Cannot sign-in to iMessage or FaceTime

I'm trying to launch my iMessage on my MacBook Air M1 (2020) after updating to macOS Sonoma 14.0. I click on iMessage and it asks me to login with my Apple ID, I put in the correct username and password and it tells me "an unknown error occurred". I know that my username and password are correct, I double checked them and logged into my online AppleID account. I'm having a similar issue logging into FaceTime. I previously was able to make FaceTime calls from my Mac without any problem. FYI, I do not have an iPhone, I have an Android.


Why is this happening and what can I do to fix it?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 14.0

Posted on Oct 7, 2023 6:56 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 7, 2023 6:59 PM

If you're encountering issues with iMessage and FaceTime on your MacBook Air M1 running macOS Sonoma 14.0, and you're certain that your Apple ID credentials are correct, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:


1. **Check Your Network Connection:** Ensure that your MacBook Air is connected to the internet and that the connection is stable. iMessage and FaceTime require an active internet connection.


2. **Verify Date and Time Settings:** Incorrect date and time settings can sometimes cause issues with login. Make sure your Mac's date and time settings are accurate.


3. **Sign Out and Sign Back In:**

- Open the "Messages" app.

- Go to "Messages" in the menu bar and choose "Preferences."

- Click on the "iMessage" tab.

- Click the "Sign Out" button.

- Sign in again using your Apple ID.


4. **Check for Updates:** Make sure your macOS is up to date. Sometimes, updating to the latest macOS version can resolve such issues.


5. **Check Firewall and Security Settings:** Your firewall or security software may be blocking iMessage and FaceTime. Review your Mac's firewall settings and any third-party security software that might interfere with network connections.


6. **Reset NVRAM/PRAM:**

- Shut down your Mac.

- Turn it on, and immediately press and hold Option, Command, P, and R keys.

- Hold the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them. Your Mac will restart.


7. **Contact Apple Support:** If the issue persists after trying these steps, it's a good idea to contact Apple Support. They can provide more specific assistance and may be aware of any known issues or solutions related to macOS Sonoma 14.0.


Since you mentioned that you do not have an iPhone and are using an Android device, it's worth noting that iMessage and FaceTime are primarily designed for Apple ecosystem devices. Make sure your Apple ID settings are correctly configured, and if the problem persists, Apple Support should be able to provide further guidance based on the specifics of your setup and the Sonoma 14.0 update.

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 7, 2023 6:59 PM in response to bsballply2023

If you're encountering issues with iMessage and FaceTime on your MacBook Air M1 running macOS Sonoma 14.0, and you're certain that your Apple ID credentials are correct, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:


1. **Check Your Network Connection:** Ensure that your MacBook Air is connected to the internet and that the connection is stable. iMessage and FaceTime require an active internet connection.


2. **Verify Date and Time Settings:** Incorrect date and time settings can sometimes cause issues with login. Make sure your Mac's date and time settings are accurate.


3. **Sign Out and Sign Back In:**

- Open the "Messages" app.

- Go to "Messages" in the menu bar and choose "Preferences."

- Click on the "iMessage" tab.

- Click the "Sign Out" button.

- Sign in again using your Apple ID.


4. **Check for Updates:** Make sure your macOS is up to date. Sometimes, updating to the latest macOS version can resolve such issues.


5. **Check Firewall and Security Settings:** Your firewall or security software may be blocking iMessage and FaceTime. Review your Mac's firewall settings and any third-party security software that might interfere with network connections.


6. **Reset NVRAM/PRAM:**

- Shut down your Mac.

- Turn it on, and immediately press and hold Option, Command, P, and R keys.

- Hold the keys for about 20 seconds, then release them. Your Mac will restart.


7. **Contact Apple Support:** If the issue persists after trying these steps, it's a good idea to contact Apple Support. They can provide more specific assistance and may be aware of any known issues or solutions related to macOS Sonoma 14.0.


Since you mentioned that you do not have an iPhone and are using an Android device, it's worth noting that iMessage and FaceTime are primarily designed for Apple ecosystem devices. Make sure your Apple ID settings are correctly configured, and if the problem persists, Apple Support should be able to provide further guidance based on the specifics of your setup and the Sonoma 14.0 update.

Feb 14, 2024 4:28 PM in response to MaxGabriel1219

This is a completely useless, generic answer. Hundreds if not thousands of Sonoma users – based on a simple Google search – have had this same issue, for months, and it never gets resolved by a fix, and certainly not by these cookie-cutter, completely basic Apple Support script-based answers. I have frankly given up. This kind of bug that forever is now plaguing macs after new System software releases is egregious and shows the increasing erosion of expertise and thoroughness of Apple's development and management teams. Having been loyal to Apple for 25+ years, I'm finally losing my patience. It has gotten too big, too rich, and too spread into thousands of products and services, that it has lost its ability to just simply turn out sound, dependable software.

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Cannot sign-in to iMessage or FaceTime

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