Q: How do I sign into iMessage

See "Setting up accounts" here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5395

When going into settings scroll down till you find Imessage then it will say sign in click on it and then type your email and password

One of the great features of living within the Apple ecosystem is how the devices work so well together. This symbiotic relationship between products extends to text messaging, with iMessage allowing you to send a free text message to anyone with an iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch. To get iMessage working, you'll need to set it up on your iPad first, but luckily this is just a matter of going into the settings and signing in with your Apple ID.

1. First, go to the iPad Settings by tapping the icon that looks like gears turning.
2. Scroll down the left-side menu until you locate Messages. Tapping this menu item will bring up the iMessage settings.
3. Flip the switch for iMessage to the On setting. This will prompt you to login with you Apple ID.
4. Once logged in, you should see your the email address you use with your Apple ID in the "Receive At" section of the settings. If you'd like to receive text messages at a different email address, touch the "Receive At" setting and then touch "Add Another Email..." to add the new email address. You will be sent a verification email, and after verifying, you will be able to receive text messages at that address as well as your main address.

Using FaceTime http://support.apple.com/kb/ht4319

Troubleshooting FaceTime http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3367

The Complete Guide to FaceTime + iMessage: Setup, Use, and Troubleshooting

http://tinyurl.com/a7odey8

Troubleshooting FaceTime and iMessage activation

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS4268

iOS: FaceTime is 'Unable to verify email because it is in use'

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3510

Using FaceTime and iMessage behind a firewall

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4245

iOS: About Messages

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3529

Set up iMessage

http://www.apple.com/ca/ios/messages/

iOS and OS X: Link your phone number and Apple ID for use with FaceTime and iMessage

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5538

How to Set Up & Use iMessage on iPhone, iPad, & iPod touch with iOS

http://osxdaily.com/2011/10/18/set-up-imessage-on-iphone-ipad-ipod-touch-with-io s-5/

Set Up Alert Sounds

http://www.quepublishing.com/articles/article.aspx?p=1873027&seqNum=3

Extra FaceTime IDs

http://tinyurl.com/k683gr4

Troubleshooting Messages

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2755

Troubleshooting iMessage Issues: Some Useful Tips You Should Try

http://www.igeeksblog.com/troubleshooting-imessage-issues/

Setting Up Multiple iOS Devices for iMessage and Facetime

http://macmost.com/setting-up-multiple-ios-devices-for-messages-and-facetime.htm l

FaceTime and iMessage not accepting Apple ID password

http://www.ilounge.com/index.php/articles/comments/facetime-and-imessage-not-acc epting-apple-id-password/

Fix Can’t Sign Into FaceTime or iMessage iOS 7

http://ipadtutr.com/fix-login-facetime-imessage-ios-7/

FaceTime, Game Center, Messages: Troubleshooting sign in issues

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3970

Unable to use FaceTime and iMessage with my apple ID

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4649373?tstart=90

How to Block Someone on FaceTime

http://www.ehow.com/how_10033185_block-someone-facetime.html

My Facetime Doesn't Ring

https://discussions.apple.com/message/19087457#19087457

How to watch FaceTime calls on the big screen with Apple TV

http://www.imore.com/daily-tip-ios-5-airplay-mirroring-facetime

Send an iMessage as a Text Message Instead with a Quick Tap & Hold

http://osxdaily.com/2012/11/18/send-imessage-as-text-message/

To send messages to non-Apple devices, check out the TextFree app https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/text-free-textfree-sms-real/id399355755?mt=8

How to Send SMS from iPad

http://www.iskysoft.com/apple-ipad/send-sms-from-ipad.html

How to Receive SMS Messages on an iPad

http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/receive-sms-messages-ipad-16776.html

Apps for Texting http://appadvice.com/appguides/show/apps-for-texting

You can check the status of the FaceTime/iMessage servers at this link.

http://www.apple.com/support/systemstatus/

 Cheers, Tom