- You can play iMessage games on your iPhone using the App Store extension that’s built into iMessage.
- You can download a variety of iMessage games onto your iPhone, including GamePigeon, Pictoword, 8 Ball Pool™, Chess42, and more.
- iMessage games are free to play, but many have in-app purchases.
Messaging and gaming are two hugely popular ways to spend time on an iPhone or iPad. And thanks to iMessage gaming, you can combine these to battle friends and family while having a conversation.
iMessage games are simple, and are designed to be played turn-by-turn. You take your turn, you wait for your contact to take a turn, and so on. It’s all conducted entirely through iMessage texts.
There are a variety of games you can play, and in this article, we will explain how you can find iMessage games to play and how to invite a friend to play.
What you need in order to play iMessage games
Here are a few things you will need to check to make sure you can play:
- You and the other party should both be using iMessage (instead of a regular SMS message. To check if iMessage is enabled on your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages.
- Your friend will need to install the same game on their iPhone or iPad.
Here’s how to start playing.
How to play iMessage game on iPhone
Step 1: Open the Messages app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Open or start a conversation with the person you wish to play with, then tap the plus icon ( ).
Step 3: Tap Store to open the App Store for iMessage.
Step 4: Scroll down until you see a section called Play Games on iMessage. Tap the See All button next to that title.
Step 5: You’ll be presented with a full list of the games available for iMessage. Each one has its own page where you can check out pictures, videos, and other information about the game. Browse and find one you might like.
Step 6: Once you find the game that you want to play, tap the Get button next to its icon and download it like you would any other app. Many games do include in-app purchases. You will also see these games show up as app icons on your iPhone Home Screen.
Step 7: Now the game you downloaded should show up in the toolbar. You may have to swipe left to see it. Tap on it, then follow the instructions that appear. You should remember to tap on Send to send the game invitation to your friend.
Step 8: Now your friend will receive the invitation as a message. When they receive the message, they will need to tap on it and follow the instructions to download the game as well (if they don’t already have it).
Step 9: Now, you can start playing!
Step 10: After you’ve completed your turn, you’ll have to wait for your friend to play.
Step 11: Whenever your opponent is able to complete their turn, you’ll receive a new message from them with the game preview. Tap it open the game again to begin your next turn.
Step 11: Play until the game is over. Some games (such as basketball) only have a few rounds, while others (such as chess) go on for much longer. When a game is over, you’ll have the option to tap "Play Again" from within the game, or your can send a new invitation in the same way you did before.
Playing iMessage games is one of the most fun things to do on iPhone
Thanks to iMessage gaming, it’s easy to enjoy multiplayer action in the middle of a conversation.