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| iMessage in iPhone 4S allows text messages between two Apple mobile device users. |
iMessage is one of the "over 200 new features" in iOS 5, the latest version of the operating system for Apple mobile devices. Once you have gone through the whole activation process of your new iPhone 4S, activating iMessage is pretty simple. This tutorial will explain how to configure and set up your iMessage in 4 easy steps.
Step 1. Turn iMessage on. On your iPhone 4S, go to Settings > Messages. That will lead you to message settings as shown in the figure below. Touch the iMessage panel slider on the right to turn the feature on. Prior to activation, the message directly below the panel will tell you that you maybe charged by your carrier for SMS sent in activating iMessage. You will know that iMessage is successfully activated when this message changes to "iMessage can be sent between iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch." You will not receive any other email or an SMS notification confirming activation.
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| The iPhone 4S iMessage settings are easy to configure. Just toggle the iMessage "ON" and you're on your way to using iMessage. It's that simple! |
Step 2. Configure "Send Read Receipts." If you have turned on "Send Read Receipts" in iPhone 4S, then the people you're "iMessaging" with will know that their message was delivered successfully to you. They will see a read/delivered receipts directly below their iMessage. If you are talking with someone who has set "Send Read Receipts" off, then you will have no way of knowing if the person has read your message or not - unless the person messages you back.
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| The iPhone 4S iMessage Read Receipt feature allows the message delivery confirmation when exchanging text messages. |
Step 3. Configure "Send as SMS" in iPhone 4S. If someone you want to communicate with cannot be reached via iMessage (not connected to Wi-Fi or no 3G coverage), then your iMessage will be sent as an ordinary text message if you have enabled "Send as SMS" on. This will only work if the recipient's Apple device has a mobile number (iPhone and iPAD with 3G). For iPAD Wi-Fi only and iPod touch, this feature cannot be used since the users can only set emails and Apple IDs as addresses for receiving iMessages.
Step 4. Configure iMessage addresses. Touching "Receive At" panel under Messages will lead you to iMessage address settings. In iPhone 4S, this does not need any more configuration as two addresses are already automatically set. Your mobile number and your Apple ID (email). Your Apple ID is your main iMessage address. You will on receive iMessages as an SMS to your mobile number if you are not connected to Wi-Fi and the person sending you an iMessage has set "Send as SMS" on.
That's it, you can start sending iPhone 4S iMessages! Note that iMessage works both over Wi-Fi and cellular data nework or 3G. Over Wi-Fi, it's free and over 3G, it will only consume part of your data plan. Your carrier will not charge you per iMessage sent or received - unless you enabled Send As SMS as discussed above. You can also send pictures and videos in iMessage by selecting on the camera button that appears on the left of the typing area in your iPhone 4S.