Apple’s iMessage texting protocol is a popular, secure option for Apple aficionados. However, non-Apple users are usually out of luck. Although there’s no way to natively run iMessage on Windows, Linux, or Android devices, there are a few workarounds including AirMessage, WeMessage, and Beeper. However, one of the top software options is BlueBubbles. Learn how to set install BlueBubbles so you can send and receive iMessage on Android, Windows, or Linux!
What is iMessage: iMessage vs. SMS and MMS
iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging platform, and it offers a slew of features including end-to-end encryption. There’s also a real-time view of if a contact is typing. Media messages like videos and pictures send quickly over both Wi-Fi and mobile, plus maintain high quality.
Apple iMessage lets you easily send text messages, pictures, videos, and emojis using a mobile data or Wi-Fi connection. Apple Business Chat is an added benefit of iMessage which lets businesses rely on iMessage for communicating with customers. With Apple Business Chat, you can utilize Apple Pay for order transactions, personalize customer service, and use virtual assistants.
Most mobile phones and tablets feature SMS or short messaging service support for texting as well as MMS or multimedia messaging service for sending photos and videos. SMS and MMS transmit over cellular networks instead of mobile internet while iMessage requires a data plan or wireless networking.
iMessage: Apple’s proprietary messaging service that requires an internet connection (mobile or Wi-Fi) to function. iMessage utilizes end-to-end encryption for sending text messages, pictures, and videos. There’s a real-time visualization when a contact is typing and neat features like Apple Business Chat integration.
SMS/MMS: Transmit via cell towers and don’t rely on an internet connection.
Why Doesn’t iMessage work on Android, Windows, or Linux?
Apple’s custom end-to-end encryption configuration means that iMessages route through Apple servers. Therefore, iMessage doesn’t natively work on non-Apple platforms like Android, Windows, or Linux. But you can still send and receive iMessages using a server that forwards messages.
What You’ll Need to Run BlueBubbles: Prerequisites
Since BlueBubbles acts as a server running on a local machine and forwarding iMessages from your Apple account to a client app on Android or Windows, you’ll need an Apple desktop or laptop running macOS El Capitan or newer. Alternatively, a Windows or Linux PC running macOS in a virtual machine (VM) works. Additionally, you’ll need an Android, Windows, or Linux device to receive iMessages. Plus, you need an Apple ID.
There are several options for running iMessage on non-iOS devices such as AirMessage, weMessage, and Beeper. Because BlueBubbles is self-hosted with a thriving community and availability on Android, Linux, Windows, plus a web app, it’s a great choice.
What you’ll need to run BlueBubbles:
- macOS laptop or desktop running macOS El Capitan or newer
- Android, Windows, or Linux machine
- Apple ID
- Internet connection
- BlueBubbles server and client apps
- Google Firebase account
How to Install BlueBubbles
Here’s how to install BlueBubbles for re-routing iMessage from Apple to Android, Windows, or Linux.
- Head to the BlueBubbles GitHub page
Visit the BlueBubbles GitHub page and download the latest version of the BlueBubbles DMG.
- Drag the BlueBubbles DMG to the Applications folder
Open the DMG file, then drag and drop it into the Applications folder once installed.
- Open BlueBubbles and enable full disk access
Fire up BlueBubbles, then tap Open System Preferences where you’ll enable full disk access.
- Enable full disk access
Head to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Full Disk Access and tick the box next to BlueBubbles.
- Enable BlueBubbles under Accessibility
Hit the lock icon in the bottom left-hand corner of the screen under Security & Privacy, then navigate to Accessibility and enable BlueBubbles.
- Allow access to your contacts
When prompted, click Ok to allow BlueBubbles to access your contacts.
- Configure Google Firebase
Head to the Google Firebase website and log in using your Google account credentials.
- Create a project
Hit Create a Project, then give it a descriptive name like BlueBubbles.
- Hit Build
Select Build under the sidebar, then head to Realtime Database > Create Database.
- Enable Start in locked mode
Pick a location and choose Next > Enable > Start in locked mode.
- Generate a new private key
Tap the gear icon by Project Overview in the menu sidebar and head to Project Settings > Service Accounts > Create Service Account > Generate New Private Key, then save that file.
- Enable Manage API in Cloud Console
Go to the Cloud Messaging tab, tap the three-dot Cloud Messaging Legacy API menu, and proceed to Manage API in Cloud Console > Enable.
- Drag and drop the JSON file to the BlueBubbles application
Drag the downloaded JSON file to the BlueBubbles application.
- Register your BlueBubbles app
Navigate to Project Settings > General > Android icon in Firebase, then enter com.[yourname].bluebubbles in the Android Package Name field and select Register App.
- Drag and drop the google-services.json to the BlueBubbles app
Drag the google-services.json file to the BlueBubbles app and tap Next.
- Create a new password
Create a password for your server, hit Save, then click Next.
- Set up a private API (optional)
Set up a private API if so desired using the BlueBubbles documentation, or skip this step. A private API lets you send reactions, view typing indicators, and see effects.
- Enable Check for Updates on Startup, Auto Install/Apply Updates, and Keep macOS Awake
Tick the boxes beside Startup with macOS and Keep macOS Awake alongside the Check for Updates on Startup and Auto Install/Apply Updates boxes.
- Download and install the BlueBubbles Android app
Download BlueBubbles from the Google Play Store.
- Grant access to your contacts
Open the app and tap Allow to grant BlueBubbles access to your contacts.
- Scan the QR code
Select the QR code icon in the BlueBubbles program on your macOS computer and scan it using your Android device.
- Start sync
Hit Start Sync in the BlueBubbles Android app once you’ve scanned the QR code.
- Select Finish
Choose Finish when syncing completes.
- Install the desktop app
Visit the BlueBubbles Downloads page.
- Select Desktop
Hit Desktop under the Client section.
- Download and install the Windows or Linux desktop app
Select Microsoft Store or GitHub Releases to download the Windows or Linux desktop client BlueBubbles app.
- Open the app and enter your server details
Fire up the Windows or Linux BlueBubbles desktop client app, then input your server details under the Server Connection section. You can find this information in the Android app under the Settings > Connection & Server menu.
How to Install BlueBubbles: FAQs
Yes, you do need a Mac for BlueBubbles, although you can successfully run BlueBubbles with a Mac by running macOS in a virtual machine on Linux or Windows.
The general process for running BlueBubbles requires installing the server software on a Mac or in a macOS VM, configuring Google Firebase, then setting up a client app on Android, Windows, or Linux to send and receive iMessages.
Yes, you can send iMessages to Android, although the process is roundabout and requires forwarding iMessage to Android using a macOS computer as a server.
How to Install BlueBubbles for Sending and Receiving iMessage on Linux, Windows, and Android: Final Thoughts
Overall, getting iMessages on Android, Linux, or Windows is totally possible, although not nearly as easy as with an Apple device. But BlueBubbles lets you set up a server on an Apple computer or another PC running macOS in a VM, then forward iMessages from there to client apps on Android, Linux, or Windows. As such, you can easily enjoy chatting with Apple friends regardless of your preferred operating system.
Your turn: What messaging apps for Android and iOS do you prefer?
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