Messages app wont let me type unless I click on the text box when returning from a different window

This is a duplicate question on the forum because I don't believe it was answered and the original poster never responded to someone who asked some questions.


As written in the previous post - previously, when returning to the window that I have the messages app open in I have always been able to begin typing immediately. Now when I return to the messages app from another window and begin typing, nothing registers visually. No characters show up in the text box but at the same time spellcheck will still pop up for the word that I typed, even though the characters aren't there. To begin typing all I have to do is click on the screen. Which isn't too big of a deal, but I miss being able to seamlessly slide over to that window and immediately start typing.


Similar to the original poster, I recently purchased and set up a new M1 2020 Pro. I'm on the latest version MacOS Monterey 12.1, any ideas on what to do here? Thanks!

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.1

Posted on Apr 3, 2022 1:32 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 4, 2022 11:51 AM

Hi, swei1999.


It sounds like you're having to select the text box prior to typing in Messages although spellcheck seems to recognize that you're typing.


To isolate the cause of this, let's try a few troubleshooting steps.


  1. First, start up in safe mode: How to use safe mode on your Mac
Safe mode prevents your Mac from loading certain software as it starts up, including login items, system extensions not required by macOS, and fonts not installed by macOS. It also does a basic check of your startup disk, similar to using First Aid in Disk Utility. And it deletes some system caches, including font caches and the kernel cache, which are automatically created again as needed.


2. Next, in order to rule out any account-specific issues, test Messages in another user account. If you don't have another user account set up on your Mac, you can create a test user using the steps here: Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac


Cheers.


Similar questions

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 4, 2022 11:51 AM in response to swei1999

Hi, swei1999.


It sounds like you're having to select the text box prior to typing in Messages although spellcheck seems to recognize that you're typing.


To isolate the cause of this, let's try a few troubleshooting steps.


  1. First, start up in safe mode: How to use safe mode on your Mac
Safe mode prevents your Mac from loading certain software as it starts up, including login items, system extensions not required by macOS, and fonts not installed by macOS. It also does a basic check of your startup disk, similar to using First Aid in Disk Utility. And it deletes some system caches, including font caches and the kernel cache, which are automatically created again as needed.


2. Next, in order to rule out any account-specific issues, test Messages in another user account. If you don't have another user account set up on your Mac, you can create a test user using the steps here: Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac


Cheers.


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Messages app wont let me type unless I click on the text box when returning from a different window

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.