iMessage Not Working on Mac? Here’s How to Fix It


One of the most unique features of Apple products is iMessage. It’s basically a messaging app designed by Apple that can be used in iPhones, iPads, and Macs. While it usually works fine in any of these devices, there are times when you might encounter iMessage issues using MacOS. These include messages not sending through or taking too long to get delivered. If you do encounter any of these issues, here are some ways to fix this problem:

  1. Establish your internet connection

While regular text messages only require a cellular network, iMessage requires your device to have an internet connection for it to work. An active internet connection, whether that’s Wi-Fi or mobile data, is needed in order to use iMessage. Before you panic that iMessage is not working on your Mac, check to see if you’ve already connected to the internet. You can also test your internet connection by opening and browsing the web.

  1. Restart your Mac.

Sometimes, your Mac just needs a refresh for some of its apps like iMessage to work seamlessly again. Just click on the Apple menu, which is represented by the Apple logo, located on the top left corner of your Mac screen. Select “Restart” to reboot your Mac. After restarting, open your iMessage app and try sending a message again.

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  1. Enable your Apple ID or iCloud in your Mac.

In order to use iMessage, you should have an Apple ID, which is equivalent to iCloud for Mac. Hence, you have to check if you configured the correct Apple ID on your Mac. Just click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences.” Go to “iCloud” settings and check the Apple ID that you’re using. It should match the Apple ID that you’re using on your iPhone so that your iMessages will sync between your Mac and your iPhone.

  1. Make sure your iMessage is enabled on your Mac.

Another way to fix your iMessage not working on your Mac is to disable the app entirely. After that, re-enable your iMessage to somehow reset the app. Simply click on the “Messages” app on your Mac and go to its menu.

From the list, select “Preferences.” Click on the “iMessage” tab and check that the Apple ID you’re using is correct. Uncheck “Enable this account” to disable then close the app. Open it again and return to the setting to enable it again. 

  1. Sign out from iMessage on your Mac then sign in again.

Aside from disabling and enabling your iMessage, you can also opt to sign out from iMessage on your Mac then sign in again. Doing so also refreshes your account on your iMessage in Mac. To do this, simply click on the “Messages” app on your Mac and go to its menu.

From the list, select “Preferences” and click on the “iMessage” tab. Click on the “Sign Out” button and quit the app. Open the app again and go back to the settings. Sign in using your Apple ID to get it working again. 

  1. Enable message forwarding on your Mac and your iPhone.

Chances are if you’re using a Mac, you’re probably also using an iPhone. If your iMessage issue is that your text messages aren’t showing up on your Mac, you should check your message forwarding. Your SMS text message forwarding should be enabled on your iPhone so that it can relay those messages to your Mac and vice versa. This also enables you to send SMS text messages straight from your Mac without having to reach for your iPhone. 

  1. Check if iMessage also works on your iPhone or iPad.

Sometimes, your Mac isn’t the problem. Make sure that iMessage on your iPhone is working properly so that it can relay the messages to your Mac. In addition, if iMessage on your Mac and on your iPhone are both malfunctioning, the problem might lie in the software itself. It’s possible that the Apple iMessage servers are down at that time so it’s not working on your Mac.

Aside from iMessage not working on your Mac, some other issues that relate to iMessage include not syncing properly between devices and messages not being sent. If your iMessage is not syncing between your iPhone and Mac, you should focus more on the syncing problems and resolutions. On the other hand, if your messages won’t send, it’s probably due to poor internet connection.

The methods above should help you fix your iMessage issues on your Mac. Most of them are just troubleshooting techniques that usually resolve iMessage problems. Some are quite easy to do while others can be a bit complex. If the issue still persists, you might have to contact Apple Support so they can further investigate the root of the problem.


Kossi Adzo

Kossi Adzo is a technology enthusiast and digital strategist with a fervent passion for Apple products and the innovative technologies that orbit them. With a background in computer science and a decade of experience in app development and digital marketing, Kossi brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the Apple Gazette team.

One Comment

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  1. Your step-by-step fixtures to deal with this problem are easy to follow. I hope Mac users will be able to troubleshoot it after reading your guide. Excellent share, Ayran!! Keep sharing kinds of stuff.