Want iMessage for PC? We've got the Solution for You

iMessage communication fundamentally changed the way we communicate when Apple added it with iOS5. The unique thing that Apple did that made all the difference in adoption was built into the SMS/Messages app. That meant that adoption was almost automatic, and the vast majority of people still don’t know the difference between iMessage and Text Messages.

Over time, Apple added support for iMessage on the Mac, Apple Watch, and iPad–But what about iMessage for PC? Apple still hasn’t released an Android or PC supported iMessage app, but the Spike email app will give you the benefits of iMessage without having to use any Apple device. Keep reading to see why Spike for PC can be your iMessage for PC alternative.

Before going further, let’s step back and look at why iMessage is so popular. Users love iMessage because it works like their existing messaging app, supports multiple devices, supports group chats, offers easy GIF support, and it’s faster than traditional email.

It’s built into every Apple device and automatically sets itself up when you connect your cell phone or Apple ID to a device. iMessage is the default chat service on all Apple devices. The problem is if you want iMessage for PC, you’re out of luck.

What if we could build a system that works across all devices, is faster than regular email, supports group chat, AND works on Android, PC, and the web? With Spike, you are getting all of the benefits of iMessage on your PC and Android with the simplicity of use of email.

All you have to do is:

• Download the application on your PC
• Sign in with your existing email address

And then you’ll get all the benefits of iMessage on your PC by using the chat functionality of Spike. It works with direct messages or in group chats.

If you manage a group of PCs, you can even deploy the Microsoft Store version of Spike using Microsoft Intune. All your users have to do is sign in with their regular email address to get started.

What’s the Difference Between Blue and Green Texts on iPhone?

In iMessage, if the colors are blue and gray, it means that all parties in the conversation are communicating via Apple’s iMessage network. If you see a conversation between friends with iMessage, you can rest assured that the conversation is 100% secure.

No one, not even Apple nor your cell phone carrier, can see the contents of the conversation. The only time someone would see the conversation is if they were able to log in to the Apple ID tied to the iMessage account or if someone screenshots part of the conversation.

If the text color is green and gray, that conversation is happening over the traditional SMS network. These conversations should not be considered secure/encrypted and can be read by your cell phone carrier.

A text message on iPhone might be using green bubbles if:

• One person (in a group included) is using Android
• One person (in a group included) has iMessage disabled in their iOS Settings

Occasionally, an iMessage conversation might switch to SMS if someone in the group or chat has limited cell phone service or poor Wi-Fi signals.

Discover More:

• The Best Email Providers That Don’t Need a Phone Number
• How to Add a New Email to iPhone: A Step-by-Step Guide
• Sick of the Apple lock-in? Here are the Best iMessage Alternatives on Mac

iMessage Group Chat on PC

Group chats on iMessage have become very popular as Apple has added support for GIFs, stickers, etc. Apple hasn’t done a great job of building tools to help mute iMessage notifications, hiding conversations, etc. Email already supports all of these features, but they aren’t done in an easy-to-understand way for most users.

Without a native PC app for iMessage, there’s no supported way to use it. Spike takes what people love about iMessage and adds it right into your email app with your existing email address – Gmail, iCloud, Yahoo, Microsoft 365, or Outlook.

If you want the benefits of iMessage Group chats on PC, Spike Groups is the best alternative.

Use iMessage on Windows 10 and Windows 11

iMessage is known, especially in the US, as a popular way to quickly chat with friends, family, and coworkers on an iPhone, Mac, iPad, or even an Apple Watch. What about using iMessage on Windows 10 and Windows 11?

iMessage is Apple’s own messaging service that allows users to send text messages, stickers, photos, videos, GIFs and more between iPhone and Mac devices. It also works on iPad and iPod touch models with iOS 5 or later installed. Unfortunately, there is no native (or web app) for iMessage on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

If you’re looking for how to get iMessage on Windows 10 and 11, note that the only way to use iMessage on a computer is by running an iOS emulator or virtual machine program that supports Apple’s operating system.

The vast majority of people won’t go through the hassle of using “hacks”, and Apple will not support them either. What if we told you there was a way to get the best of iMessage on Windows 10 and Windows 11 (fast chat interface, GIFs, group chat, and more) in a way that allowed you to chat across ANY platform including iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows?

Spike addresses the gap between iMessage’s familiarity and email’s open design to make email more enjoyable and accessible for everyone without the big-tech lock-in. Spike Groups is an app that lets you use group chats like the ones in iMessage on your Windows 10 or 11 PC, without having to rely on any of the big-tech vendors.

iMessage for Android

Like with iMessage for PC, Apple hasn’t released iMessage for Android. There have been rumors over the years that they had developed one internally, but chose to never release it for a variety of reasons. At Spike, we believe in open technology for communications and you should be able to chat with anyone regardless of the type of device they choose to use.

Spike Groups are the best way to experience iMessage-like simplicity on Android. To get started, download the Spike App for Android to enjoy the experience of iMessage on Android without the lock-in of a closed platform.

There are a few apps on the Android Google Play Store that claim to allow iMessage to work on Android, but they should not be considered secure.

Messaging Interoperability

Messaging interoperability is increasingly becoming a big deal for consumers and gonvernments alike, and Apple needs to get with the program. A recent article from 9to5Mac highlights how WhatsApp is gearing up to comply with European laws that require messaging interoperability. This is part of the Digital Markets Act (DMA), a European law designed to level the playing field between tech startups and established giants.

Imagine a world where you’re not bound by the limitations of a single messaging platform. This is the world Spike is building with Spike Teamspace. You could message your friend on Facebook Messenger while they reply to you on WhatsApp. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s about to become a reality for WhatsApp users. The DMA aims to make it easier for startups to compete by requiring messaging apps to offer this kind of interoperability.

While WhatsApp is making strides and we celebrate them for that, Apple is dragging its feet. The tech giant claims that iMessage doesn’t have enough European users to be subject to the DMA. But let’s be real; this argument doesn’t hold water. Apple has a significant market share in the the European Union, and it’s hard to believe that iMessage usage is so low as to be exempt from the law.

Apple has always prided itself on its commitment to customer privacy. But by resisting interoperability, Apple is doing a disservice to its users. Limiting iMessage to iOS and macOS not only limits consumer choice but also puts a dent in the very security Apple claims to champion. If you’re forced to use less secure platforms for the sake of communicating with non-iOS users, where does that leave Apple’s commitment to privacy?

Microsoft

Phone Link for iMessage on Windows 11

The Phone Link app from Microsoft is set to provide native iMessage access on Windows, with a preview of the updated app now available for Windows Insiders. This feature will enable iPhone users to connect their devices to a Windows PC or laptop, and send and receive messages via iMessage, as well as make and receive calls and view phone notifications through Windows 11.

The connection between Windows devices and iPhones is established via Bluetooth, with messages and commands being transmitted to users’ Messages app. This will allow PC users to message their iPhone contacts directly from their computer, though there are some limitations, such as the inability to send pictures or participate in group messages. The Phone Link app will display iMessage conversations in a simplified format for Windows users, as shown in the app’s screenshot above.

This method isn’t supported by Apple, so it’s likely not going to work for long. An update to iOS could easily remove support for using iMessage on PC using Phone Link. Microsoft and Apple could easily be in a cat-and-mouse game. For business usage, this method is not something that’s scalable for IT teams.

The Beeper App

A new chat app is on the market that claims to make iMessage work on PC. It’s called Beeper App and it requires a $10/mo subscription. It also requires one of two things to make it work (that we don’t recommend from a security perspective).

Support for All Platforms

Because Spike works on top of your existing email service, you aren’t limited to just iPhone, Mac, or iPad. You can now have the ease of use of iMessage, but with the reliability of email and cross-platform access on Android, PC, and on the web. Spike is available everywhere!

Chat and Get Back to Work

When you want someone’s attention to ask a quick question, do you turn to email or your messenger? Most people turn to tools like iMessage because it’s faster and likely gets a quicker response. iMessage offers quick ease of access, but it’s limited in its scope.

You can mute notifications, but you’ll still have to leave the app badge on to know about personal messages as well. Are you headed on vacation and want to hide notifications from a chatty group at work? Spike has the perfect tools to let you receive notifications from personal groups, but not work-related ones.

We’ve taken the best of iMessage and built it right into email. Spike eliminates the slowness and repetitiveness of email. Forget cheesy openings and signatures; just say what you want to with Spike’s simple chat format say and get back to work. Regardless if the other person uses Spike, users on Spike get responses in a streamlined interface just like they would with a group chat iMessage.

How Spike is the way to experience an iMessage for PC experience

There are two types of people in the world: those that are frustrated by having multiple feeds to manage and those that have seen the future with Spike by having a single feed for all of your communications.

Spike takes all the features people love from iMessage and brings them into your email inbox. Best of all, it’s not just limited to Apple products. It works on Android, Windows, and the web.

If you want to declutter from group chats, ditch the countless other communication tools on your home screen, and have an iMessage-like experience on the PC and Android, Spike is the tool you have been dreaming about.

Use iMessage on PC using Chrome Remote Desktop, and Always On Mac

Using iPadian Emulator

Many sites and how-to guides are reporting that using the iPadian Emulator is a great way to use iMessage on your PC. iPadian clearly states on their website that iMessage is not compatible with the iPadian Emulator.

Like we mentioned earlier, be aware that giving your Apple ID user name and password to an unsupported application for iMessage on PC or Android is a security risk.

iMessage is not supported by iPadian

Using Cloud Service Cydia on a Jailbroken iPhone

If you have a jailbroken iPhone, you might consider using Cydia to access iMessage on your PC. If you have a jailbroken iPhone, go to CydiaFree.com to get started. It’s worth noting that you’ll need to pay $4 to iMessage on PC, and this method is not supported by Apple.

After the installation of Cydia, open Settings and go to General to allow a new configuration profile creation. You will have to create a username and password for Cydia.

Now, open Chrome or Edge on your PC and enter the IP address of your iPhone. Select Enter and fill up the username and password to complete the setup for Cydia. You’ll need to then enable iMessage.

Note: Jailbroken iMessage on PC is not supported by Apple