How to fix Mac iMessage not syncing or failing to send and receive messages on macOS

Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: How to fix Mac iMessage not syncing or failing to send and receive messages on macOS. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

When iMessage stops working on your Mac, it can be frustrating—especially if messages are syncing slowly between your iPhone and Mac, failing to deliver, or showing "Not Delivered" errors. In most cases, the issue is caused by an incorrect Apple ID sign-in, an outdated macOS version, or a misconfigured Messages setting. The steps below will walk you through resolving the most common iMessage problems on macOS.

Quick Fix Steps

If you're in a hurry, work through these steps in order. Most iMessage issues are resolved by the time you reach the end of the list.

1. Confirm your Mac has a stable internet connection.
2. Sign out of iMessage on your Mac, then sign back in.
3. Check that your Apple ID phone number and email are enabled in Messages settings.
4. Restart your Mac.
5. Restart your iPhone (if you also use iMessage there).
6. Update macOS to the latest available version.
7. Check Apple's System Status page to confirm iMessage is operational.

Detailed Instructions

1. Verify Your Internet Connection

iMessage requires an active internet connection to send and receive messages. If your Mac is offline, messages will queue up and fail to deliver.

1. Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar and confirm you're connected.
2. If you're using Ethernet, check the cable and confirm the connection is active in System Settings > Network.
3. Open Safari and load a webpage to confirm the connection is working.

2. Check Apple's System Status

Before changing any settings, confirm that iMessage isn't experiencing an outage on Apple's end.

1. Visit apple.com/support/systemstatus in your browser.
2. Look for iMessage in the list.
3. If there's a green dot, the service is operating normally. If you see a yellow or red indicator, wait for Apple to resolve the issue.

3. Confirm Your Apple ID and Sign-In Details

An incorrect or expired Apple ID sign-in is one of the most common causes of iMessage failure.

1. Open the Messages app.
2. Click Messages in the menu bar, then choose Settings (or Preferences on older macOS versions).
3. Click the iMessage tab.
4. Confirm your Apple ID is listed and shows as signed in. If not, sign in with the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone.

4. Sign Out and Back Into iMessage

Signing out and back in refreshes your connection to Apple's iMessage servers.

1. In the Messages app, open Settings > iMessage.
2. Click Sign Out.
3. Wait 30 seconds, then click Sign In and enter your Apple ID credentials.
4. Quit and reopen Messages.

5. Enable Your Phone Number and Email for iMessage

Both your phone number and email address need to be enabled for iMessage to send and receive messages across all your devices.

1. In Messages > Settings > iMessage, locate the You can be reached for messages at section.
2. Tick the boxes next to your phone number and any email addresses you want to use.
3. Under Start new conversations from, choose either your phone number or email address as the default sender.
4. Close the settings window and test iMessage again.

6. Enable Text Message Forwarding on Your iPhone

If you want SMS messages from your iPhone to appear on your Mac, Text Message Forwarding must be enabled on the iPhone.

1. On your iPhone, open Settings.
2. Tap Apps > Messages.
3. Tap Text Message Forwarding.
4. Toggle on your Mac from the list of devices.
5. A six-digit code will appear on your Mac—enter this code on your iPhone to confirm.

7. Set the Correct Date, Time and Time Zone

If your Mac's date and time are incorrect, iMessage may fail to authenticate with Apple's servers.

1. Open System Settings > General > Date & Time.
2. Enable Set time and date automatically.
3. Enable Set time zone automatically using your current location.
4. Close the window and try iMessage again.

8. Update macOS

Apple regularly releases updates that fix bugs affecting iMessage. Running an outdated version of macOS can cause syncing and delivery issues.

1. Open System Settings > General > Software Update.
2. If an update is available, click Update Now or Upgrade Now.
3. Wait for the update to download and install, then restart your Mac if prompted.

9. Restart Your Mac and iPhone

A simple restart can clear temporary glitches affecting iMessage.

1. On your Mac, click the Apple menu > Restart.
2. On your iPhone, press and hold the side button and either the volume up or volume down button until the power slider appears, then drag the slider and wait 30 seconds before turning the device back on.
3. After both devices have restarted, open Messages on your Mac and test again.

10. Check Your Firewall and Security Software

Third-party firewalls or VPN clients can block the connections iMessage needs to function.

1. If you're using a VPN, disconnect temporarily and test iMessage.
2. If you're running third-party security software (such as Little Snitch, Norton, or McAfee), check that it isn't blocking Apple's iMessage domains.
3. Add mask.icloud.com and push.apple.com to any allow lists if required.

11. Remove and Re-add iMessage from Internet Accounts

If the issue persists, removing the iMessage account entirely and re-adding it can clear up deeper configuration problems.

1. Open System Settings > Internet Accounts.
2. Select your iMessage account from the list.
3. Click the minus (−) button to remove it.
4. Restart your Mac.
5. Return to Internet Accounts and sign back in with your Apple ID.
6. Re-enable your phone number and email addresses in Messages settings.

Troubleshooting

Messages Show "Not Delivered"

If a message bubble shows red with "Not Delivered":

• Click the red exclamation mark and choose Try Again.
• Confirm the recipient's phone number or email is correct.
• Check that the recipient is using an Apple device and has iMessage enabled.
• Send the message as an SMS instead by holding the message and choosing Send as Text Message.

Messages Aren't Syncing Between Mac and iPhone

If messages sent or received on your iPhone aren't appearing on your Mac (or vice versa):

• Confirm both devices are signed in to the same Apple ID.
• Confirm iMessage is enabled on both devices.
• Enable Text Message Forwarding on your iPhone (see step 6).
• Check that both devices have a stable internet connection.
• Restart both devices.

iMessage Activation Keeps Failing

If iMessage shows "Waiting for activation" or keeps showing an error:

• Confirm your Mac has a working internet connection.
• Check that the date and time are set correctly (see step 7).
• Sign out of iMessage, restart your Mac, then sign back in.
• Confirm your Apple ID is active by signing in at appleid.apple.com.
• Wait up to 24 hours, as activation can sometimes be delayed.

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