How to Get iMessage for Windows

Apple is famous for its closed-system standard, and apps like Messages are no exception. If you have a PC running Windows and you want to use iMessage on your PC, you’re in luck. Windows 11 now allows you to link your iPhone to your PC via Bluetooth so that you can send and receive messages, notifications, calls, and more. Read on to find out how to get iMessage for Windows.

Jump To:

• Download Link to Windows
• Link Your iPhone to Your PC
• Set Up Phone Link

iMessage for PC: Link to Windows

When it comes to using iMessage on Windows, the first thing you need to do is make sure that iMessage is enabled on your iPhone. Next, you need to upgrade your PC to Windows 11. If you already have Windows 10 and your PC is compatible with Windows 11, the upgrade is free. You will also need to install the Link to Windows app on your iPhone. For more iPhone tips and tricks, be sure to sign up for our free Tip of the Day newsletter.

1. Open the App Store and tap Search.
   
   
2. Search for Link to Windows.
   
   
3. Tap Get to install the app.
   
   

Now, let’s move over to your PC.

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How to Get iMessage on PC with Phone Link

Now that you have the Link to Windows app installed, you can get started with using iMessage on your PC. Here’s how to get iMessage for Windows:

1. On your PC, open the Phone Link app.
   
   
2. Click iPhone.
   
   
3. The Phone Link app will display a QR code.
   
   
4. On your iPhone, open Link to Windows.
   
   
5. Tap Scan QR code, and then aim your iPhone camera at the QR code on your PC screen.
   
   
6. Tap Continue.
   
   
7. Tap OK to allow the app to use Bluetooth to connect to your PC.
   
   
8. Verify that the code on your iPhone is the same as the one being displayed on your PC, and tap Pair.
   
   
9. On your PC, click Pair.
   
   
10. Click Continue.
    
    
11. Click Continue again.
    
    
12. Click Get Started.
    
    

Before you can start using iMessage on your PC, there are a few more steps to finish setting things up.

How to Set Up Phone Link

To use iMessage for Windows, you first need to give your PC permission to access your messages, notifications, and contacts.

1. On your iPhone, open the Settings app, and tap Bluetooth.
   
   
2. Tap the info icon next to your PC name.
   
   
3. Toggle Show Notifications and Sync Contacts on.
   
   
4. This will sync your notifications and phone calls to the Phone Link app.
   
   
5. On your PC, the Calls tab will show recent calls.
   
   
6. The Messages tab will show your recent messages. Note: Only messages sent and received through Phone Link will be synced, so this tab will be empty when you first start using the application.
   
   
7. Click the arrow in the top left to open notifications.
   
   
8. Your iPhone notifications will be displayed here.
   
   

You can now use iMessage on PC. However, it’s important to note that your existing messages will not sync with Phone Link. The app only syncs messages that are sent and received through the app. Additionally, Phone Link does not load images or video sent over iMessage, and it does not support group messages.