To sync your iMessages between your iPhone and Mac, check that you’re using the same Apple ID on both devices, have enabled ‘Text Message Forwarding’ for your Mac, and toggle off and on iMessage.
Hi, I’m Devansh. I once faced issues with my iMessage not syncing between my MacBook Air and iPhone. In my case, it was due to a network error.
In this article, I’ll walk you through some steps you can follow to sync iMessages between your Apple devices. I’ll also answer some common questions.
If you want to sync your iMessages across all your Apple devices, follow the steps in this article!
Contents
Step #1: Check Apple ID and iCloud Settings
First, ensure you use the same Apple ID on your Mac and iPhone. On your iPhone, open Settings, tap on your name and scroll down to view the devices associated with that Apple ID. Here, check if your Mac appears in the list.
Now, check if iCloud is enabled for Messages. Open Settings on your iPhone, tap your name, and iCloud. Tap Show All, Messages, and toggle on Sync this iPhone.
Next, go back to the Messages page, and tap Send & Receive. Ensure there’s a checkmark next to the right email addresses and phone numbers.
On your Mac, launch Messages. In the menu bar, click on Messages and Settings (or Preferences). Switch to the iMessage tab and select Enable Messages in iCloud.
Plus, ensure there’s a checkmark next to the correct email addresses and phone numbers under ‘You can be reached for messages at.’
Once you implement your iPhone and Mac’s valid Apple ID and iCloud settings, the iMessages should sync successfully.
Step #2: Check Text Message Forwarding
Text Message Forwarding is the feature that sends your iPhone’s iMessages to your Mac. Open Settings on your iPhone, go to Messages, tap on Text Message Forwarding, and toggle on your Mac in the list.
A six-digit verification code might appear on your Mac. Input it into your iPhone and tap Confirm. Once done, the iMessages should sync.
Step #3: Reactivate Messages on iPhone and Mac
When your iMessages are not synching between your iPhone and Mac, the solution could be as simple as turning iMessage off and on again. On your iPhone, open Settings, go to Messages, and toggle off iMessage. After a minute, toggle it on again.
On your Mac, launch Messages. In the menu bar, click on Messages and Settings (or Preferences). In the iMessage tab, deselect Enable Messages in iCloud. A confirmation window will appear; click on Disable This Device. After a minute, enable it back again.
On both devices, after you reactivate iMessages, they might try to sync. Once the process is complete, all messages should successfully sync.
What’s Next?
If following the above three steps didn’t result in your iMessages syncing between your iPhone and Mac, here are some more solutions you can try.
- Check the Apple System Status page and see if ‘Apple ID’ and ‘iMessage’ are available
- Check if your mobile data and WiFi are working properly
- Log in to your iCloud account and ensure that the storage isn’t full
- Restart your iPhone and Mac
- Try sending a text message from both devices to trigger an update
If it’s still not working or stuck in the ‘Waiting for activation’ phase, there could be an issue with your iPhone or Mac device. You can contact Apple Support or a certified technician for further guidance.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about iMessage not synching between iPhone and Mac.
How to Sync Messages Manually on Mac?
Launch Messages, click Messages in the menu bar and Settings (or Preferences). Head over to the iMessage tab and click Sync Now. Syncing all the messages could take a few minutes, depending on the network speed.
What if Contacts, Calendars, and Reminders Won’t Sync Either?
If other data isn’t synching between your iPhone and Mac (like your contacts), update iOS and macOS on your iPhone and Mac. In addition, also ensure that the date and time settings are correct based on your current location. Check this page to learn more.
What is Apple Continuity?
Continuity lets you perform tasks across devices in the Apple ecosystem, like unlocking your Mac with your Apple Watch. For Text Message Forwarding to work, you must ensure your device meets the Continuity system requirements.
Conclusion
When your messages aren’t synching between your iPhone and Mac, check if you’re using the same Apple ID and if iCloud is enabled. Once done, you can check Text Message Forwarding and reactivate iMessage. Beyond that, get in touch with Apple Support.
Do you have any further questions about how to fix iMessage not synching between iPhone and Mac? Let me know in the comments!
