Using iMessage without a phone number and without being signed into iCloud on iPad.

I am looking forward to getting a new iPad in the next week or two, and as such I have been doing some research...


I do not particularly wish to use iCloud due to being unable to activate ADP because of the UK Government. I am aware ADP would only offer limited protection in any event, assuming the person I communicated with on iMessage didn't have it enabled as any of their backups would use SDP anyway. Regardless, I would prefer just to not use iCloud for the time being.


As such, I have seen this article Sign out of iCloud on your devices - Apple Support, and I have also seen a set up video on how to skip adding iCloud in the first place which I believe would have the same effect as signing out of iCloud. The above article says how you can continue to use the App Store with either an email or phone number, but under iMessage/FaceTime, it only states that a phone number can be used. When you click on the advice regarding adding a number to iMessage Add or remove your phone number in Messages or FaceTime - Apple Support - the screenshots clearly give the option to use an Apple Account.


So, I guess my question is, if I don't set the iPad up with an iCloud/Apple Account could I still sign into iMessage with my Apple Account (akin to the App Store example) without enabling iCloud on the device?


Any clarification would be very greatly appreciated.


Rob



iPad (10th generation)

Posted on Jun 30, 2025 5:03 PM

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Using iMessage without a phone number and without being signed into iCloud on iPad.

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