How to Use iMessage on a Windows PC or Android Device?
While there is no dearth of messaging apps like WhatsApp and Viber, iMessage remains the most popular messaging app for multiple reasons. First and foremost, Apple messaging app ranks right at the top when it comes to safeguard the personal messages.
Thanks to the deep integration with iDevices, iMessage offers a seamless messaging experience across the Apple ecosystem. That’s the reason why a large number of users crave to use iMessage on a Windows PC or Android.
If you also wish to take some pie out of Apple messaging app on these unsupported platforms, we have got you covered with reliable workarounds. Bear in mind, due to the lack of an official iMessage app for Windows and Android, we have to resort to workarounds to fill up the void.
How to Text with iMessages on Windows 10 Using Chrome Remote Desktop
Thanks to a Chrome extension called “Chrome Remote Desktop”, you can text with iMessages on Windows 10. While it may not be a straightforward method, it works pretty well once you have set up your Mac and Windows device.
This hack requires you to set up the extension on your Mac and PC. Let’ssee how it works!
Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop extension on your Mac
- To get started, install the Chrome Remote Desktop extension on your Mac. Then, you need to enter chrome://apps in the address bar of the browser. Next, click on the Chrome Remote Desktop icon.
- After you have located the extension, you can hold the Control button while clicking on the icon to access a menu. Then, choose the Create Shortcut option to add a shortcut on the desktop. The shortcut will make it a bit easier for you to access the extension.
- After that, click on the Get Started option and then enable the remote connections following the instructions. You will need to create a PIN to activate the remote connections
Now that the Chrome Remote Desktop is enabled on your Mac, head over to System Preferences > Energy Saver. Then, check the box for “Prevent computer from sleeping automatically when the display is off.” Make sure to check for box Wi-Fi network access as well. It is done to ensure the Mac doesn’t enter sleep mode when idle.
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Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop extension on your Windows PC
Now, install Chrome Remote Desktop extension on your Windows computer from the Chrome Web Store. Then, make sure to enter the chrome://apps in the address bar of the browser and hit the Chrome Remote Desktop icon.
After that, right-click on the icon and then add the shortcut on the desktop for convenient access. Next, click on the Get Started option and then select your Mac. Finally, enter the PIN number.
Image credit: NoSmart technologies
Voila! Now, you should see your Mac’s desktop on Windows 10. Now, launch the Messages app and kickstart the conversation right from your Windows machine.
How to Use iMessage on Android (with a Mac)
Though it is possible to use iMessage on an Android device, you need a Mac at your disposal. Besides, you also need to install a third-party app called “AirMessage” that is touted to let you try out “iMessage on your Android device.
So, how does it work? Well, this workaround requires your Mac to run in the background and also be connected to the internet all the time. After that, you have to install the AirMessage app on your Android phone and set it up. Then, you can use iMessage through AirMessage on your Android device.
Bottom Line
As mentioned above, using iMessage on Windows or Android devices is not straightforward due to the lack of compatibility. However, there are some workarounds if you are willing to go the distance.
Though the rumours about the introduction of iMessage on Windows and Android have been doing the rounds for years, Apple doesn’t want people to try out its premium messaging app without having to be part of the Apple ecosystem. Hopefully, the tech giant changes its stance on it just like AirPlay – not too long ago.
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