iMessage Sync Issues Post Sonoma 14.0 Update

I'm reaching out to address a technical issue I've encountered since updating to Sonoma 14.0, specifically related to iMessage functionality on the desktop.

iMessage Issue Description:

Post the Sonoma 14.0 update, I've observed a consistent problem with iMessage on my desktop. While messages are received on my iPhone or iPad, they are not syncing or appearing on my Mac. This has led to missed communications and a disjointed messaging experience.

Steps Taken:

Ensured that all devices are logged into the same Apple ID.
Checked iMessage settings on all devices to ensure they are correctly configured.
Restarted all devices multiple times.
Verified that the issue persists even when all devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
Tried accessing via multiple browsers.
Cleared browser cache and tried private/incognito browsing modes.
Reset my router to ensure it wasn't a connectivity issue.
Used a VPN to see if the issue was location-specific.
Logged out and restarted iMessage, then logged back in.
Tried connecting to different Wi-Fi networks to rule out any specific network-related issues.

Engagement with Senior Advisors:

I've spent numerous hours liaising with Apple's senior advisors, hoping for a resolution. Despite the extensive troubleshooting and following all their recommended steps, the final suggestion was to run my device in safe mode and send in logs for further analysis. Regrettably, after providing the requested logs, I've yet to receive any feedback or resolution from Apple. This lack of follow-up, especially after investing so much time and effort, has been particularly disheartening.

Community Observations:

Upon researching, I've found that this isn't an isolated incident. Many users on Apple forums and community discussions have reported similar challenges with iMessage syncing post the Sonoma 14.0 update.

Beta Testers' Feedback:

What's more concerning is that some beta testers had highlighted these iMessage syncing issues during the testing phase of the Sonoma 14.0 update. This suggests a potential oversight in addressing known concerns before the public release.

I'm keen to understand if there are any known solutions or workarounds for this issue. Additionally, if there are any diagnostic steps or logs that I can provide to assist in resolving this, please let me know.

Thank you for your assistance and looking forward to a resolution.

Best regards,

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.0

Posted on Oct 5, 2023 9:20 AM

Top-ranking reply

NobbyDog

Level 1

16 points

Posted on Apr 8, 2024 7:12 AM

*A Solution At Last!*

After a few weeks of nothing changing, even with the latest update to Sonoma, I was at my wits end. Even worse was that the synching issue had now hit my iCloud Drive and I was unable to access any of my files or anything within numbers and pages. Preview wouldn't work and then one by one my other programs such as Mail started to falter too. My iMac had become unusable. So I called Apple Support and spent from Friday to Sunday trying to get a solution. I even erased my HD and re installed Sonoma and a back up from my Time Machine and this still didn't solve the problem. However..........

I was finally put through to a senior Apple advisor. We created a new User Account on the iMac and transferred over all my important files and then added my Apple ID iCloud account and everything started to reappear and work correctly. iMessages appeared in Sync with my iOS devices and I could access iCloud Drive! There appeared to have been some kind of corruption within my original user account and it was only getting worse. Creating a new user account has completely changed everything back to a new working efficient iMac, in Sync with my iPad and iPhone. Just also to confirm that all those entries that have said just open up iCloud settings and hit the sync button etc etc that didn't work or show up for me, now do so and I can hit the SYNC button and it Sync almost straight away. SO..........

I would suggest you create a new USER profile and open yourself up in that and add your Apple ID / iCloud account to it, as you would your original user profile and test it and see that everything loads up and starts synching. If it does then copy across your important files and folders in Finder from your old user profile to the new one. Once you have completed all this just check again all is working fine. I was then advised to not delete the old user profile for a couple of weeks until I was happy I had everything I needed from the old profile before deleting it and getting rid of what ever was causing the corruption. We still didn't get to the bottom of what has caused all this in the first case but I now have a working, efficient and fast iMac, back fit for purpose. I hope this helps all those who like me, were starting to doubt my own sanity! Good luck !!

(PS you can't add a new user profile account with the same name as your original one, so you have to make sure it is different even if it is one letter or number different).

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Similar questions

131 replies

Nov 12, 2023 6:46 PM in response to AppleAndAdvil

I’ve managed to sync iMessages by logging in to iMessages immediately after restarting my 2018 Mac-mini on MacOS 14.1.1.

erikbock

Level 1

142 points

Nov 18, 2023 8:56 AM in response to playapuss

Since 14.1.1 I logged out and back in and haven’t had a problem since. Let’s hope that continues

Dec 12, 2023 1:53 PM in response to untkay

It's been almost 24 hours since I installed Sonoma 14.2. So far, my Message sync issues have disappeared.

erikbock

Level 1

142 points

Oct 17, 2023 11:11 AM in response to AppleAndAdvil

I get it to work and a few days later it stops again. Only fix for me has been to log out of iCloud and log back in only phone. That is causing it's own set of challenges especially around my Apple Music subscription.

untkay

Level 1

16 points

Oct 22, 2023 9:25 PM in response to Jeep2691

Yes mine is like this too Jeep2691.

If you go to System Settings on your MacBook Pro > your name (Apple ID ) > iCloud > iCloud Drive > Apps syncing to iCloud Drive : you will see that you can switch Messages setting on/off.

Also when you get to iCloud setting you wills see a button saying 'Show More Apps". You can also turn Messages setting on/off.

Hope this helps . Oddly my sync problems have been okay the past few days. So far ...

nm59

Level 1

8 points

Nov 8, 2023 7:21 PM in response to AppleAndAdvil

Upgraded to macOS 14.1.1 last night and it's still not syncing. Using the "Sync Now" button under Settings -> iMessage -> Settings helps but not sure why I need to do this. It should be automatic.

Dec 11, 2023 1:39 PM in response to suzycupcake

I had this exact problem and it was completely solved when I went to my iPhone Messages settings and allowed my new MacBook Air to be selected as a Text Message Forwarding device. Previously, it was not selected although it was listed. Switched it "on" and now everything works as expected.

licdnt

Level 1

62 points

May 3, 2024 10:41 AM in response to AppleAndAdvil

I have the same issue. Messages on iPhone come through via wireless or cellular. Messages on macbook pro (2019 16" Intel running OS 14.4.1) often do not come through immediately. Especially true when laptop is sleeping (even with "power nap" enabled and it plugged in).

Eventually the messages will sync sometimes soon but sometimes hours or even days later. As was mentioned, sending a message from the laptop may cause it to update. Even forwarding a message from your phone to another account may do it.

A workaround that is often effective for me is turning off wireless on laptop and then turning it back on. Somehow this forces the laptop to look to see if it needs syncing.

This problem has existed since at least 14.3 and is extraordinarily annoying.

licdnt

Level 1

62 points

May 7, 2024 8:46 AM in response to lorifromgreensboro

My experience has been both MMS and SMS arrival is delayed on my laptop. Neither messages "disappear" per se but are delayed. Toggling the laptop wifi (particularly after laptop has been sleeping) can help to force the messages to arrive.

Nov 18, 2023 6:24 AM in response to AppleAndAdvil

I think you didn’t mention trying to conpletely log out of iMessage/iCloud on all devices; then, once no device is logged in, log back in.

erikbock

Level 1

142 points

Oct 23, 2023 9:19 AM in response to untkay

I did and it is weird that it shows in yours. I was able to go into the Setting in the actual app and turn t off and back on and now it appears to be working. At least for now but tomorrow is another day.

QuAlina

Level 1

8 points

Dec 9, 2023 6:00 PM in response to suzycupcake

Syncing worked for me, too.

For those who find tech stuff maddening and unnatural, here are the steps:

Go to Settings in your phone
Tap on your name
Tap iCloud
Tap iCloud Drive
Tap Sync this IPhone and let it think for a minute until the green toggle is no longer grayed out.

That should fix it for some of us! Fingers crossed. I think it also took care of the Google calendar that wouldn't sync with my iPhone calendar.

Dec 29, 2023 8:39 AM in response to Dave Ings

Upgrading to Sonoma 14.2 did not fix my sync issues.

However reformatting the disk and doing a scratch install of Sonoma 14.2 seems to have fixed them (it's been a week since I did this). (It's also possible I've just experienced a coincidence, and that Apple fixed something in their back end. There is no way for me to know.)

Unfortunately, while other than the time it takes it's no big deal for me to do a scratch install (I'm a software developer), I wouldn't recommend the average consumer try this. YMMV.

TQOBW

Level 1

8 points

Mar 3, 2024 1:20 PM in response to AppleAndAdvil

Fixed issue of MacBook Pro Sonoma "failing to send" by adjusting Message settings on phone: Text Message Forwarding. Individually turn on all of your devices. It's not just "forwarding". Apparently they mean "send" as well.

nm59

Level 1

8 points

Nov 15, 2023 6:56 PM in response to untkay

Can confirm the Sync Now button usually helps out but images still don't load and you see an obvious buggy "Read" indicator. Better than nothing though.

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iMessage Sync Issues Post Sonoma 14.0 Update