iMessage is usually exclusive to Apple users, and while many messaging apps try to compete, iMessage still holds a spot as a preferred choice for many.
Good news, though, you don’t need to fully commit to Apple to use iMessage or stay in touch with your iPhone-using friends. AirMessage is a great tool that lets you use iMessage on almost any device with internet.
The catch? AirMessage needs a MacBook to function as a private server. Your MacBook needs to be on and connected to the internet for you to send and receive messages.
If you’ve been wanting to try iMessage, or want to surprise someone with a message sent from iMessage, AirMessage is a solid option. So let’s get this set up!
Setting up AirMessage Server on your MacBook
To start using iMessage on your Android or Windows device, you will need to install the AirMessage server on your MacBook. This acts as the bridge.
First, navigate to airmessage.org in your browser. Scroll to the bottom and click the “AirMessage Server for macOS” download tile if you have an Intel-based MacBook.
If you are using a MacBook with an M1 chip, click on “Also available for silicone Macs” to start the download.
After the download finishes, open the ZIP file to extract the application.
Now, copy the AirMessage application file (with the .app extension) to your “Applications” folder on your MacBook using Command+C then Command+V.
Next, we need to grant AirMessage full disk access so it can relay iMessages properly.
Open the ‘System Preferences’ app from your dock or launchpad.
Then, select the ‘Security & Privacy’ option.
Click the ‘Privacy’ tab.
Scroll down the sidebar to ‘Full Disk Access’ and click it. Then click the lock icon at the bottom and authenticate with your password or Touch ID.
Click the ‘+’ button, which opens a new window.
Locate and double-click the ‘AirMessage’ application to grant access.
Since your MacBook is acting as a server, it needs to stay active. You’ll need to adjust your sleep settings.
Go back to the main ‘System Preferences’ grid by clicking the grid icon.
Select the ‘Energy Saver’ option.
Click the ‘Power Adapter’ tab.
Check the box labeled “Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off”.
Note: If you are running the AirMessage server on a MacBook, closing the lid will still freeze any running applications.
Now, open the AirMessage app from your launchpad.
In the window that opens, click ‘Connect an Account’.
Click ‘Sign in with Google’ to link your Google account.
You’ll get a confirmation that you’re connected.
The server is now running on your MacBook. Let’s move on to setting up your other devices.
Using AirMessage on Android
Once your AirMessage server is running, you can install the AirMessage app on your Android device. This will let you send and receive iMessages.
Open the Play Store app on your Android device.
Tap on the search bar and search for “Air Message”. Then, start the search.
Tap “Install” next to the AirMessage app.
After installing, open the app from your home screen or app drawer.
Tap on “Sign in with Google” and use the same Google account you used on the MacBook server.
You’ll now be able to see your iMessage history, and send/receive iMessages, as long as your MacBook is active and connected to the internet.
Using AirMessage on Windows
AirMessage makes it easy to use iMessage on Windows. You can simply use the web app without any downloads.
Open any browser on your Windows PC and go to web.airmessage.org. Click on “Sign in with Google”.
Sign in with the same Google account you used on your MacBook. Once logged in, you will see all your message history and be able to send/receive iMessages from your Windows device.
That is how you can now use your Android or Windows device to send/receive iMessages!