Automatic message sync not working between iPhone 14 iOS 18.6.2 and Mac macOS Ventura 13.7.8

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Level 1

14 points

Automatic message sync not working between iPhone 14 iOS 18.6.2 and Mac macOS Ventura 13.7.8

I used to see my messages on my Mac desktop macOS Ventura 13.7.8 and my iPhone 14 iOS 18.6.2. If the message originates on my iPhone, it no longer syncs automatically on my Mac. I have to go to settings on my Mac and initiate the sync by hand. I have performed all of the steps below. Nothing helps.

Also, when a message is delivered on my Mac, I see a notification message displayed on the top right of my screen, but there is no indication in the Dock there are any unread messages.

Enable Messages in iCloud (iMessages)

1. On your Mac:

Open the Messages app, go to Messages > Settings (or Preferences) > iMessage, and make sure your Apple ID is correct. Check the box for Enable Messages in iCloud.

2. On your iPhone:

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Show All (or "Apps Using iCloud"). Tap on Messages and make sure the toggle for Messages in iCloud is turned on.

Enable Text Message Forwarding (SMS/MMS messages)

On your iPhone: Go to Settings > Messages. Tap Text Message Forwarding.
Select your Mac: Ensure your Mac is selected in the list. If it's already selected, try deselecting it, restarting your iPhone, and then reselecting it.

Troubleshooting Steps

Check your Apple ID: Make sure you are signed in with the same Apple ID on both devices.
Check your internet connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for syncing to work.
Update your devices: Ensure both your iPhone and Mac are running the latest operating system versions.
Manually sync on Mac: In the Messages app on your Mac, you can go to Messages > Settings > iMessage and click Sync Now to force a sync.
Sign out and back in: Try signing out of iMessage on both devices, restarting them, and then signing back in.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 14, iOS 18

Posted on Sep 4, 2025 9:05 AM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

105,589 points

Sep 10, 2025 2:17 AM in response to SuzyMcGee

Forward text messages from your iPhone to other devices

Or set up Text Message Forwarding separately

If you're not using Messages in iCloud, or messages aren't forwarding as expected:

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Messages.
Tap Text Message Forwarding. (If you don't see it, turn iMessage off and back on, then tap Send & Receive and sign in again.)
Tap to turn on each device that you want to allow to send and receive messages from this iPhone.

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Answer 2

Sep 9, 2025 12:02 PM in response to Jholmes900

I have the same issue with my 13 Pro Max that just started two days ago. I'm also missing "Text Message Forwarding" on my phone and have tried everything suggested to get it back with no luck. I'm using am iMac 2017 that says the macOS is Ventura 13.7.8

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Answer 3

Sep 10, 2025 6:55 AM in response to Owl-53

Thank for your reply. I tried that, along with every other suggestion that was posted anywhere I could find online with trusted sites. Nothing work. The last four days I reboot my computer and iPhone more than I have in the last four months trying all the suggestions I found. I compared my phone's messages app to two other iPhones in my house. One had the Text Messaging Forward available and the other did not. I did not do anything to the other one that did not have the option for Text Messaging Forward. This morning both my iPhone and the other without Text Messaging Forward (that I did nothing to try to get it back) suddenly have this feature again. Can you explain that please?

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Answer 4

Owl-53

Level 10

105,589 points

Sep 10, 2025 7:16 AM in response to SuzyMcGee

SuzyMcGee wrote:

Thank for your reply. I tried that, along with every other suggestion that was posted anywhere I could find online with trusted sites. Nothing work. The last four days I reboot my computer and iPhone more than I have in the last four months trying all the suggestions I found. I compared my phone's messages app to two other iPhones in my house. One had the Text Messaging Forward available and the other did not. I did not do anything to the other one that did not have the option for Text Messaging Forward. This morning both my iPhone and the other without Text Messaging Forward (that I did nothing to try to get it back) suddenly have this feature again. Can you explain that please?

No

I can and will say

On the 3 different Apple Computers I own and operate ( Sequoia 15.6.1 ) each using the same Apple ID

Using an iPhone 15 Pro also on th same Apple ID and iOS 18.6.2

Text Forwarding " just works " when used with Messages in iCloud is configured

In conclusion

This must be a local issue and unique to your setup

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Answer 5

Sep 16, 2025 7:16 AM in response to Jholmes900

I believe it is an 18.6 bug. I updated to 18.7 and it did not fix the problem. But this just happened to me a few days ago. I’ve restarted and did everything to reset both message and FaceTime and nothing fixed it!

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Automatic message sync not working between iPhone 14 iOS 18.6.2 and Mac macOS Ventura 13.7.8

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