I cannot log into iMessages on my MacBook Pro. Works fine on other devices.

Question

I cannot log into iMessages on my MacBook Pro. Works fine on other devices.

I followed all of Apple's troubleshooting suggestions, but they have not resolved the issue. Ideas? Suggestions?

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 13.4

Posted on Jun 14, 2023 4:00 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

DiZoE

Level 4

2,943 points

Jun 16, 2023 3:24 PM in response to candacevanlion

Hey again!

My best guess would be an issue with the local keychain.

If you create and log into a new admin user and it works fine that may be the case.

I would quit all open apps, ensure you have your Apple ID password then:

Open Keychain Access from Finder > Applications > Utilities.

In the search bar on the top right, search for each term individually and delete any entries or results in the Keychain, restart and test:

Terms:

ids

iMessage

Facetime

Appleid

Hope that helps! If not it could be something else such as a permissions issue, knowing if it works in another user account will help to identify if the problem is system wide, or confined to a particular user account, thanks.

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Answer 2

a brody

Level 10

83,221 points

Jun 15, 2023 8:35 PM in response to candacevanlion

The VPN could be blocking your iMessage.

Make sure both your AppleID email address that is registered when you login Apple Support Communities and your phone number is in Messages menu -> Preferences -> iMessage, and that you are signed in the AppleID there.

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Answer 3

DiZoE

Level 4

2,943 points

Jun 15, 2023 9:13 PM in response to candacevanlion

Hey candacevanlion!

Can you please say what happens when you try to log in? It there are any particular error messages? And/Or if it has ever worked on this Mac, and if so, if any type of changes were made from when working to not working?

Cheers, glad to help out of I can. More info may help though.

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Answer 4

Jun 16, 2023 12:09 AM in response to DiZoE

When I try to log in, I get the endless spinning pinwheel. When I try to log out I get the endless spinning pinwheel. I tried to log out about 8 hours ago, and that d#mned pinwheel is still spinning. It will not let me enter my name or phone number or anything else into Message settings. Understand that the VPN is NOT running on my MacBook Pro, and I've been having issues with Message for over a week. So, I don't think it's, like, a transient Apple thing. If it were any other app, I'd delete it and reinstall it, but I don't think I can do that with Apple's basic apps, no?

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Answer 5

Jun 16, 2023 12:55 AM in response to a brody

Those are good suggestions, if I were able to do anything except watch spinning pinwheels. How do I get it to stop? I've tried Force Quitting, and when I open the app, I'm right back where I started from. Weird.

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Answer 6

a brody

Level 10

83,221 points

Jun 14, 2023 4:29 PM in response to candacevanlion

Why did you pick the VPN article? Do you have one?

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Answer 7

Jun 15, 2023 5:32 PM in response to a brody

I do have a VPN, but it's caused so many problems that I am currently not using it.

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Answer 8

Jun 16, 2023 6:10 PM in response to DiZoE

I followed your instructions (lawd, there were many items to delete), did a restart, and was able to log into iMessage on my first try. Thank you so much for your help!

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