Summary of how to exchange messages with smartphones on Mac and Windows [2019 version]

It's pretty tiring, isn't it?

Putting messages on a cramped screen keyboard while staring at a screen that's only 6 inches or so. Most messaging apps are now available on laptops and desktop computers. Gizmodo's David Nield rounds up how to use it for SMS, iMessage, WhatsApp, and more.

Apple iMessage

I wish all Messages apps and computers were as easy to work with as Messages on iOS/iPadOS and macOS. It's all automatic and works (almost) seamlessly, so if all you need is Apple hardware and iMessage, it's perfect for you.

To use iMessage (Apple's own instant messaging service) on your Mac, simply sign in with your Apple ID and launch the Messages app (if you haven't already set it up, go to Messages > Select iMessage in Preferences). You'll also need to have iMessage enabled on your iPhone (see Settings, then Messages).

By default, you cannot exchange SMS/MMS with friends who do not use iMessage. Go to "Messages" in "Settings" on iOS, tap "SMS/MMS Forwarding" and make sure it's enabled on your Mac. Then go back to Settings, tap your name, tap iCloud, and turn on Messages. Now open Messages on your Mac, go to Messages > Preferences > iMessage, make sure your iPhone phone number is selected, and then "Enable Messages in iCloud." select the check box.

Once all the above settings are done, SMS/MMS messages will also be synced. However, from what Gizmodo has tested, it seems to be a bit unstable. If that doesn't work, try restarting your Mac or iPhone, or turning iMessage on and off. Both result in resetting the connection and syncing again with Apple's servers.

Microsoft's Your Phone Companion

In the Windows environment, it's hard to find an application that integrates so smartly. Still, Microsoft is steadily improving the Your Phone app. If you haven't used it yet, look for it in your taskbar. It only works on Android phones, but that's to be expected since iOS doesn't allow other apps to access your text messages. You must also have the Your Phone Companion app for Android installed.

All you need is to sign in with your Microsoft ID and register your phone number. A text message just pops up. You'll be able to compose and reply to messages from your laptop or desktop, leaving your phone behind. After using it, it's just as convenient as iMessage.

Messages for Android

If you're an Android user, you can also use the Android Messages app on the web. As long as you can use a browser, any environment such as Windows, macOS, ChromeOS is OK. When you open the site for the first time, a QR code will be displayed. Open "Messages" on your Android phone, tap the three vertical dots icon in the upper right corner, select "Web version of Messages", and scan the QR code.

Third-Party Tools

Although the optional features built into Windows and macOS are useful, there may be times when you want to use a third-party service. It supports multiple platforms and has many options.

Pushbullet has long been recommended in the Field Guide. After creating an account on the web, installing the Android app and signing in with the same account, you can send and receive text messages through the Pushbullet web interface on Windows and macOS after a simple setup (Windows has a dedicated There is also a desktop application for

Pushbullet Chrome extension lets you reply to messages on apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger. It's as easy as signing up, but it doesn't sync all your conversations, just replying to messages with pop-up notifications.

As remarkable as Pushbullet is EasyJoin Pro. It works with SMS, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, but you still need to install the Android app. Sign in to EasyJoin with the same account on your phone and computer (web version, Windows and macOS applications available), follow a simple setup guide, and your messages will be synced.

The downside is that the mobile app costs $10, but it's fully functional enough to pay for itself. Features include clipboard and notification synchronization, file and folder transfer. It's not an expensive purchase considering that you can connect your Android phone and computer tightly.

MightyText is another classic SMS synchronization tool. It works similarly to the applications we've seen so far, installing the Android app syncs it with the Windows or macOS desktop application, or the web version of MightyText. Use your Google account to connect.

MightyText is somewhat more feature rich than Pushbullet, but slightly less sophisticated. You can send and receive text messages, easily delete them, and even sync photos and videos from your phone. Subscribe to MightyText Pro ($10/month, $80/year) for advanced features like scheduling SMS messages.

Desktop and Web Applications

We already talked about Android's web version of Messages, but there are a surprising number of other messaging apps out there that work with any web browser. . You can type messages on the full-size keyboard and close the browser tab when you're done. It's really easy.

The most well-known of these is Facebook Messenger. A dedicated Messenger site is even easier to use than Facebook's main site. It's clutter-free, well-designed, and has useful features that only Messenger sites can offer. Easily search for strings in messages, color-code chat threads, and set your own emoji to replace the default "like" icon.

To use the Messenger site, simply sign in with your Facebook account. Select a thread to continue the conversation, click the create button (pencil symbol) to start a new chat thread, or use the search box to search from previous conversations. You also have the option to check your browser for new messages if you prefer.

There is also a web version of Whatsapp. A QR code will be displayed, so please scan it with the WhatsApp app on your smartphone. You can scan the Android app by tapping the three vertical dots icon in the top right corner and selecting WhatsApp Web, or by tapping the Whatsapp app's Settings (gear) icon and selecting WhatsApp Web on the iPhone app. will be The web app has exactly the same functionality as the mobile app, including enabling/disabling desktop notifications, posting GIFs, stickers and emojis, and transferring files.

In addition to the web interface, there are also desktop apps for Windows and masOS. The feeling of operation is not much different from that of the browser, but if you want a stand-alone application, click here. It works slightly faster, and the connection process is exactly the same as for the web app.

There is more. Signal is available as a desktop app and browser extension, and Telegram is also available as a desktop app and web browser. Simply sign in with your account or phone number and your messages will be synced so you can read and reply to them on your computer.

Most of the popular apps these days are available as computer versions, but unfortunately not all of them. Instagram doesn't have messaging on the web yet, and Snapchat is mobile-only (apparently on purpose). Can't wait.

Advertisements