How to set up iMessage on Mac

The Messages app in macOS gives users a convenient way to communicate with friends, family and colleagues on multiple Apple devices.

With Messages for Mac, you can send unlimited messages to any Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch using iMessage, Apple's secure messaging service. If you own an iPhone, you can also send and receive SMS messages.

The following steps show you how to set up Messages on a Mac, while the second part explains how to set up Messages in iCloud, which helps keep messages in sync between your Mac and iOS device.

How to set up Messages on Mac

1. Launch the Messages application on Mac - you can find it in the Applications folder. It can also be found in the Dock on new Macs.

2. You will be asked to login. Enter the same Apple ID you use with Messages on iPhones and other Apple devices.

3. If you have enabled two-factor authentication for Apple ID, enter the verification code.

4. Select Messages -> Preferences . in the menu bar.

5. Select the iMessage tab .

6. Check the box next to Enable Messages in ‌iCloud‌ (this option will keep messages synchronized between Mac and iOS devices).

7. Check the phone number and email address you want to contact.

8. Use the drop-down list below Start new conversations from: to select the phone number or email address you want people to see when you start a new conversation.

9. Click the red circle in the upper left corner of the window to close the Messages option.

If you've turned on Messages in ‌iCloud‌, you'll also want to make sure it's enabled on your iPhone or ‌iPad‌ so that messages are synced across devices. Here's how to set up Messages in ‌iCloud‌ in iOS.

How to set up Messages in ‌iCloud‌ in iOS

For how to set up Messages in ‌iCloud‌ in iOS, refer to the article: How to sync messages between iPhone, iPad, macOS.

Activating Messages in ‌iCloud‌ not only keeps messages synchronized, but can also download message history whenever you set up a brand new device.