iMessage Not Working: The Messages app on Mac enables you to share iMessages easily to and from the PC to any other iPhone, iPad, Mac, or iPod touch. However, it is also using the iMessage protocol. Messages usually work just fine, but certainly, there are some issues occurs that prevent the iMessage feature from working in MacOS. Usually, this indicates an inability to share messages through the app. Also, time-outs when attempting to share messages that take forever or failed attempts at sharing messages from the Mac. However, in any case, iMessage seems not to work properly or as expected in Mac OS.
This article will walk through troubleshooting steps to fix and resolve problems where iMessage is not working on a Mac.
Contents
- 1 Troubleshooting Messages Not Working in MacOS
- 1.1 Make Sure the Mac has an Internet Connection
- 1.2 Reboot the Mac
- 1.3 Make sure Mac has Apple ID / iCloud Enabled
- 1.4 Disable & Re-enable iMessage on Mac
- 1.5 Sign Out & Sign In to iMessage on Mac
- 1.6 Make Sure Message Forwarding is Enabled on iPhone
- 1.7 Check to Make Sure iMessage Works on iPhone / iPad
- 1.8 Conclusion:
Troubleshooting Messages Not Working in MacOS
Let’s go through some of the troubleshooting methods to fix iMessage not working in Mac OS. Let’s start from easier to a bit more complex.
Make Sure the Mac has an Internet Connection
iMessage and Messages needs an internet connection to work. However, It doesn’t matter if the internet connection is wi-fi, ethernet, another personal hotspot. But it must be an active and functioning internet connection.
Before anything else, remember the Mac is connected to the internet also the internet connection works. You can also check web browsers work to browse the web, using ping, or any other method you’d prefer.
Reboot the Mac
Sometimes just restarting the Mac will resolve any problem with the Messages app and iMessage not working.
Step 1:
Just pull down the Apple menu and select “Restart”
Once the Mac booted back up again, just try opening Messages and sharing again.
Make sure Mac has Apple ID / iCloud Enabled
iMessage needs an Apple ID having the same log in the Mac uses for iCloud. Therefore you’ll need to make sure the Mac has the appropriate Apple ID configured:
Step 1:
Firstly, from the Apple menu, head over to “System Preferences”.
Step 2:
Move to “iCloud” settings and remember that the Mac has the proper Apple ID in use.
You’ll need to use the same Apple ID on the Mac that you do on your iPhone. That’s the way Messages will sync between both devices
Disable & Re-enable iMessage on Mac
Certainly disabling and then re-enabling iMessage on the Mac can fix connection issues. These issues are particularly to iMessage on the Mac, here’s how to do that:
Step 1:
Firstly, Open the “Messages” app on Mac.
Step 2:
Also, Pull down the “Messages” menu and select Preferences.
Step 3:
Head over to the “iMessage” tab.
Step 4:
Make sure the Apple ID is set properly, then check “Enable this account” is checked.
Sign Out & Sign In to iMessage on Mac
However, Signing out and then signing in into iMessage on the Mac will sometime remedy issues with Messages not working on the Mac too. Here’s how to do accomplish that:
Step 1:
At first, Open the “Messages” app on Mac.
Step 2:
Now pull down the “Messages” menu and select Preferences.
Step 3:
Head over to the “iMessage” tab.
Step 4:
Select the “Sign Out” button.
Step 5:
Also, Quit Messages.
Step 6:
Also, relaunch the Messages app and then return back to iMessage preferences. However, this time sign back into the Apple ID for iMessage
Make Sure Message Forwarding is Enabled on iPhone
While using an iPhone and Mac, remember that you’ve allowed SMS text message forwarding. Also, a relay for the iPhone and the Mac. So that the Mac can relay SMS text messages to and from the iPhone through Messages.
But if that feature is not enabled, you’ll not be able to share SMS text messages from the Mac. It means that you can’t be able to message Android users.
Check to Make Sure iMessage Works on iPhone / iPad
While having an iPhone or iPad as well as the Mac, remember that iMessage is working on that device as well.
If the iPhone or iPad is experiencing issues or displaying waiting for activation error. Oe else similar, it’s also possible there are some issues with Apple iMessage servers being slow.
iMessage is working, but not syncing with other devices properly
Certainly, iMessage works, but you’ll also notice that messages are not always syncing between the Mac and iPhone or other devices.
iMessage works, but seeing “Not Sent” errors
If you have iMessage working on the Mac but you are continuously seeing Message Not Sent errors. Then head over here to read about resolving that issue.
Conclusion:
Did the above troubleshooting methods fix iMessage issues for your Mac and get iMessage working again as expected? Do you have any other tips, tricks, or advice to fix iMessage and Messages app issues on the Mac? Share your experiences, suggestions, and tips in the comments section below!
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