2020 MacBook Pro Messages - not receiving unknown sender texts/messages

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Level 1

8 points

2020 MacBook Pro Messages - not receiving unknown sender texts/messages

For the longest time I have only been receiving "Unknown Sender" messages on my mobile devices but not on my MacBook. Usually this would be a good thing, however i usually sell a lot of stuff on-line and wish to receive text messages for the conversation as talking on the phone is not always an option.

Anyway, another post stated to check the preferences (the option is checked)

And the same post also suggested i boot in safe mode to verify nothing is interfering with Messages. (Did that and no joy). Is there any other suggestions or fixes?

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on Feb 7, 2021 7:09 AM

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Answer 1

jdo_apple

Community Specialist

Feb 9, 2021 11:26 AM in response to Schatjager

Hello Schatjager,

It sounds like you're experiencing some issues with messages coming through from unknown senders. We will be happy to assist you.

It is normal to see "Unknown Sender" if you do not have the numbers saved as contacts.

If you would like to filter unknown senders, then this article may help: Block, filter, and report messages on iPhone

If you know the persons name, and have them as a contact and you're seeing this please let us know. We are standing by for you.

Cheers!

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Answer 2

mario49

Community Specialist

Feb 11, 2021 7:22 AM in response to Schatjager

Hello again Schatjager,

We appreciate you checking that for us. One thing that you may also want to check is to ensure that you have Text Message Forwarding on. With this feature on, you should be able to receive those SMS messages on your other devices like your Mac. Can you follow this article and see if it's on?

How to forward SMS/MMS text messages from your iPhone to your iPad, iPod touch or Mac

Have a look at that, and let us know. We appreciate you continuing to work with us.

Cheers!

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Answer 3

jdo_apple

Community Specialist

Feb 12, 2021 8:00 AM in response to Schatjager

Thanks for reaching back out Schatjager,

There is one more setting we can check. Let's make sure communication limits aren't modified by Screen Time.

Set up communication limits in Screen Time on Mac

If this doesn't help, then you may wish to reach out to Apple Support.

Contact Apple for support and service

Cheers!

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Answer 4

MoonJ.

Community Specialist

Feb 9, 2021 3:21 PM in response to Schatjager

Thanks for reaching back out, Schatjager!

On your Mac, try this:

Open Messages, and then beside the Apple logo , press Messages > Preferences and click on "Notify me about Messages from unknown contacts".

Please let us know if this helps!

We're standing by.

Cheers!

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Answer 5

Schatjager Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 11, 2021 5:16 PM in response to mario49

That was not set. did set it to go to my Mac and did not change anything.

Tried signing out and back in and also a reboot for good measure.

Still not getting unknown sender texts. The last one received (on Macbook) was 9.23.20 and yesterday (2.10.21) on my phone.

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Answer 6

Schatjager Author

Level 1

8 points

Feb 14, 2021 12:23 PM in response to Schatjager

This is what I am seeing, Yesterday and Friday I received texts from "Unknown senders" (not in address / contacts). From then on, nothing. 9.26.21 was the last one that I received.

[Image Edited by Moderator to Remove Personal Information]

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