iMessage NOT syncing across iPhone and MacBook Air

I am currently synced with my iPhone 11 Pro to an iMac (no issues) a MacBook Pro (no issues) two Mac mini (both intel, no issues) and a new Mac mini (m1). The new Mac mini worked fine out of the box but the last update (3/31/21?) seemed to kill the message sync on only the m2 Mac mini. I can send iMessages but sms does not complete, the bar makes it 90% then freezes then I get told message failed. I can manually sync most of the time from preferences. Nothing seems to help.

I tried the above on my iPhone and now it will only send iMessages from my appleid email not the phone number though it will receive to the phone number and the appleid email.

This is a cluster and completely defeats the reason I have a Mac.

As I reflect it may not have been the update but the installation of rosetta that caused the issue on the Mac mini m1, done in same couple of hours so hard to distinguish.

I started experiencing this same issue a few days ago when I set up my new MacBook Air. Messages synced fine between my iPhone and old MacBook. One thing I've noticed is that it appears to be only texts from non iPhone users are not syncing between devices. Also, I can't send a text to a non iPhone user from my MacBook - they all fail. I've tried all the troubleshooting suggestions and can't get them to stay in sync. On my MacBook, when I go to System Preferences>Apple ID>iCloud, I noticed that Messages is no longer in the list of "Apps on this Mac using iCloud" where you can check and uncheck which Apps to sync. I feel like Messages was listed here as an option on my old Mac. My iPhone is on 14.5.1. and my MacBook Big Sur 11.3.1.

Todd, Apple pushes boundaries and often 3rd party software is to blame for conflicts. You will not regret switching to Mac. Having said that, some issues are hardware related and more difficult to solve.

My single complaint against Apple is icloud. It is a one way syncing service that serves Apple’s interests better than customers to put it mildly. They want everyone’s data on their servers and to treat all devices, including desktops, as peripherals.

Normally, Apple software syncs with no user involvement or issues with its own software that comes with the OS. Typically, iMessage issues are related to Apple ID (which is your email). The password is not considered to be part of your Apple ID.

If you purchased a computer used, for example, and have not te-registered with Apple, the serial will be associated with another owner and you will not be able to sync or purchase anything. A security measure. Check that first!

I have the same problem. iPhone syncs both ways. Mac will not sync incoming messages but can send outbound messages.

This worked for me thanks! Had to sync everything again once the Mac recognized my iPhone number.

the other thing that does not work with this and how I started to notice an issue, previously when texted a passcode to my phone it would appear in a blue bubble to be auto entered, that also does not work on this Mac, the settings seem right, it just doesn't seem to work. still works on my other machines though.

I am having trouble too. More than just slow syncing. I read a new message on iPhone, them try to find it on iMac and it never synced! I can send one to same person from my phone and see it on my iMac but incoming messages visible on my iPhone are not there on my iMac. very aggravating.

Thank you Todd for the answer. I do not have a Text Messenger Forwarding on my iphone 8 running iOS 14.5.1.

All of this started between my iPad, Macbook Air and iMac were not syncing up. I signed out of my apple ID on all four devices. After the restart, My iPad, iMac & Macbook Air were at various stages of syncing. Rather bizarre.

Hi ToddAfrica

I dont seem to have text message forwarding on Iphone XR - is that normal? Maybe I'll try this?

On the iPhone >> Settings >> Phone and look for Make and Receive calls on Nearby Devices >> Enable for the MBA

Have tried all the suggestions without success. My texts are being sent from icloud.com (which I have never used). Incoming messages show up on my iPhone but not my computer. recently upgraded to Version 11.3.1 VERY FRUSTRATING

I've had this problem, among others for years. Apple is turning into Microsoft sadly. I've been a Mac user since 1999 and it's depressing. The love I used to feel when using Apple devices has been replaced by disgust. All the excitement is gone and nothing improves except the hardware. Things get broke and never fixed. Switching to Microsoft is not worth it currently. It's just a sad situation.

I am having the same problem. I tried following your directions and found I didn't have the same options available.

I was able to Switch OFF iMessages and Switch back on again. When I selected Send and Receive Addresses, it did not have the Mac option. It does list the email addresses I can be reached at, but no Message Preferences.

I am using Catalina 10.15.4

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.