iMessage is a beneficial and user-friendly application for iPhone and Mac users that works with a cellular network or Wi-Fi connection. You can even use it on iPad and Apple watch as an instant messaging app. But things change when it comes to using iMessage on PC installed with Windows OS, mostly because Apple is a rigid platform. Since iMessage is typically not intended for use in Windows, users have to look for creative ways to make them compatible.

When you are busy working on a Windows machine the whole day, it is not practical to pick up your mobile phone or Android device every time you get a message. Therefore, using a texting app for computer will be very much appreciated, letting you send and receive messages from your PC. The phone app connects your mobile device with the applications available and helps us understand how we can extend the advantages of iMessage to Windows PC.

How to Use iMessage on PC (Windows)

As mentioned, owning an iPhone or Mac like MacBook Air makes it easy to use iMessage seamlessly. However, it can be tricky for users with remote access and an Android phone or Windows OS to use iMessage on PC. But if you are using a Windows PC, it is better to fix the issue than to buy a Mac unnecessarily. 

Let’s check out the best ways to access the instant messaging application on a Windows PC.

1. Use Third-Party Platform Cydia to Install Remote Messages

Cydia to Use iMessage on PC

Cydia is a third-party application that sometimes comes installed on Apple devices. If Cydia is present, it becomes possible to download apps that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. So, users can download the Remote Messages app to use iMessage on PC. Cydia also enables downloading exclusive features and themes on an iPhone in simple steps.

First, ensure that the iPhone and PC share the same Wi-Fi internet connection. The setup and usage of Cydia are simple. Buy the tweak from Cydia, download and install it, and open the Settings app. Under the Remote Messages tab, make sure the server is turned on. 

Next, create a new user profile under the General tab by entering a new username and password.

To log in to the Cydia website, open a web browser and enter the string of numbers under “Current IP.” After those numbers, add a colon and the server port number.

For example, if the server IP address is 172.17.154.166 and server port 333, enter this into the URL bar:

http://172.17.154.166:333

Now the iPhone is connected to Remote Messages, and you can view the actual messages on Windows. This excellent application helps users get remote support and direct access to solutions.

Download Cydia

2. Using iOS Emulators

iMessage is an instant messaging service that works on iOS devices under Apple Inc. Unfortunately, as the chat app does not support any online browser-based service, it cannot be run on Windows. But if you have an emulator or simulator on your Windows machine, you can use iMessage on PC.

Emulators and simulators enable users to experience the environment of a particular operating system in a device that works with another operating system. Even though their workings differ slightly, they accomplish almost the same task. So, running an application on your device becomes easy, which would have been impossible otherwise.

Some popular emulators and simulators are Appetize.io, Smartface, Delta, and Corellium, to name a few.

3. Using Zen

zendesk

A cross platform application, Zendesk hit the market to resolve the iMessage compatibility issue for Windows. Users can avail of this service that addresses how to send text from computer. However, the service is a boon for users waiting to use iMessage on PC.

The app makers are happy that many amazing features are available in Zen, besides the fact that it can be used on Windows PC. Secure transmission and a functional design are key features that make the app attractive for all kinds of devices.

Note: As an alternative solution to having access to iMessages, you can have a desktop app for Windows like Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp for an iMessage-like experience.

How to Get iOS Notifications on Any Platform

The easiest way to mirror your iOS notifications on any platform is to use Pushbullet. It is an incredibly useful cross-platform service for notifications and “pushing” files/links/notes/images.

Install the Pushbullet app on iOS and whatever other platform you want, and it will show your notifications with minimal fuss.

Final Thoughts

When you first set up your iPhone, you can enable the chat service iMessage app and make it your default messaging app. With the chat functionality of iMessage, communication via text messages becomes super easy. However, while it works well with iOS devices, using browser-based iMessage on PC is still an issue if you have a Windows machine.

Accessing iMessage through Mac is possible, but cross-platform access is still difficult. The post covers ways to use third-party applications like Cydia, iOS emulators, and the Zen app to access iMessage from Windows users’ PCs. The Apple Support Community group is also beneficial for cross-checking information. The benefit is this convenient service is that you can forget your phone and keep sending and receiving messages from your computer during busy work days.

(Updated On 4th Nov 2022)