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How to Get iMessage on Windows Without Intel Unison

July 9, 2025 | 4 minute read
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Hansel Arief
how to get imessage on windows

Can You Use iMessage on Windows?

Yes, but not there's no built-in app for it. Apple doesn’t offer iMessage for Windows, and while some tools like Intel Unison briefly bridged that gap, they’re now being discontinued. The good news? You can still send and receive iMessages on a Windows PC using remote access or iPhone mirroring apps, depending on what devices you already own.

Quick Table Comparison of All Alternatives

FeatureChrome Remote DesktopAirMessage / BlueBubblesPhone Link
Send/Receive Texts Yes with Full access via Mac MessagesYesYes
Group Chats YesYesNo
Media (Photos/Videos) YesYesNo
Message History (Full Threads) YesYesNo
Reactions & iMessage Effects YesYesNo
Mac Required YesYesNo

Chrome Remote Desktop (Best Overall Method in 2025)

If you own a Mac, this method gives you full iMessage access on your Windows PC by remotely controlling your Mac's screen and using the native Messages app.

What you need:

  • A Mac with iMessage logged in
  • A Windows PC or laptop with Google Chrome
  • A Google account for syncing

Steps:

  1. On your Mac, install Chrome Remote Desktop and enable remote access.
  2. On your Windows PC or laptop, go to remotedesktop.google.com.
  3. Sign in and connect to your Mac.
  4. Open the Messages app on the Mac via your remote session.

This gives you full messaging history, media, reactions, group chats, and more just like using your Mac locally.

Intel Unison (Discontinued)

Intel Unison was a standout option in 2023–2024 for basic iMessage support via Bluetooth syncing. It let users with Intel Evo Windows 11 laptops pair with iPhones to send and receive iMessages and SMS.

However, Intel has announced the app will be phased out. As listed on the Microsoft Store, Intel Unison has been removed and unsupported in future updates.

AirMessage (Full Access with a Mac Server)

AirMessage lets you mirror iMessage to a web browser or Android device using a Mac as a server. It offers full message history, media support, and group chat capabilities.

How it works:

  1. Install AirMessage server on a Mac that stays powered on.
  2. Set up the connection and sign in.
  3. Access iMessages from your Windows browser at web.airmessage.org.

Great for power users, but it requires some setup and always-on hardware.

BlueBubbles (Customizable, Open-Source)

BlueBubbles is another bridge option with similar features to AirMessage, but more customizability. It offers:

  • Full message syncing
  • Media and group support
  • Rich theming and notifications

However, setup is a bit more complex, and like AirMessage, it requires a Mac to act as the backend server.

Microsoft’s Phone Link now supports iPhones, including basic iMessage relay via Bluetooth. It’s easy to set up and doesn’t require a Mac, but the limitations are significant.

You can:

  • Send and receive basic texts
  • Get notifications from your iPhone

You can’t:

  • Send images or media
  • Access previous conversations
  • Use group chats or iMessage effects

To try it:

  • Install Link to Windows on your iPhone
  • Open Phone Link on your Windows 11 PC
  • Pair the two devices via Bluetooth

This is the most user-friendly option if you don’t have a Mac and just need simple messaging access.

Better Alternatives if You Don't Have a Mac

If you don’t own a Mac, consider using messaging apps that work natively across platforms:

  • WhatsApp – Syncs seamlessly on web and desktop
  • Telegram – Powerful cloud chat with full Windows support
  • Signal – Secure and private with full-featured desktop app

These offer media support, group chats, and reliable syncing without complex setups or hardware dependencies.

Stay Connected Anywhere with Eskimo

All iMessage methods rely on solid internet, whether you're on home soil or overseas. Eskimo helps you stay connected worldwide with a universal eSIM that works across 130+ countries. You can use WhatsApp, Signal, or even your iMessage bridge anywhere with no SIM swapping, no roaming shock.

And right now, new users can get free global data to try in 80+ countries. It’s a limited-time offer, perfect for testing Eskimo before going all in.

FAQs

Can I still use Intel Unison for iMessage?

Intel has confirmed the app is discontinued, so this method is no longer available.

Is there a native iMessage app for Windows?

No. Apple does not offer an official iMessage app for Windows. All options require mirroring, bridging, or linking to Apple devices.

What’s the most reliable method today?

Chrome Remote Desktop gives the most complete iMessage experience, if you have a Mac. It’s secure, real-time, and supports all iMessage features.

Can I use iMessage on Windows without owning any Apple device?

Not currently. All working methods require either an iPhone or a Mac. Apple’s closed ecosystem makes standalone access impossible.

Author Image
Hansel Arief
I've been the Digital Lead for Eskimo eSIM since 2021. My favorite thing to do while travelling is to find lessser-known hidden gems and try authentic, local cuisines.
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