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Quick fix: To fix iMessage not syncing on Mac, open Messages > Settings > iMessage and make sure Enable Messages in iCloud is checked, then click Sync Now.
I appreciate how the iMessage (Messages) app lets my messages travel seamlessly across all my devices. It's super convenient that I can send a message from my iPhone and pick up the conversation on my Mac so easily. Well, that's the theory, anyway. I noticed that many users have a problem with their iPhone messages not syncing with their Mac, especially after updating their systems.
If you have the same issue, try the quick fixes below:
| How to sync iMessage on Mac | What to do |
| Check internet connection | Turn on Wi-Fi and use WiFi Explorer to fix network issues. |
| Sign out from iMessage and retry | Do it on both Mac and iPhone with the same Apple ID. |
| Enable Messages in iCloud | Confirm that Messages in iCloud is enabled on both devices. |
| Sync messages manually | Use AnyTrans for iOS to manually transfer messages from iPhone/iPad to Mac. |
| Verify email settings | Make sure the same email address is used on both devices for sending/receiving messages. |
| Confirm mobile number | Verify phone number is updated and matched with Apple ID contact details on both devices. |
| Update devices | Check for the latest software updates on both Mac and iPhone. |
You will find detailed instructions on how to fix messages not syncing on Mac below in this article.
Getting your iMessages to sync properly can be a bit of a hassle, but following these steps usually does the trick.
Unlike the old good SMS, iMessage requires a stable internet connection to be delivered from one device to another. To be on the safe side, just toggle Wi-Fi off and on. I also recommend you run a scan with WiFi Explorer:
WiFi Explorer helps identify network issues that might prevent iMessage from syncing properly.
Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh sign-in to fix the "Messages on Mac not syncing" problem.
On your Mac:
On your iPhone:
This process refreshes your connection to Apple's servers and often resolves sync issues immediately.
How to refresh messages on Mac? iMessage won't sync if iCloud is turned off. You'll need to check if it's on all your devices. Follow the steps below:
On your Mac:
On your iPhone:
According to Apple Support documentation, enabling this feature ensures all your messages stay updated across devices.
Manual syncing can also force your messages to update quickly.
Try the built-in option first: open Messages on your Mac, go to Messages > Settings > iMessage, and click Sync Now. Give it a minute—often, that's all it takes.
I prefer using the content-transferring app called AnyTrans for iOS. With its help, you can sync your messages across devices — either all of them or just certain ones. Here's how it works:
This method works especially well when the built-in sync feature fails to update your messages.
A mismatch in email settings can cause significant syncing issues and make you wonder, "Why are my iMessages not syncing between iPhone and Mac?" Double-check to make sure you're using the same contact details on all your devices.
On your Mac:
On your iPhone:
Ensuring consistency across devices helps iMessage recognize them as linked.
Your contact details being outdated or incorrect can also affect syncing and lead to iMessage not updating on Mac. Verify your phone number is accurate and matched.
On your Mac:
On your iPhone:
Both devices need to show the same phone number for proper synchronization.
Read also:
Sometimes, text messages not showing up on Mac is caused by a software glitch. Apple may have already fixed it in a recent update. Check whether you've installed the latest version.
On your Mac:
On your iPhone:
Syncing problems can appear for several reasons. Here are some of the most likely culprits:
If your iMessages aren't syncing between your iPhone and Mac, the fix is almost always one of three things: Messages in iCloud is toggled off, your Apple Account doesn't match on both devices, or your internet connection is unstable. Start with enabling Messages in iCloud and signing out and back in — that resolves the issue for most people. For persistent sync failures, AnyTrans for iOS can manually transfer your messages between devices as a reliable fallback.
To prevent sync issues from coming back, keep both devices updated, use WiFi Explorer to monitor your network quality, and if you also manage WhatsApp conversations on your Mac, ChatMate for WhatsApp keeps that channel running smoothly too.
iMessage syncing again. Now keep all your communications running smoothly. WiFi Explorer, AnyTrans for iOS, ChatMate for WhatsApp, and 270+ other Mac and iOS apps — all in one Setapp membership. Cancel before Day 7 — $0 charged. Start Your 7-Day Trial.
Most sync problems come from one of these issues: connectivity problems (weak Wi-Fi blocks updates), Messages in iCloud is off (turn it on in Settings > iMessage), Apple ID mismatch (both devices need the same ID), outdated software (old iOS/macOS versions may have bugs), wrong date or time (incorrect time zones can stall iMessage), or Apple server outage (checkApple System Status). Identify which fits your case, fix it, then reopen Messages and give it a minute to catch up.
If your chats look stuck, try a manual sync:
If "Sync Now" is missing or doesn't help, sign out of iMessage, restart your Mac, and sign back in with the same Apple ID. Need messages right away? Copy them with AnyTrans for iOS.
When you see "Syncing Paused" in iMessage, first check your internet connection and make sure both devices are online. Sign out of iMessage on both devices and sign back in. If that doesn't work, go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud and toggle Messages off and on. You can also try restarting both devices. For persistent issues, AnyTrans for iOS can manually transfer your messages between devices.
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