Q: Messages doesn't sync between devices

Hi,

Technically there has not been a specific iChat 4, 5 or 6 Community either as there are Filters for the same in the  like the iMessages & Messages filter here in Mavericks.

Currently there are several causes to this.

FaceTime, Game Center, Messages: Troubleshooting sign in issues  These are reported in Messages 7  (Mountain Lion) and Messages 8 (Mavericks)

Most are about set up issues that might effect this.

Across both version there is what I term a 5th Messages which gives you a Code Number to tell Apple Support Staff
This is from another Thread and I have hidden their Apple ID and parts of the 12 digit Code Number.

There is only one fix to this.  You have to call Apple Support, making it clear it is an Account/Apple ID issue before telling them that the iMessages account in Messages has given you the number.  (Some Support staff think it is a Mac or Software issue and look for Warranty that is in date and then try to charge).

There is also an issue where if your Mac's Serial Number cannot be read by the computer (it is supposed to be on the Logic/Mother Board) then the iMessages account will not sign in after the OS X 10.8.2 update that updated Messages and created the need for it.

Check the Apple Menu > About this Mac and then click twice on the line that tell your the current OS level (it will change to Build Number and then the Serial number).

If it is Missing you will need to visit a Store or an Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP)

The iMessages account appears to require that the Apple Font, AppleGothic.ttf  should be present and working.

Unusually for a Required Font it is in Hard Drive Name/Library/Fonts.

In the Font Book app it appears much lower in the list (near the end)

You need to check it is ON and will Validate (File Menu).

Some people have moved it to Hard Drive Name/System/Library/Fonts (where Required Fonts normally go) and this move seems to activate it.

Others have used the Finder to Duplicate it and then renames the "old" one and then the "Copy back to the Original name.

SMS Messages to your iPhone Number will not show up on the Mac  (it will not "Sync" SMS type messages)

It is also worth double checking the iPhone Settings for the Messages app.

I once discovered the iPhone Number had been "turned Off" so that iMessages sent to the iPhone number never showed up there.

It is odd because this cannot normally be turned off by the end user once Messages on the iPhone is Verified.

You need to remove the apple ID and then turn Messages Off and then On again and check the iPhone Number Verifies before linking the Apple ID.

You also need to Accept the pops ups as they appear that tell you which device is using which IDs (Number or Apple ID).

8:49 pm      Monday; September 22, 2014

Perhaps tap on the ID and choose sign out?

Hi,

It is listed in the Receive At and Send  spot.

Once it is turned Off there you can click on the Apple ID listing at the top and then use the Sign Out option.

At this point the iPhone should be listing only the iPhone Number as the Receive At and Send ID.

It is worth turning Messages off (the slider) and then setting the iPhone to Airplane Mode to break fully with the server.

After few moments you can come out of Airplane Mode and re-enable Messages in the settings.

Once the iPhone Number has Verified you can test by sending an iMessages to the Apple ID (before adding it) so you know the Mac is getting them.

Then you can re-add the Apple ID.

Restart the Mac version at this point to prompt the Pop ups and accept them.

9:21 pm      Monday; September 22, 2014

hi.

iPhone > Settings > Messages .

9:22 pm      Monday; September 22, 2014

9:26 pm      Monday; September 22, 2014

Hi,

See the pic at 26 minutes past (it reads 9 PM on my view)

You need to go to Settings > Messages > Send and Receive (tap it)

Once "inside" disable the the Apple ID option.

You can then tap the Apple ID itself  (the blue hidden bit towards the top of the pic) and it will offer you options.

One is Sign Out.

9:34 pm      Monday; September 22, 2014

Understood.