How to Fix iMessage Not Working on MacBook Air/Pro [Step-by-Step Tutorial]

iMessage is Apple's all-encompassing messaging service, accessible on all of its platforms and devices. It's the best-in-class and protected free service Apple has made open to its users, which also upholds normal chatting.

Often, iMessage fails even on the Mac! Are you wondering why is iMessage not working on Mac? There could be common issues; for example, a picture failed to load after iMessage idles for a long time on a sleeping Mac.

If you face the problem that iMessage is not working on Mac, don't worry, and we will introduce 7 proven ways to fix this issue:

iMessage can be detected in the messages application on your Mac. In order to detect iMessage, head to "Messages > Settings" and hit "iMessage". Open "Settings > Toggle" on Messages in iCloud.

Without delay, let's see the reasons for iMessage not working on Mac and the potential fixes.

Why Is iMessage Not Working on Mac

There could be countless reasons for iMessage not working on Mac. Initially, there may be a glitch with Apple's iMessage server or perhaps within the Messages app, or your settings might need a little bit of adjustment. Another reason could be you may need to update Mac if your iMessage isn't functioning.

Go to "Settings > System Preferences > Software Update" to see if your macOS has been updated. You will receive a notification if the macOS is updated. Prior to moving on to particular difficulties, let's see the ways how to fix iMessage not working on Mac.

How to Fix iMessage Not Working on Mac

As iMessage on Mac isn't working correctly, you must consider the below-mentioned 7 methods to fix the iMessage not working issue:

Method 1. Make Sure iMessage Is Enabled Correctly

Before troubleshooting, ensure you have enabled iMessage on your Mac correctly. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. On your MacBook Pro/Air, open "Messages". In case it's not in the dock, you may discover it in the Applications list, more precisely, in the Finder.

Step 2. With your Apple ID, you need to sign into Messages. Here, it's necessary to complete the two-step verification process.

Step 3. You may now access your messages. In this step, you can notice the contact numbers instead of the contacts.

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Method 2. Reset iMessage and Reboot Your MacBook

You may reboot your system daily, and this reboot can assist in fixing several faults. But you must not forget to resolve iMessage issues. In this case, you must turn off iMessage, reboot, and turn it back on! Follow the steps below to reset iMessage on your Mac:

Step 1. Start the Messages application, and opt for "Messages > Settings" from its menu bar.

Step 2. Open the iMessage tab, and untick "Enable Messages in iCloud" under the Apple ID.

Step 3. Restart MacBook Pro/Air from the Apple menu, which is located in the top-left corner. Once done, you need to turn this iMessage setting back on.

Method 3. Restart Message App in Activity Monitor

This strategy aids you in troubleshooting every frigid app on Mac. When an application is ready to function in the background, the Message app will not open when you hit the app symbol on the Mac Dock. You must utilize the Activity Monitor and shut down the Messages app completely. Follow the steps below to restart the Message app in Mac Task Manager:

Step 1. Utilize the "Command + Space" keys, and look for Activity Monitor.

Step 2. Press the "Return" key, and commence the app.

Step 3. Locate and choose the Messages app from the list. The Messages program will be totally closed down by macOS when you hit the "X" mark at the top of the window.

Once done, reopen the messaging application; everything should function normally now.

Method 4. Sign in to iMessage Again

This is another best solution to fix iMessage not working on Mac. Several times, the Messages application can fail to authenticate your Apple account on the Mac. You have to sign out from the Apple account and sign back in. Follow the steps below to sign in to iMessage again:

Step 1. Start the Messages application on the Mac.

Step 2. Hit the "Messages" option located beside the Apple symbol at the top, and open "Preferences".

Step 3. After visiting the iMessage tab, opt for the "Sign Out" option, located beside the Apple ID.

Authenticate through the same Apple ID. To verify that your Mac retrieves fresh messages, relaunch the Messages app.

Method 5. Disable Focus Mode on Mac

While using focus mode on Mac, Messages will never disturb you with the newest iMessage notifications on Mac. Follow the steps below to disable focus mode on Mac:

Step 1. Visit the notification center.

Step 2. Opt for the latest texts or disable focus on Mac from the Control Center menu.

Method 6. Sync iMessage Manually

Once you have enabled iMessage on your Mac, you must ensure that everything is properly synced. One of the most typical answers to why iMessage is not working on Mac is a problem with syncing. Follow the steps below to sync iMessage manually:

Step 1. Launch Messages on your MacBook. You may locate it in the Applications list in the Finder.

Step 2. Hit "Messages" in the menu bar.

Step 3. Select "Preferences" to open it.

Step 4. Select "iMessage".

Step 5. Select the box "Enable Messages in iCloud".

Step 6. Hit the red "X" button to shut the window down, and your changes will auto-save.

Now your communications ought to sync on their own. If they don't, you may constantly attempt going to "Preferences" and selecting the iMessage tab's "Sync Now" option. Try logging out of Messages and back in again if this fails to work.

If you can't find some messages or you accidentally deleted data from iMessage, we would like to introduce a powerful data recovery software to you, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, which can support data recovery if numerous file types in different situations, including recovering deleted iMessage.

Install the EaseUS data recovery software and recover your lost/deleted data from iMessage with a few clicks:

Step 1. Select the partition that stores your lost/deleted iMessage.

Step 2. Click "Scan" and choose the data you want to restore.

Step 3. Click "Recover" to get it back, and save it to a secure location.

Method 7. Update macOS

You must double-check your macOS to ensure it has the latest update if the issue lingers. If your MacBook is running a version that is no longer supported, you can try switching it to the most recent version to get the most recent iMessage. The steps listed here for updating your macOS:

Step 1. Opt for "System Preferences" from the Apple menu,

Step 2. Hit the "Software Update" to search for the latest updates.

Step 3. Click "Update Now" to update macOS.

Conclusion

The solutions to the "iMessage not working on Mac" problem are all described above; hopefully, one will be effective for you. Irrespective of popular belief, iMessage is quite important globally.

While other parts of the world have adopted texting services like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal, iMessage is still the standard option in the United States. Consequently, inefficient work hours may result while iMessage is down. You can solve the problem using the tips mentioned above.

iMessage Not Working on Mac FAQs

Go through the below-mentioned FAQs to better understand this iMessage not working on Mac error:

1. How do I get my iMessage to work on my Macbook?

Before iMessage on your MacBook will function, you have to initially set it up. You need to enter your Apple ID and password in the Mac's Messages application. After that, hit the sign-in option. All you need to do is ensure that you sign in using a similar Apple ID on every device.

2. Why won't my iPhone Messages connect to my Mac?

"Messages > Preferences > messages" can be found by opening the application on your Mac. Check if the identical Apple ID is logged in on both devices.

It would help if you verified Text Message Routing in your iPhone to ensure your Mac has been enabled by going back to one screen. Remove your Mac from the list if it is, then restart your iOS device.

3. Why is my iMessage suddenly not working?

It's possible that you don't have a reliable connection or enough data if iMessage suddenly stops operating. Since iMessage needs a broadband connection to work, you need to have a connection to 3G, 4G (or 5G), or a powerful WiFi signal.

Your iMessage fails to send if no WiFi or cellular connection is available. Try doing a quick search on Safari to see if you are able to access the internet.

4. Why am I not getting texts on my Macbook?

Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet. To confirm that you are online, try opening a page in another web-based program, like Safari. Additionally, make sure the date and time on your Mac has been configured correctly. Verify the contact's email or phone number if it has been entered properly.