Messages application not opening from Screenshot in OS 11.4 Big Sur

Question

Messages application not opening from Screenshot in OS 11.4 Big Sur

Whenever I select Messages as the output destination for the Screenshot feature (Cmd Shift 5, then select Messages in the Options table of the floating menu) the output always goes to the Desktop as a.png file. If I select Preview, Mail, Clipboard etc the application behaves correctly and opens the correct application. It only appears to be the Messages option that doesn't work.. The problem exists on Standard & Administrator accounts on a Macbook Air M1 and a Macbook Pro both running OS 11.4.

Is anyone else having this issue?

MacBook Air (2020 or later)

Posted on Jul 5, 2021 12:13 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

lancasterbomber Author

Level 1

8 points

Jul 9, 2021 4:32 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Interesting........... If I have the 'Save to' location set to 'Messages' and the 'Show Floating Thumbnail' option selected, when I click 'Capture' I do not get a floating thumbnail at all, the capture image is just saved direct to my desktop.

However, if I select the 'Save to' destination to something other than 'Messages' for example; 'Desktop' or 'Screenshots' then I do get the floating thumbnail in the bottom righthand corner of the screen from where I can share it via 'Messages'.

So your 'workaround' works but I suspect there is a genuine bug in the Screenshot code for 'Save to' captures to the 'Messages' app.

Thank you :-)

Reply

Answer 2

Todd0213

Community Specialist

Jul 6, 2021 9:25 AM in response to lancasterbomber

Hello,

It sounds as though you're wanting to send a screenshot via Messages, but having issues opening Messages from the screenshot itself to do so. Apple Support Communities is a great place for help! To clarify a bit further what happens if you open the screenshot, click the share icon, followed by clicking Messages from the drop down? Does Messages open, and are you able to send it to a contact?

Have you also verified that you're signed in to your Apple ID for Messages on your computer? If not, you can find the steps for signing in to your Apple ID for Messages in the following article:

Use Messages with your Mac

Let us know those details, and we'll proceed from there. Have a great day!

Reply

Answer 3

Jul 9, 2021 4:06 AM in response to Todd0213

Hi, thanks for your suggestion but I cannot locate the 'Share' icon. This is MacOS 11.4 not iOS or iPadOS. When I open the Screenshot capability with 'Cmd + Shift + 5' the screen goes dim with a mask showing the area of screen to be captured when you click the 'Capture' button. Under the 'Options' button you can select various 'Save to' locations one of which is the 'Messages" application. All the other 'Save To' destinations work fine except 'Messages' and it does not seem to matter if the 'Messages' app is already open or not it will not work, i.e. open a new message and attach the screenshot you have just captured. [Although in MacOS 10.x it only worked if the 'Messages' app was already opened]. When the 'Screenshot' capability is open, I cannot see a 'Share" button or even interact with anything other than the Screenshot floating menu.

Cheers

Steve

Reply

Answer 4

Jul 9, 2021 4:13 AM in response to Todd0213

Hi, thanks for your suggestion but I cannot locate the 'Share' icon. This is MacOS 11.4 not iOS or iPadOS. When I open the Screenshot capability with 'Cmd + Shift + 5' the screen goes dim with a mask showing the area of screen to be captured when you click the 'Capture' button. Under the 'Options' button you can select various 'Save to' locations one of which is the 'Messages" application. All the other 'Save To' destinations work fine except 'Messages' and it does not seem to matter if the 'Messages' app is already open or not it will not work, i.e. open a new message and attach the screenshot you have just captured. [Although in MacOS 10.x it only worked if the 'Messages' app was already opened]. When the 'Screenshot' capability is open, I cannot see a 'Share" button or even interact with anything other than the Screenshot floating menu.

I have also checked that I am signed into iMessages with my AppleID and I can confirm that I can send and receive messages to contacts with or without attachments.

Cheers

Steve

Reply

Answer 5

Jul 9, 2021 4:15 AM in response to lancasterbomber

If I understand correctly, what Todd was suggesting does work.

Select a location, and activate the "Show floating thumbnail". Then when take a screenshot click the floating thumbnail. Not only you can edit the shot there, but there is a Share button. Messages appears there and it works.

Reply

Answer 6

Jul 9, 2021 4:17 AM in response to Luis Sequeira1

Reply

Answer 7

Jul 6, 2021 10:39 AM in response to lancasterbomber

i just checked and I see the same thing.

Reply

Answer 8

Jul 9, 2021 7:05 AM in response to lancasterbomber

Yes, what I suggested is a workaround. I am glad that it helps.

You should use feedback to report the problem: http://www.apple.com/feedback

Reply

Messages application not opening from Screenshot in OS 11.4 Big Sur

Similar questions