How to send iMessages from your Android phone or tablet (2024)

When you switch from an iPhone to a top budget Android phone, you lose access to some Apple-exclusive features and apps like AirDrop, iMessage, Notes, and more. As for iMessage, the Android ecosystem does have some of the top encrypted messaging apps, but many users miss the convenience of iMessage for staying in touch with friends and family. Since Apple doesn't offer an iMessage solution on Android, your options are limited.

Apple is expected to announce support for RCS at this year's WWDC. Until then, you'll rely on third-party solutions to continue your iMessage conversations on Android. There have been several failed attempts by Nothing, Beeper, and Sunbird to bring a seamless iMessage experience to Android. If you use a Mac, explore AirMessage to send or receive iMessages securely on your Android phone.

What is AirMessage?

AirMessage is a third-party messaging service that allows you to use iMessage on non-Apple devices. It's available on Android and the web.

You'll establish an AirMessage Server on your Mac and keep the device awake to get started. The service acts as a bridge between your Mac and other devices to forward and send iMessages on the go.

The solution is more secure than Nothing, Beeper, and Sunbird. However, it requires a separate Mac (with your Apple ID) that acts as a server that constantly looks for new iMessages. AirMessage is free to download and use. Let's check it in action.

AirMessage requirements

Here's what you need to send or receive iMessages via AirMessage on Android.

• A Mac with your Apple ID.
• An active internet connection on Mac.
• A Mac that stays on to send or receive iMessages.
• The AirMessage app on your Android phone.

Set up AirMessage Server on Mac

We will first install AirMessage on a Mac and go through a trick to keep your Mac awake.

1. Download AirMessage Server from the official website.
2. Find the downloaded file and double-click it. Since you downloaded AirMessage from the web, a pop-up menu may appear to confirm your decision.
3. Select Open.
4. Click Connect an Account.

   

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete your registration.

   

   

6. Give the relevant permission to let AirMessage Server access the Messages app. Click OK.

   

7. Another pop-up message appears to give AirMessage access to control System Events. Click OK.

   

8. AirMessage asks you to control your computer via accessibility features. Click Open System Settings.

   

   See Also

   Get started with FaceTime on iPhone
9. macOS opens the Accessibility menu in System Settings. Turn on the toggle beside AirMessage.

   

10. A prompt appears to grant full disk access to AirMessage. Click Open Full Disk Access Settings.

    

11. Activate Full Disk Access to AirMesage.
12. Quit and reopen AirMessage.

    

13. When AirMessage restarts, check the app icon in the Mac menu bar.

Tweak your Mac settings

You must tweak your Mac settings so that it stays on all the time and runs AirMessage Server in the background. You can use third-party apps, like Sleep Control Centre or Amphetamine, or make changes from the Battery menu.

1. Open System Settings on Mac.
2. Scroll to Battery.
3. Open Options.

   

4. Turn on the Prevent automatic sleeping on power adapter when the display is off toggle. Enter your Mac password to confirm your decision.

   

Use AirMessage on your Android phone or tablet

Now that you have AirMessage Server up and running, download the mobile app on your Android phone.

1. Download and open AirMessage on Android and sign in with the same Google account.
2. The user interface is straightforward. You can compose new messages.
3. You can see the iMessage option in the message box. The app also supports sending media files over iMessage.

   

   

Troubleshoot AirMessage on Android and Mac

Do you have issues using AirMessage on Android? Try some of the fixes below for a smooth iMessage experience.

• Check the network connection on your Android phone. You can force close the AirMessage app and open it again to establish a connection. You can also enable Airplane mode temporarily and disable it after some to fix network glitches. If the issues persist, reset network settings and try again.
• If you run into the personal server not available error, restart AirMessage on Mac.

BlueBubbles: Another way to send iMessages from your Android

BlueBubbles is another AirMessage alternative that can be used to communicate via iMessage on Android. It requires creating a Google Firebase Console project, which is a lengthy process. The idea is to minimize background battery usage when the app is not in focus.

The service uses Google's Firebase Service to send notifications to your Android phone when new iMessages arrive. Check this dedicated guide if you are interested in using BlueBubbles.

What happened to Beeper?

Beeper made a name for itself by announcing iMessage support on Android. However, the service went through a lot of drama, and the Beeper Mini app was removed from the Google Play Store. Automattic (the maker of WordPress) bought the company and created a new Beeper Chat app that sends and receives messages on 14 chat networks. However, iMessage is not on the list of supported apps. Since Apple is being sued by the US government for blocking Beeper Mini's access to iMessage, the company is optimistic about adding iMessage support in the future.

iMessage on Android is far from perfect

You'll rely on alternatives like AirMessage or BlueBubbles to send or receive messages until Apple supports RCS or develops an iMessage app for Android. While these apps do the job, they don't offer an ideal experience and leave much to be desired. You can ditch iMessage and explore the top cross-platform communication apps to start conversations.