How to use iMessage internationally for free: Top tips

Planning to send iMessages while you’re traveling? It’s free and works anywhere with WiFi or mobile data.

But heads up — if your device settings aren’t right, you might end up with messages that won’t send or, worse, get hit with Short Message Service (SMS) charges.

In this guide, we break down everything you need to know about using your Apple device’s iMessage abroad.

We’ll show you how to use iMessage internationally and take full advantage of features like sending voice notes, editing messages, and recovering deleted chats.

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What is iMessage?

iMessage is Apple’s internet-based messaging service that lets you send texts, photos, videos, and voice notes for free through WiFi or mobile data instead of using traditional SMS. 

This helps you avoid SIM card carrier charges while accessing features like group chats, message reactions, and syncing across your Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Does iMessage work internationally?

Yes, iMessage works internationally as long as you have an internet connection. You can chat with other iMessage users from anywhere. 

Is iMessage free internationally?

Yes, iMessage is free to use internationally when you are connected to WiFi or mobile data. You won’t pay to send or receive messages through iMessage itself (like WhatsApp and other messaging platforms).

However, if you’re using mobile data while traveling, your carrier may charge roaming fees based on your mobile plan. Always review your carrier’s international data rates before you travel. Some carriers offer international plans that can help minimize or eliminate those charges.

What is the difference between iMessage and SMS?

Apple’s iMessage works over the internet between Apple devices, while SMS sends messages via cellular data networks, often incurring carrier fees.

Here’s a quick overview:

How can I message with iMessage?

To get started, you need to enable iMessage in your settings and connect it to your phone number.

Go to Settings > Scroll down to Apps > Messages> toggle on iMessage.

If prompted, sign in with your Apple ID to sync iMessage across all your Apple devices. 

⚠️To prevent unexpected costs, disable the “Send as SMS” option under Settings > Apps > Messages. This stops your phone from switching to SMS (which could incur fees) if the internet connection is lost mid-message. 

What can I do with free iMessage abroad?

With iMessage abroad, you can send texts, share media, manage group chats, and recover messages — all while avoiding SMS fees if connected to WiFi or a data plan. 

Let’s take a look! 

Send voice notes with iMessage

Sending voice notes with iMessage is quick and easy. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Messages app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Select an existing conversation or start a new one.
3. Press and hold the microphone icon next to the text input field.
4. Record your message while holding the icon.
5. Swipe up or click the arrow to send the recording instantly. You can also release or click on the cross to cancel if you change your mind.

The voice note will appear in the chat bubble, and the recipient can listen to it directly from the conversation.

React and reply to messages

With iMessage, you can react to messages or reply directly within a conversation, making chats more interactive and organized. Here’s how:

To react to a message:

1. Press and hold the message you want to react to.
2. Choose from available reactions like a heart, thumbs up, or exclamation mark.
3. Your reaction will a/ppear as a small icon attached to the message bubble.

To reply to a specific message:

1. Press and hold the message you want to reply to.
2. Tap “Reply” from the pop-up menu.
3. Type your response, which will appear as a threaded reply within the conversation.

Edit or delete text messages after sending them

With iOS 16 and later, you can edit or delete iMessages up to 15 minutes after sending them. This feature works regardless of whether the recipient has already read the text message.

• To edit a message, tap and hold the message. Select More > Edit to make your changes. The message will be marked as “Edited” so recipients know it was changed.
• To delete a message, tap and hold the message. Select More > Delete.

Recover deleted text messages

With iOS 16 or later, you can recover deleted iMessages directly from the Recently Deleted section within the Messages app. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Open the Messages app and tap Edit or Filters on the conversation page.
2. Select “Recently Deleted” to view messages deleted within the past 30 days.
3. Choose the messages or conversations you want to recover, then tap “Recover”.
4. Confirm by selecting “Recover Message” or “Recover [Number] Messages” to restore them to your inbox.

There’s a 30-day window to recover your deleted messages, after which they are permanently removed. If needed, you can also opt to delete all messages in the Recently Deleted section before the 30-day limit. 

Use iMessage abroad with an eSIM

While iMessage works over WiFi for free, relying on public WiFi when traveling isn’t ideal. Airports, hotels, and cafes often have open networks, but they can be unsafe — leaving your personal data vulnerable to hackers. 

Using iMessage internationally with an eSIM is one of the easiest ways to stay connected while abroad. You can switch to local or international data plans easily without visiting a store.

Plus, a secure and reliable data plan helps you avoid expensive roaming fees, so you stay connected no matter where your travels take you.  So, how can you install and activate an eSIM for iMessage?

How to install and set up an eSIM for iMessage

Here’s a clear step-by-step guide:

1. Check if your iPhone supports eSIM. Most models from iPhone XS, XR, and later support eSIM. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked.
2. Purchase a plan from an eSIM provider like Holafly. You can do this from the Holafly app or desktop — select your destination, choose the duration of your stay, and make the purchase! 
3. You’ll receive a QR code and manual activation details (like the SM-DP+ address and activation code) via email.
4. To add the eSIM to your iPhone, go to your phone’s Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Data) > Add Cellular Plan or Add an eSIM. Use your camera to scan the QR code or enter the activation details manually. This process can take around five minutes. 
5. Set the eSIM as your data line. Go to Settings > Cellular (or Mobile Services) select the eSIM as your primary line for data and iMessage.
6. Enable data roaming. Go to Settings > Cellular or Mobile Service > Cellular Data Options and switch on Data Roaming to stay connected abroad.

Jet set and stay connected with Holafly

As you prepare for your international travels, remember that using iMessage can help you stay connected with friends and family without incurring high SMS fees. While iMessage is free over WiFi, relying on public networks can be risky for your personal data. 

That’s why Holafly eSIM is the perfect solution for your travel needs.

With Holafly, you gain access to unlimited mobile data in over 200 destinations and regions. So you can cross borders without the hassle of buying new plans. Plus, the 24/7 customer support means you can get help whenever you need it. 

After all, who wants to be ‘offline’ when there’s an Instagram-worthy sunset to catch?

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Based in Mumbai, Sharan Kaur Phillora has 6+ years of experience in the B2B writing industry. She has written for brands like Pocket52, Nexweave, Maze, NaNLABS, and Userpilot. When she's not working, Sharan can be found immersed in murder mystery novels or exploring Mumbai's streets on her bicycle in search of the perfect slice of pizza.

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