JParky
Level 1 (4 points)

Q: iMessage account inactive

The Message app does not work on my MacBook Pro. I've tried searching the community but haven't found a resolution. I have a MacBook Pro (Retina, Mid 2012) running OS X El Capitan 10.11.4.

 

Message worked with Yosemite but stopped working after installing El Capitan. Specifically, when I go into Preferences -> Accounts I get a my iTunes account which is greyed out and says iMessage (Inactive). In the actual Messages application I am unable to send or receive messages.

 

I use the same iTunes account on iPhone and iPad and these work with Messages fine.

 

Thanks,

 

John

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X El Capitan (10.11.4)

Posted on Mar 23, 2016 9:21 AM

by Ralph Johns (UK),Solvedanswer
Ralph Johns (UK) Ralph Johns (UK)
Level 9 (73,203 points)
Applications
A:

Hi,

 

In Messages the iMessages Account needs and Apple ID.

Most people use the same one they use for iCloud in System Preferences.

However they can be different as there is no option to Enable the iCloud ID fro Messages (or iTunes, FaceTime or the App Store or Game Centre)

 

Internet Accounts in System Preferences will show AIM, Jabber and Yahoo account that might be enabled in Messages for chatting.

 

I presume you are talking about this Preferences

Accounts_21.png

IS the "Enable this Account" box visible (I presume you have not got that far and it waiting for a Password)

 

IF you are using 2 Step Verification you need to create an Application Specific password for Messages.

 

 

3Sigcopy2.png

8:49 pm      Thursday; March 24, 2016

 

​  iMac 2.5Ghz i5 2011 (El Capitan)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad

Posted on Mar 26, 2016 11:02 AM

Close
JParky

Q: iMessage account inactive

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Ralph Johns (UK),Solvedanswer

    Ralph Johns (UK) Ralph Johns (UK) Mar 26, 2016 11:02 AM in response to JParky
    Level 9 (73,203 points)
    Applications
    Mar 26, 2016 11:02 AM in response to JParky

    Hi,

     

    In Messages the iMessages Account needs and Apple ID.

    Most people use the same one they use for iCloud in System Preferences.

    However they can be different as there is no option to Enable the iCloud ID fro Messages (or iTunes, FaceTime or the App Store or Game Centre)

     

    Internet Accounts in System Preferences will show AIM, Jabber and Yahoo account that might be enabled in Messages for chatting.

     

    I presume you are talking about this Preferences

    Accounts_21.png

    IS the "Enable this Account" box visible (I presume you have not got that far and it waiting for a Password)

     

    IF you are using 2 Step Verification you need to create an Application Specific password for Messages.

     

     

    3Sigcopy2.png

    8:49 pm      Thursday; March 24, 2016

     

    ​  iMac 2.5Ghz i5 2011 (El Capitan)
     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
     MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
     Mac OS X (10.6.8),
     Couple of iPhones and an iPad

  • by JParky,

    JParky JParky Mar 26, 2016 11:09 AM in response to Ralph Johns (UK)
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mar 26, 2016 11:09 AM in response to Ralph Johns (UK)

    Brilliant - many thanks - my problem is sorted. John

  • by Ralph Johns (UK),

    Ralph Johns (UK) Ralph Johns (UK) Mar 27, 2016 11:32 AM in response to JParky
    Level 9 (73,203 points)
    Applications
    Mar 27, 2016 11:32 AM in response to JParky

    4thanx.gif    Changing the Recommended to    2correct.png  Points.

     

     

    I see there were some 1helpful.png   Points in there as well.

     

     

     

     

    3Sigcopy2.png

    7:31 pm      Sunday; March 27, 2016

     

    ​  iMac 2.5Ghz i5 2011 (El Capitan)
     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
     MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
     Mac OS X (10.6.8),
     Couple of iPhones and an iPad