Messages not working on Mac? Follow these 4 methods

by Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Milan Stanojevic
Windows & Software Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He's a PC enthusiast and he... read more
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Affiliate Disclosure
  • If your iCloud messages are not working, then you won't have access to this feature until you use the solutions presented in this guide.
  • To start resolving this problem, you should make sure that Keychain synchronization is enabled, and to check your account settings.
  • If you want access to more comprehensive Mac guides, check out our Mac Fix Hub.
  • In order to always have access to useful information, consider bookmarking our useful Mac section.
iCloud messages are not working

According to users, sometimes iCloud Messages on Mac aren’t working, and that can be a problem. However, there’s a way to fix this issue, and in this article, we’re going to show you how to do it.

What to do if Messages aren’t working on Mac?

1. Make sure that Keychain synchronization is enabled

Several users reported that they don’t have the option to enable messages on iCloud. To fix that, you need to make sure that Keychain synchronization is enabled. To enable it, do the following:

  1. Go to Apple menu > System Preferences.
  2. Click on Apple ID and select iCloud in the sidebar.
  3. Look for Keychain and make sure that it’s checked.
    iCloud settings icloud messages mac not working
  4. Optional: If it is, you can uncheck it and check it again.

After making these changes, check if the problem is still there.

2. Check your account settings

apple on desk
According to users, one way to fix this problem is to check your Messages app settings. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Messages app.
  2. Open the Messages menu and select Preferences.
  3. Navigate to the iMessage tab and make sure that all your email addresses are checked.

3. Disable your account or sign out of Messages temporarily

Sometimes to fix this problem you need temporarily disable your account and enable it. To do that, follow these steps:

  1. Open Messages app, go to Messages > Preferences > iMessage.
  2. In the Apple ID section, uncheck the Enable this account checkbox.
    enable this account icloud messages mac not working
  3. Wait for a few moments and check it again.

If that doesn’t help, repeat the steps from above, but this time click on the Sign Out button. Wait for a few moments and then sign back in.

4. Check date and time

Sometimes an incorrect date or time can cause problems with iCloud messages. To fix this issue, we advise you to adjust your date and time by doing the following:

  1. Open System Preferences and go to Date & Time.
  2. Now check the Set date and time automatically checkbox.
    date and time icloud messages mac not working
  3. Optional: If the feature is already enabled, try disabling it and enabling it after a few moments.

These are some of the best solutions that you can try if your iCloud Messages application isn’t working properly.

FAQ:  Learn more about the iCloud Messages app

  • How can I see my messages on iCloud?

To see your messages on iCloud, you will need to open Settings, tap on your Apple ID, and toggle the option for iCloud. You will be prompted to set up two-factor authentication.

  • Are text messages stored in iCloud?

If you have this option enabled, then yes, your text messages will be store in iCloud.

  • Why are my iMessage and iCloud accounts different?

The iMessage and iCloud accounts could be different because you used a different email address when setting them up.

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