The Laughing Imp

Q: Can't activate Messages or FaceTime since OS X 10.11.6 Update

Ever since I updated to OS X 10.11.6, I can't connect to FaceTime or Messages. I also had odd iCloud authorization issues, but I fixed those by logging out of iCloud, then logging back in after a reboot. Unfortunately, the reboot did nothing for FaceTime or Messages. They were syncing just fine with my iPhone & iPad before the update. I can't seem to find any information out there. iCloud works fine on my desktop, as does internet connectivity, so this is a specific problem with FaceTime & Messages authorization. Any suggestions?

 

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Mac mini, OS X El Capitan (10.11.1), My macs work via brain waves…

Posted on Jul 25, 2016 7:56 PM

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Q: Can't activate Messages or FaceTime since OS X 10.11.6 Update

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  • by Ralph Johns (UK),

    Ralph Johns (UK) Ralph Johns (UK) Jul 27, 2016 1:46 PM in response to The Laughing Imp
    Level 9 (73,269 points)
    Applications
    Jul 27, 2016 1:46 PM in response to The Laughing Imp

    Hi,

     

    Messages and the iMessages Account have a Device Specific Login  based on not only the ID and Password but the Serial Number as well.

     

    Use the Apple Icon Menu top left and then "About this Mac"

    In the Overview tab the Serial Number should be shown.

     

    This was first used in OS X 10.8.2 and Messages 7.0.1

     

    Since then some people in a apparently random manner find they are locked out of the iMessages Server for the use of the Apple ID is iMessages on their Mac.

    Other than not being able to Login or in some case not Select Contacts or Not Send iMessages there is no real clue as to when you are not logged in.

     

    There is only one fix.

    Contact Apple Support (Same as Apple Care)

    Inform them you have an Apple ID issue.

    Level 1 responders tend to be script led so you are likely to have to ask to speak to someone higher.

     

    Level 2s can be aware of the problem (but  not always).

    Apple are aware and are trying to find the trigger that causes this Security function to block you when it shouldn't.

    (There is no reset in the app.)

    This can mean the Level 2 will be trying to gather data and offer some things they think might help.

    Updating, Upgrading or Reinstalling do not work.

     

    Try and persuade them to check the server regarding your ID used on your Mac  for iMessages.

    Level 2s used to be able to reset it but now it seems only the Engineers are allowed to.

    Once they are involved you may still be told it will take anything between 24 hours and 5 days (according to some people who have posted back their experiences).

     

     

     

     

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    9:46 pm      Wednesday; July 27, 2016

     

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     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
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