome Remote Desktop is fully cross-platform, which means you can use it on any operating system like Windows, Mac, or Linux and allows you to access Windows XP or later and Mac OS X 10.6 or later.

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An alternative method to access iMessage on Windows

If you don't have any Mac or can't access it but still prefer to use iMessage, there is another way how you can use it on Windows operating system. You should look for available iOS emulators, such as Ipadian2 or any other.

1. Download and install the software, launch it and look for the iMessage application. If you can't find it visit the App Store to install it.
2. Ensure the iOS version running on your emulator is compatible with the requirements for iMessage.
3. Once you have the app, sign in with your Apple ID, the same as you use on all your Mac OS or ios devices.

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Jailbreak your iPhone to access additional applications

To access iMessage on a browser, you will have to jailbreak your iPhone or any other iDevice. So what is jailbreaking? It's basically changing your official iOS with a new operating system that suggests more flexibility. Performing this action will change the appearance of your mobile device software. Also opens the ability to access various custom apps, tweaks, and add-ons that are forbidden in the official Apple app store.

Jailbreaking allows you to access customizations that are accustomed between Android users. Through all possible adjustments, you may find the ability to use iMessage from anywhere on the internet. What is more, your mobile device will be restored to factory settings after you perform a jailbreaking.

Risks of jailbreaking

From a first look, it might give a view like it's a valuable and necessary action. However, we do not recommend jailbreaking iPhones, iPads, or iPods for most users. By performing a jailbreak, you will automatically cancel the warranty of your device, which also includes AppleCare+ purchases.

You will also increase the risk of "bricking" your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, encountering various bugs, decrease the security against malware. Jailbreaking the iDevice is an option only for people who are experienced users of iDevice and feel comfortable troubleshooting the iPhones or any other mobile iOS device.

Jailbroken iDevice potential

Since you're familiar with possible dangers caused by jailbreaking and still think it's an opportunity, you probably consider what else you can access? The main reason that makes your iPhone more flexible is access to Cydia, an alternative App Store for jailbroken mobile Apple devices.

You can't access Cydia through Apple's App Store. Usually, it is included in your new operating system installed by any jailbreaking tool, such as Pangu, TaiG, or others.

What is more, with a non-official operating system, you're able to download apps that are forbidden in App Store, fully customize your device, default apps, control center, Touch ID, or 3D Touch, creating shortcuts, and other adjustments to the user interface. Furthermore, among all these abilities, you will be able to access iMessage through any device.

How to Jailbreak iDevice and use iMessage on any type of operating system

Before you start attempting to jailbreak your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, ensure your own backups. We strongly recommend storing the backup in at least 2 locations, for example, cloud storage and external drive.

1. Once your backup is safely stored, reset your device to default settings using iTunes for better results while performing the jailbreak.
2. The next step would be to download the jailbreak software to your computer with Mac OS or Windows.
3. Launch the software and follow the on-screen instructions to jailbreak your device.
4. Once the new operating system is installed on your device, look for the Cydia icon. If you can't find it, download it from the internet. Once again, Cydia is basically an App Store for your jailbroken operating system.
5. To access the iMessage from any operating system, you have to purchase an App called Remote Message, which allows you to reach iMessages through all types of devices and computers, despite their operating system. All you have to do is follow on-screen instructions to set up a web-based interface.
6. You will be able to reach your iMessage on any browser by entering your mobile device's IP address followed by '333', which is displayed in your web-based interface.
7. You will have to sign in to iMessage to access all its features.

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How to use iMessage on an Android device

Many Android operating system users were hoping that the newest version of iMessage would include software related to their os. Unfortunately, there isn't any official version for Android users, so as an alternative, you may look for third-party applications like iMessage Android and some others in Google Play Store. These apps allow you to send messages between iPhones, iPads, iPods touch, Mac computers, and your Android phones or tablets.

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About the author:

Karolina Peistariene

Author of how-to guides for Mac users. Responsible for collecting, analyzing, and presenting problem-solving solution articles related to macOS issues. Years of macOS experience combined with solid research and analyzing skills help Karolina provide readers with working and helpful solutions as well as introduce various features Mac has to offer. Contact Karolina Peistariene.

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