iMessage (Text Messages)
Messaging has come a long way since the days of simple text-only messages! Yes, you can still send simple text messages, but if you have a data connection (cellular or Wi-Fi), you can send photos, videos, and emojis. If you send messages between Apple devices (iPhones, iPads, Mac computers), you can also send doodles, heartbeats, fireworks, confetti, and other fun animations in iMessage. Messages may be in green or blue.
- iMessages sent between Apple devices (iMessages) appear in blue.
- Messages with non-Apple devices (Android) appear in green.
Sending a basic message
- Open iMessages
. - Tap
(New message). - Enter the phone number or email address of the recipient(s), or tap
to open your Contacts list. Tap contacts to add them to the message recipients. - Tap the Text Message window.
- Type your message using the keyboard.
- Tap
to send.
As an alternative, you can start a conversation from other iOS apps by touching and holding a phone number and then tapping Send Message.
Opening an existing conversation
- Open Messages .
- Select an existing conversation from the list. Conversations are organized chronologically. Your most recent conversations will be at the top.
- If you can’t find a conversation, use the search window at the top. Type in the name or phone number of a recipient.
Sending a voice message
You can record an audible voice message to send in iMessage to other iPhone or iPad users.
- Open a conversation or start a new one.
- Touch and hold
in the Text Message box. - Speak clearly into your device. Lift your finger to stop recording.
- Touch
to listen to your message before sending it or tap to send or 
to cancel.
Using Siri for messages
You don’t have to type your message; you can dictate and let Siri do the work.
- Open a conversation or start a new one.
- Tap
in the bottom area of the keyboard to summon Siri. - Speak your message (you must be connected to the Internet). Your voice message will be transcribed and displayed in the message box. You can correct or type in additional text if you wish. Tap when finished to send your message.
You can also summon Siri and say “send a message to” and name someone in Contacts. Siri will respond and ask what you want to say to them. Dictate your message, and tell Siri to send when you have confirmed the recipient and message!
iMessage apps
Apps on your device can connect with iMessage, giving you the option to respond in new and creative ways. Tap 
to open connected apps within iMessage. Apple Pay and Digital Touch are shown below in the app drawer.
You can send a song from Spotify, your location from Maps, emojis you download from the App Store, and more. You can find more apps to use in iMessage in the App Store for iMessage.
Customizing your iMessage apps
Scroll to the end of your connected apps and tap More 
to add and remove connected apps.
When you are done using an app, just tap inside the text box above the app view, and the regular keyboard will come right back.
Sending a photo in Messages
- Tap the camera button
to the left of the message field to open the Camera app for a new photo or video. - Tap Photos
in the app drawer to choose from a photo or video already on your device.
Using Digital Touch
You can send sketches, kisses, heartbeats, even a selfie video using iMessage.
- Tap
in the app drawer. - Choose a color
for your effect. - Use your finger(s) to tap or draw an effect shown on the chart below.
Note that the effect is sent immediately after you lift your fingers from the canvas.
Note that you can only send these effects to other Apple devices (iPhones and iPads).
Express yourself with emojis
Tap 
to access several libraries of emoticons–smiley faces, cute puppies, and a whole lot more.
Spice up your iMessage with confetti and balloons
There are some fun ways to send animated iMessages to other iOS 11 and later users. You can add effects to the message bubbles or the entire screen. First, type or dictate a message, then:
- Long-press .
- Select Bubble or Screen (at the top of your screen).
- Touch the bubble option or tap Screen to view and select screen effects. Swipe right to preview more Screen animations. You can see previews of any selection you make.
- When finished with your selection, touch .
Tapbacks
Want a quick way to respond without typing? Double-tap a message bubble to access six quick emoji replies. Tap your selection and the emoji will get pinned to the message bubble.
Troubleshooting
If your phone is not sending iMessages to other Apple users, check the following:
- Go to Settings
> Messages and tap the iMessage switch to the On position. - Check if there are any non-Apple users in the message. If you send a message to a group of people and any of those people are not Apple users, the message will send as a regular SMS message.
- Check that you have access to the Internet (Wi-Fi or otherwise). Since Apple uses the internet to send iMessages, it will send messages as regular (SMS) messages if no Internet is available