How to Access iMessage on Windows 10/11

A couple of workarounds that may help

Let’s get this out of the way first. You can’t use iMessage on Windows 10 or Windows 11 directly. Unlike other text messaging services, Apple does not provide a downloadable app (or even a web app) that you can use to send and receive messages. But as long as you’ve also got a Mac or an iPhone, you’ve got a couple of not-so convenient workarounds that may prove helpful in specific circumstances.

The first method involves using Chrome Remote Desktop to access and use iMessage on a Mac via your Windows PC. The second method requires using the Dell Mobile Connect app, but it requires a Dell PC and an iPhone.

How to Use iMessage on Windows 10/11 With Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop is a browser extension for Google Chrome that allows you to access your Mac remotely from your PC. You can then use iMessage to send and receive messages. This method is ideal since not only do you get to interact with iMessage but also your entire Mac when you’re out and about.

Here are a few things you may have to do before you get started:

  1. Open Google Chrome on your Mac and visit theChrome Remote Desktoppage.

  2. UnderSet up remote access, select theDownloadbutton.

  3. On the Chrome Web Store pop-up, selectAdd to Chrometo install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension.

  4. SelectAdd extensionto confirm your action.

  5. On the Chrome Remote Desktop page, insert a name for your Mac or leave the default name intact. SelectNextto continue.

  6. Create a PIN (you need this to access your Mac via Windows later on) and selectStart.

  7. Enter your Mac’s administrator password and provide the Chrome Remote Desktop Host permissions for accessibility and screen recording.

  8. You’ve finished setting up your Mac with Chrome Remote Desktop. You can exit the page but leave Chrome running in the background.

  9. Get to the Chrome Remote Desktop page on your PC. Your Mac will show up as a remote device—select it.

  10. Insert the PIN you created earlier and selectGo.

  11. Your Mac’s screen will show up within Chrome. Select the Messages icon on the Dock to open and use the app to send and receive messages with your contacts. Learn more aboutusing Chrome Remote Desktop.

If you have trouble using iMessage, go toMessages>Preferences>iMessageto ensure that your messaging preferences are set up correctly.

How to Use iMessage on Windows 10/11 With Dell Mobile Connect

Dell Mobile Connect is a utility that allows Windows to connect to an iPhone over Bluetooth and perform a host of stuff from making phone calls, transferring files, to sending messages. It helps you keep your attention centered on your computer. However, Dell Mobile Connect only works on PCs manufactured by Dell.

Here’s what you must look out for when using Dell Mobile Connect:

  1. Install and openDell Mobile Connecton your Dell PC.

  2. Install and open the Dell Mobile Connect companion app on your iPhone.

  3. Scan the QR code with your iPhone.

  4. Follow the Dell Mobile Contact app’s instructions to provide it with permissions to your iPhone’s contacts, files, Bluetooth, notifications, and messages.

  5. SelectDoneto complete the setup procedure.

  6. SelectMessageson the sidebar of the Del Mobile Connect app. Then, selectNew Message, pick a contact, and start using iMessage. The app will also alert you of incoming messages as toast notifications.

If you have trouble using the app., it’s best to check theDell Mobile Connect support pagefor more information about how it works.

Start Using iMessage on Windows 10/11

The two workarounds above aren’t the most straightforward, but until Apple provides support (which may or may not ever happen), you’ve got no choice but to use them. You may have seen alternative methods online that involve using iPadian and Cydia. However, iPadian is a simulator (which only mimics the iPadOS user interface), while Cydia requires you to jailbreak your iPhone.

To make matters worse, iOS simulators such as Appetizer also don’t play ball with iMessage despite letting you sign in with an Apple ID.

But what about virtualization software? They won’t help you either since you need a valid device serial number to connect to iCloud and use features such as iMessage.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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