Q: Can't log in to iMessage.

Hi,

In Messages > Preferences > Accounts select the iMessages account

Now click the Details button.

You will have to sign in here to do this.

In the new pane check the Country/Region code is correct.

Also check System Preferences > Date and Time  is correct including the Time Zone and any Daylight Saving Times.

Check these match your router.

All the services you can use within Messages are time stamped based including the iMessages Login.

In System Preferences > Network > Advanced Button > DNS tab

Check this list a valid DNS server and not just the router IP.

Your router should show the ISP ones but you can also use Public ones http://pcsupport.about.com/od/tipstricks/a/free-public-dns-servers.htm

8:17 pm      Saturday; June 14, 2014

Hi,

It appears that the way the Mac logs into to the iMessages servers is different to the iOS device's way.

However as far as I can tell my iPhone and Mac have the same Access through the router and have the same DNS settings and of course the same Date and Time set.

Check items 4 and 5 in this Document

8:01 pm      Monday; June 16, 2014

I'm having this problem as well. I've tried the listed solutions and nothing is working.

The only difference with me is that my macbook pro is not new, it's almost 4 years old now and I just upgraded from Snow Leopard to Mavericks and this is the only thing  that hasn't worked so far.

Hi,

So effectively you have jumped past the OS X 10.8.2 update ?

If this is the case go to the Apple Icon Menu top left.

Select "About this Mac".

In the New panel click twice on the line that reads the OS version.

It will change to the Build Number (Another way that Apple counts the version numbers) and then to the Serial Number.

The Serial Number should match the one on the Box (if you still have it) and/or the back/Battery compartment/Bottom depending on your Mac.

It can be missing if the Logic/Mother Board has been replaced and the Serial Number not "flashed" back to the new board.

You will have to visit a Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP)  to have it replaced.

The Serial Number is used in Messages for the iMessages Login at and after the OS 10.8.2 Update.

8:42 pm      Friday; June 20, 2014

HI,

The Serial Number issue may apply to you as well if you have Updated or Upgraded past OS 10.8.2

8:44 pm      Friday; June 20, 2014

Thank you for the information.

Yes, I did skip right from 10.6.8 to 10.9.3.

I've checked and the serial numbers do match.

and my apologies to gellendros for misunderstanding the original post.

Hi,

Try booting the computer in to Safe Mode http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1564

If it works here reboot normally and the issue may have cleared.

If not, create a new Mac Use Account (System Preferences > Users and Groups) or enable th Guest option.

Log out of your regular account and into the test option you have decided to use.

Set up Messages there.

Does it work in this Mac User account ?

9:22 pm      Friday; June 20, 2014

I tried first logging in on the guest account, but that didn't work

I then tried booting in safe mode, I was able to sign in there. When I booted up again it worked just fine, thank you.

Similar problem here...

The thing is I just bought an SSD an installed it on my iMac in addition to 1Tb HDD it had. To avoid unnecessary work on the SSD, I move the users folders to the HHD. Everything works OK, Apple ID works fine on iTunes, App Store, Game Center... But iMessage and Facetime don't log in.

The message I get form iMessage is this:

Your Apple ID "(appleID)" can't be used to set up iMessage at this time.

 

If this is a new Apple ID, you do not need to create another one. To use this Apple ID with iMessage, contact iMessage support with the code below.

 

Customer Code: XXX-XXX-XXX

And Facetime simply returns once again to the point where it asks for password after showing the screen on where it shows you the phone number and the mail accounts to be used with its service.

On th other hand, iMessage and Facetime work fine on mi other devices, iPhone 5, iPad, and Macbook Pro. On the MBP, I have donde the same SSD instal, (even same model of SSD); though I didn't added but substituted the HDD it came with. There, iMessage and Facetime work alright, even on the same net that the iMac.

Nevertheless, I've even opened the ports suggested on Apple support on my router for the IP of the iMac (fixed) but the problem continues.

Tried also creating a new account on the iMac and trying to use the Apple ID on it. On iMessage, it lets me log in just the first time, but when I try to log in for a second time, the same problem appear. Facetime doesn't event logs the first time.

Any guesses on the possible solution?