How To Use iMessage on Android

There’s been an age-old frustration when it comes to Android and iOS users. While those with Android phones have access to things like RCS for messaging, it still doesn’t quite match up to what iMessage has to offer. Because of this, it’s created a “green bubble vs blue bubble” conversation that continues to rage on. But did you know that if you use an Android phone and a Mac, you can actually use iMessage on Android?

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How To Use iMessage on Android

It seems that AirMessage has been around for years, but we only recently discovered it. Since then, we have been able to leave our iPhone at home and use whatever Android phone is on hand, while still receiving all of the iMessage chats that come through. If you want to use iMessage on Android, you’ll need to get AirMessage set up on your different devices.

Get Your Mac Ready

Because the Mac is acting as a “server” of sorts, you’ll need to download and configure the AirMessage Server app for macOS. Here’s how you can do so:

1. Download the AirMessage Server for macOS app.
2. Move the app to the Applications folder if it isn’t automatically done.
3. Open the AirMessage app on your Mac.
4. Click the Connect an Account (Recommended) button.
5. Create an account or log into your Google account.

Enable Automation and Full Disk Access

Before you proceed, there are a few more steps that you need to take. When setting up the app, you’ll need to provide access to the built-in macOS Automation functionality, along with providing AirMessage with Full Disk Access.

1. Open the System Preferences app on your Mac.
2. Click Security & Privacy.
3. Select Privacy at the top of the window.
4. In the sidebar, scroll down and select Automation.
5. Click the Lock icon in the bottom left corner.
6. Enter your password (or use TouchID).
7. Under AirMessage, click the checkbox next to Messages.
8. Click the lock again to save the changes.

With Automation for AirMessage enabled, the next step you’ll need to take is to enable Full Disk Access. This is required for those running macOS Mojave 10.14 or later, and the developer promises that the app does not read any data other than your Messages data.

1. Open the System Preferences app on your Mac.
2. Click Security & Privacy.
3. Select Privacy at the top of the window.
4. In the sidebar, scroll down and select Full Disk Access.
5. Click the Lock icon in the bottom left corner.
6. Enter your password (or use TouchID).
7. Click the checkbox next to AirMessage.
8. Click the lock again to save the changes.

With these enabled, you’re well on your way to getting iMessage on Android all set up.

Sleep Settings

Unfortunately, AirMessage requires your Mac to essentially be “awake” all of the time. That’s why it’s best to use a Mac that never leaves your home and is always connected to Wi-Fi. Otherwise, the AirMessage server won’t work properly, and you won’t receive the messages on your Android phone until the Mac is connected to a network again. Here’s how you can change the Energy Saver settings:

1. Open the System Preferences app on your Mac.
2. If you are on a MacBook, click Battery.
3. In the sidebar, click Power Adapter.
4. Drag the slider to change when your display will automatically turn off.
5. Click the checkbox next to the following:
   • Prevent your Mac from automatically sleeping when the display is off.
   • Wake for network access.
6. Exit the System Preferences app.

If you’re not using a MacBook, but are instead installing AirMessage on something like the Mac Mini, iMac, or Mac Studio, these are the steps you’ll need to take:

1. Open the System Preferences app.
2. Click Energy Saver.
3. Next to Computer sleep, drag the slider to the right until it hovers over Never.
4. Click the checkbox next to Wake for Ethernet network access.

There are no specific settings required for when your display can go to “sleep”, so you can have this set to whatever you like.

Set Up AirMessage

With your Mac all ready to go, now it’s time to get everything set up on your Android phone. Here’s how you can set up AirMessage on your phone:

1. Download the AirMessage app from the Google Play Store.
2. Once the app is installed, open it on your Android phone.
3. Log into the same account that was either created or attached to the Mac.
4. In the bottom right corner, tap the Chat icon.
5. Enter a number or contact that you want to send a message to.
6. When prompted, click the Allow button on your Mac to complete the AirMessage integration with the Messages app.

Once you have provided access on the Mac, there are no more steps left! You’ll finally be able to use iMessage on Android, something that we truly never thought would be possible.

Can You Use iMessage on Android Without a Mac?

Unfortunately, there is no reliable way to use iMessage on Android without relying on a third-party solution such as AirMessage. But if you go through and follow all of the steps properly, then you won’t have to worry about needing an iPhone or iPad just to use iMessage.

This has truly removed the need to carry multiple phones for those like us who use both Android and iOS on a regular basis. Perhaps Apple will finally provide iMessage access to those on Android, but there has been no indication of that happening. Until then, AirMessage will do the trick just perfectly.

Andrew Myrick

Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.