Your phone receives an iMessage alert.
But your Mac neither snoozes nor chimes.
After observing further…
You realize that your Mac’s iMessage is no longer syncing.
This is such an annoying problem, right?
But don’t worry. You’ll fix this in just minutes.
Continue reading to discover:
- How you can check if Apple’s iMessage servers are currently down.
- The most common reasons your iMessage isn’t syncing on your Mac.
- 7 hassle-free fixes you can try to make your Mac’s iMessage sync again.
- And this is just the beginning…
Why is my iMessage not syncing on my Mac?
Your iMessage isn’t syncing on your Mac because its servers are down. This problem also happens if your devices are using different Apple IDs. And your iMessage also won’t sync on your Mac if the messaging app glitches. A slow Internet connection also contributes to this problem.
iMessage not syncing on Mac: 7 fixes
#1: Force sync iMessage
Here’s the easiest way to stop this problem:
Manually forcing your iMessage app on your Mac to sync.
Now, don’t worry. This solution is extremely easy to do despite being so effective.
So, have your Mac ready, and follow these…
Quick steps to force sync your iMessage app:
Step 1: Launch the Messages app on your device
You’ll find this on your Mac’s dock. Or the horizontal bar at the bottom of your screen.
Step 2: Select Messages
This option is located in the upper-left corner of your device.
And it’s right next to the Apple logo.
Once a small pop-up window appears…
Step 3: Choose Preferences
It’s the 2nd option on the list.
Step 4: Click iMessage
At the top of the current window on your screen, you’ll see these 3 headings:
- General.
- iMessage.
- Shared with You.
So, choose the “@” icon in the middle to access your iMessage settings.
And then…
Step 5: Tap Sync Now
Let your device load for at least a minute.
Then, try testing if your Mac’s iMessage is now syncing.
#2: Check if iMessage servers are down
Before you try to change any more settings on your device…
I highly recommend double-checking if iMessage’s servers are working or not.
Why?
Well, if they’re indeed down…
Most, if not all, iOS users will experience this syncing issue.
And you won’t be able to fix the problem on your end. Because only Apple’s developers can.
However, if the servers are up and running…
Then, your device or iCloud is causing this syncing issue. So, you can continue trying the fixes below.
“How do I check the status of iMessage’s servers?”
Easy. Just head to Apple’s general system status page.
And when you see all of the brand’s services listed in Alphabetical order…
Simply find the iMessage option.
Once you do…
Check if there’s a green dot or “Available” text beside the service or not.
If there is, iMessage’s servers aren’t experiencing any problems.
But if you see any other text or color…
That means iMessage currently has some server issues.
You might also be interested: (13 Fixes) How To Stop iPhone From Overheating [Guide]
#3: Ensure your Apple ID matches
If your messages still aren’t syncing at this point…
Your Mac may be using a different Apple ID than your iPhone.
So, for this fix…
You should ensure that your devices are using matching email addresses.
Now, I’ll break this process into smaller parts to make it easier for you.
That said, follow these…
Steps to check your iPhone’s Apple ID on iMessage:
Step 1: Go to your phone’s Settings app
Just tap the application’s tile on your home screen, then…
Step 2: Select Messages
You’ll find this option with the other apps on your iPhone.
Step 3: Choose “Send & Receive”
This is located in the middle section of your screen.
Step 4: Put a checkmark beside your Apple ID
Note: Tapping the email address on your screen adds or removes the check icon.
Now, if you also see the START NEW CONVERSATION FROM heading on your device…
Put a checkmark beside the same Apple ID.
“But I don’t see my email address on the screen.”
In that case…
Tap the Use your Apple ID for iMessage button instead. Then, log in to your account to follow this step.
Note: Remember the exact email address you checked on your iPhone.
Because the next part of this process is to…
Ensure your Mac’s iMessage’s Apple ID matches your phone’s:
Step 1: Launch your Messages app
Like you did earlier…
Just tap the green chat bubble icon at the bottom of your screen.
Step 2: Go to the applications’ Preferences
Simply tap the Messages option at the top-left corner of your screen.
Then, click Preferences from the list that appears.
Step 3: Tap iMessage
You’ll find this option near the top of the window.
Step 4: Check the email address beside the Apple ID option
If your email address already matches the one on your iPhone…
Just ensure that the Enable Messages in iCloud option under your Apple ID has a checkmark. Then, proceed to the next fix.
But if your email addresses don’t match…
Tap the Sign Out button on your Mac’s screen. Then, log in using your Apple ID on your mobile device.
Can’t sign in successfully? Watch this video to reset your account’s password:
After doing this fix…
#4: Enable Message forwarding on your iPhone
There are 2 ways you can communicate through your iMessage app:
- With iMessages (blue chat box).
- SMS/MMS texts (green chat box).
See, these 2 work differently.
Specifically, iMessage lets you communicate through WiFi or cellular data networks.
On the other hand…
SMS/MMS lets you send texts through your cellular provider’s satellite signals.
However, despite their differences…
Both features still affect each other because they reside in the same messaging app.
Now, this fix primarily focuses on SMS messages or the green chat boxes on your Mac. But this solution can also fix your iMessage’s syncing problems.
So, follow these steps to…
Forward text messages from your iPhone to your Mac:
- Turn ON your mobile device.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap Messages.
- Scroll down a little at click the Text Message Forwarding tab.
- Turn ON the toggle beside your Mac’s name.
After doing this process…
Try using your iMessage on your iPhone again. And see if your Mac automatically syncs your messages.
You might also want to know: 7 Easy Steps To Connect AirPods To A Macbook (How-To)
#5: Refresh your iMessage
Are your messages still not syncing?
If so, your current session in your iMessage may be glitching.
Hence, your information from 1 device won’t send to another. And you may even experience other issues like your chat boxes not saying Delivered.
See, a glitchy iMessage can be a result of the following events:
- Not updating your Apple devices.
- Disconnecting your Mac from the Internet for too long.
- Not having enough free space on your iPhone or Mac’s storage.
But it’s not rare for iMessage to glitch randomly, either.
Luckily though…
Regardless of what caused this feature to stop working efficiently, it’s very easy to…
Refresh your iMessage information:
Follow these steps on your iPhone
- Launch your device’s Settings application.
- Scroll down and tap Messages.
- Find the iMessage tab.
- Turn OFF the toggle on its right side.
- Turn it ON again.
Here’s what you should do on your Mac
- Launch the Messages app.
- Tap the Messages option at the upper-left corner of your screen.
- Select Preferences.
- Choose iMessage from the icons at the top of the window.
- Click the Sign Out button.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Log back in using your Apple ID.
And before you try using the iMessage feature again…
#6: Restart your devices
Your iPhone and Mac can also glitch, similar to your iMessage app.
But fortunately…
Restarting your devices is usually enough to remove their bugs and glitches.
You most likely already know how to restart your Apple gadgets.
But to make this process much easier for you, here are the steps to…
Restart your iPhone:
iPhone X and later
- Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons on your device.
- Let go when a power slider appears on your screen.
- Drag the slider to the right.
- Wait for 30 seconds so your device can completely turn OFF.
- Press and hold the power button.
- Let go when you see the Apple logo.
iPhone 6,7,8 or SE models
- Locate the power button of your gadget.
- Press and hold this key.
- Wait for the power slider to appear.
- Slide it to the right.
- Wait for 30 seconds.
- Press and hold the power button to turn ON your device.
After restarting your mobile device, proceed to…
Restart your Mac:
- Go to your device’s home screen.
- Tap the Apple icon at the upper-left corner of your screen.
- Select Restart.
And now, to manually refresh your iMessage…
#7: Send a message using your Mac
Pro tip: Choose one of your contacts who can respond immediately. Because you’d have to wait for a reply for this fix.
Once you have a recipient in mind…
Send them a message of your choice using your Mac.
Then, just wait for their reply.
Your iMessage will most likely sync when you receive your contact’s response.
But if this solution still doesn’t work…
Bonus: Check your Internet connection
There isn’t an official Internet speed requirement for sending and receiving iMessages.
But based on experience…
When using this feature, you should aim for a WiFi or cellular data speed of at least 3 Mbps.
See, if your Internet speed is lower than that…
You’ll start noticing delays in sending and receiving your messages.
And over time, your devices might even stop syncing entirely.
“But I don’t know how fast my WiFi is.”
Don’t worry. It’s pretty easy to…
Check your Internet speed:
- Connect your Mac to your WiFi or iPhone’s hotspot.
- Open any browser on your device.
- Head to the speedtest.net website.
- Tap the GO button in the middle of the screen.
- Check how fast your device’s upload speed is.
Fun fact: Upload speed refers to how fast data from your phone transfers to the Internet. For example, sending iMessages. While download speed portrays how fast data from the Internet can reach your device. Which is relevant when streaming videos.
Did you get less than 3 Mbps from your results?
Don’t worry. There’s still a way to…
Boost your Internet speed at home (if you’re using WiFi):
Tip 1: Put your router in the middle of your house
Doing so lets your devices get the most exposure to your WiFi signals.
Pro tip: It’s best to place your Mac within 10 feet of your router for maximum Internet speed.
Tip 2: Place your WiFi source higher
Routers also emit signals from the bottom of their unit.
So, if you place them close to the ground…
You’ll end up wasting WiFi signals.
Tip 3: Disconnect other devices from your network
Changing your WiFi password is the easiest way to do this process.
Bonus: Place your router away from metal
This material may be common in your household.
But unfortunately…
Metal is your network’s number 1 enemy because it kills your router’s signals.
So, place your WiFi source as far away from metal objects as possible.
And after following these quick tips…
Recheck your Internet speed.
Pro tip: If your WiFi is still slow at this point, contact your ISP or Internet Service Provider. Then, ask them how you can make your Internet faster.