iMessage is a messaging app from Apple exclusively for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch because the owners of these devices use the iMessage app to send text messages, photos, videos, etc. for other Apple device users.
The iMessage app is not available for Android device users, but it is currently available for some Windows 11 PC users and will be available for others later. Microsoft said that it previously provided an initial preview of the app (Phone Link for iOS) in the program (Windows Insider). This is an update for the Microsoft app (mobile link).
The update allows users to send and receive iMessages and SMS by connecting their iPhone to a Windows PC.
But the functionality is somewhat limited. You can receive and send iMessages and text messages, but you can't participate in group calls. Also, there is no media support, so you cannot send or receive photos, videos, and GIFs. On the other hand, you cannot access any messages in iMessage until you set up the app (Phone Link for iOS).
To use iMessage on a Windows 11 PC:
To use iMessage on your Windows 11 PC, you need to download the update (Phone link for iOS) on your Windows PC. The app is currently in preview, and as mentioned, it is available through the Windows Insider Program. To try it out, you need to enroll your computer in the Windows Insider Program by following these steps:
- Go to Settings and then select Windows Update.
- Click on the (Windows Insider Program) option and register for the program.
- Choose one of the three software channels: Dev Channel, Beta Channel, or Release Preview Channel. Microsoft is rolling out new features across all three channels, so it doesn't matter which channel you choose.
Windows Insider Program users have the opportunity to try out new features before Windows PC users do. However, with Phone Link for iOS, you will have to wait a bit as Microsoft initially releases the update to a limited number of users and later expands it to more users.
However, if you enroll your PC in the Windows Insider Program, you may be elected for a short time and the Phone Link app on your PC may automatically update to allow you to connect your iPhone to your Windows PC.
When you get the first preview, you will see the (iPhone) option on the main page of the Phone Link app. Once you click on it, the app will guide you through the steps to connect your iPhone to your Windows PC.
The steps to pair your iPhone and your Windows 11 PC start with a prompt to scan the QR code displayed on your Windows PC using your iPhone's camera, then go to the confirmation step where you're asked to confirm the code on the phone. Link to the code in your iPhone's messaging.
After the pairing is complete, you will be asked to allow the Phone Link app to access certain content on your iPhone, for example: (share system notifications) get notifications about new messages on your computer, (show notifications) send and receive Messages and (sync contacts) to access contacts. Your contacts and display them in the application.
Once paired and given permissions, you'll be able to send and receive iMessages and SMS messages from your Windows PC, as well as receive calls, and you'll be notified on your PC when new messages arrive on iMessage. However, you cannot group conversations, nor can you send media, as mentioned earlier.
