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4 Fixes for iMessage Not Syncing Between iPhone and Mac

Quick Tips
  • Open Settings on iPhone > Messages > Disable iMessage > Enable it again.
  • Open Settings on Mac > Messages > Settings > iMessage > Disable Messages in iCloud.
  • On iPhone, open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

Basic Fixes

  • Plug your Mac into a power source: Sometimes your Mac will start syncing when it is plugged into a power source. You can try the same.
  • Use the same Apple ID: You should ensure that your iPhone and Mac have the same Apple ID. Only then will iCloud be able to sync messages on both devices.
  • Update software version: Install the latest software version on your respective Apple device.
  • Check iMessage servers: Apple also offers a dedicated System Status page to let you check services status in real-time.

Fix 1: Disable and Enable iMessage Again

You need to deregister the iMessage service on your iPhone and after a couple of minutes, enable it again. This trick worked wonders for us and enabled iMessage sync on Mac and iPhone. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Open the Settings app on iPhone.

Step 2: Scroll down to Messages.

Step 3: Disable the iMessage toggle.

Enable it again and then check iMessage sync is working or not.

Fix 2: Enable Messages in iCloud

Apple uses iCloud to sync messages among all your devices. By default, the Messages option is enabled for iCloud. You can temporarily disable Messages in iCloud and enable it again. Go through the steps below to make changes.

Step 1: Open Messages on Mac.

Step 2: Click on Messages in the Menu bar.

Step 3: Select Settings.

Step 4: From the iMessage menu, disable Messages in iCloud.

enable messages in iCloud Mac

Fix 3: Sync Messages Manually on Mac

If you are still having problems getting the latest messages on the Mac, you need to sync it manually. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the Messages app on Mac.

Step 2: Go to Messages at the top-left corner > Settings.

Step 4: Slide to the iMessage menu.

Step 5: Click on Sync Now button.

Sync messages manually

Enable it again and restart the app.

Tip: Learn how to turn iMessage on or off on Mac.

Fix 4: Reset Network Settings

You might face issues with iMessage sync if your iPhone’s network settings are messed up. You must reset network settings and try the sync process again.

On iPhone, open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.

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Last updated on 05 July, 2024

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