iMessage not syncing conversations on macOS

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Level 1

9 points

iMessage not syncing conversations on macOS

Anyone else see this? I get message syncing between my iPhone and my iPad, but it's inconsistent on macOS. If I type a message in Messages on macOS I immediately see them on my iPhone, but if the person Im messaging replies or if I type something in on my iPhone, I only see it on iPhone, not on macOS. In messages preferences on macOs, I have "enable messages in iCloud" checked, but even if I click the "sync now" button, it doesn't do anything.

What's most annoying is I never had any syncing issues across any of my devices, including macOS, before iCloud messages was introduced. I would often hear of others having issues and being frustrated, but I never experienced. now that iCloud message syncing is "a thing" it doesn't work for me so I'm frustrated.

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Dec 4, 2021 7:03 PM

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Answer 1

mario49

Community Specialist

Dec 6, 2021 1:57 PM in response to madsteer2

Hey madsteer2,

Thanks for the update. Turning the feature off and back on can get the process moving again. One thing you can do is to boot using safe mode and see if the issue persists.

"If the issue doesn't continue while in safe mode, leave safe mode by restarting your Mac normally. Then test for the issue again. The issue might be resolved.

If the issue returns after leaving safe mode, startup items are probably at fault. Apps can install such items in numerous places, and they aren't always easy to find or recognize. For that reason, you should first make sure that you've installed any available updates for your Apple software and third-party apps.

If updating your software doesn't help, try any of these solutions:

Test your login items.
To learn whether software in your user account is causing the issue, set up a new user account, then log in to it and try to reproduce the issue in that account.
Unplug all accessories from your Mac, including printers, drives, USB hubs, and other nonessential devices. You could have an issue with one or more of those devices or their cables.
Reinstall macOS.

If you still need help, please contact Apple Support."

How to use safe mode on your Mac

Have a good one.

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Answer 2

mario49

Community Specialist

Dec 5, 2021 1:09 PM in response to madsteer2

Hi madsteer2,

Thank you for contacting Apple Support Communities. Based on what you stated, it seems like the Mac is able to send messages but is not receiving messages. We would recommend you use this article to help troubleshoot the issue.

"On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages.
Tap Text Message Forwarding.
Note: If you don’t see Text Message Forwarding, make sure you’re signed in to iMessage using the same Apple ID on both your iPhone and your Mac.
Turn on your Mac in the list of devices.
If you’re not using two-factor authentication, a six-digit activation code appears on your Mac; enter this code on your iPhone, then tap Allow."

Set up iPhone to get SMS messages on Mac

Please don't hesitate to let us know if you need additional assistance.

Cheers.

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Answer 3

mario49

Community Specialist

Dec 12, 2021 1:51 PM in response to madsteer2

Hey madsteer2,

Thank you for using the Apple Support Community. Since this seems to be isolated to one Apple ID, you need to contact Apple Support directly using the link below.

Contact Apple Support

Take care.

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Answer 4

madsteer2 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 10, 2021 11:52 AM in response to mario49

Just to provide an update on this. Booting into safe mode didn't seem to solve it. It's unclear to me if there's any point in turning off login items one by one, since safe mode doesn't start any of them and it persisted. Setting up my iCloud messages in a different user account worked, so it seems there is some issue with my account, but I'm at a loss as to what to do to resolve it. Do you have any more suggestions are will I have to contact Apple Support? Thanks,

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Answer 5

madsteer2 Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 5, 2021 2:36 PM in response to mario49

Thanks for the prompt reply. It is already set on for both my iMac and my iPad. Should I toggle it off and back on maybe?

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iMessage not syncing conversations on macOS

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