iMessage is an excellent platform for sending text messages to other users with Apple devices. Not only does it offer an alternative to WhatsApp and other messaging platforms, but it also allows you to send messages to iPads and Mac devices.
That said, the fact that iMessage focuses on Apple devices makes it less useful for users who want to communicate with Android and Windows users. If you prefer a more platform agnostic approach, you can investigate how to disable iMessage on your iPhone or Mac. So you can change platforms, from WhatsApp to Telegram.
How to turn off iMessage
Most of the time iMessage is not a problem as text messages to non-Apple users will be sent as standard SMS messages. However, if you’ve bought a non-Apple phone, it can cause problems if you leave iMessage on. Other Apple users can send you a message through iMessage that you won’t be able to read or receive on your device.
The only option is to disable iMessage, especially if you’ve decided to keep the same phone number. You can disable iMessage by following the steps below.
Disable iMessage on iPhone
Ideally, disable iMessage before removing the SIM card from your iPhone. From there:
- On your iPhone, go to Settings.
- Tap on Posts.
- Deactivate iMessage.
Next, you will have to disable FaceTime on your iPhone:
- On your iPhone, go to Settings.
- Touch Facetime.
- Deactivate Facetime.
If you have already removed the SIM card from your iPhone, you need to follow a number of different steps. In this case, you must unregister iMessage using a tool in the apple website. You will have to use the tool to generate a confirmation code to unsubscribe iMessage.
Apple will send this number to your new phone, which will now use the number your iPhone used to use. Once you enter the generated code on the website, Apple will disable iMessage for your phone number. Apple’s messaging service will also be disabled on your Apple Watch.
Disable iMessage on iPad
You can also disable iMessage on your iPad, where the steps are similar to those required by iPhone users. You will have to disable iMessage and FaceTime through your device’s Settings app.
To disable iMessage on your iPad:
- On your iPad, go to Settings.
- Tap on Posts.
- Deactivate iMessage.
Next, you need to disable FaceTime on your iPad:
- On your iPad, go to Settings.
- Touch Facetime.
- Deactivate Facetime.
Disable iMessage on Mac
To prevent Apple’s messaging system from working on your Mac:
- Opens iMessage.
- Click on Posts in the menu bar at the top left.
- Choose preferences.
- Choose iMessage.
- Choose Sign off and follow the additional instructions.
Similarly, you should also disable FaceTime:
- Opens Facetime
- Click on Facetime in the menu bar at the top left.
- Choose Sign off and follow the additional instructions.
Stay away from apple
As you can see, it only takes a few steps to disable Apple’s native messaging system on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Of course, don’t forget to disable FaceTime when you do.
