iMessage is one of the best apps that Apple has ever created and there is no doubt about that. After all, iMessage makes it possible for Apple fans to keep in touch with their friends and family members much better than all other chatting apps. However, recent reports have been showing that the app is not working properly on Macs. Many Mac users are complaining that for an unknown reason, they have stopped receiving any messages through the iMessage app anymore.
Since the chatting app is an essential tool on all Macs, we have decided to scour the web in search form multiple solutions that can fix this issue. Therefore, today we are going to present ten tips for Mac fans that will help them make their iMessage app function again. With that said, let’s get right into it.
How to Fix the iMessage App on Mac
#1 Restart the Mac
The first and simplest way to fix the iMessage issue is to restart the Mac. We know that this solution sounds too simple to work, but it’s worth at least giving it a try. Numerous reports have shown that the iMessage app will function again after performing a full system reboot. This can be done by clicking on the Apple menu which is located in the top menu bar and then by clicking on the Restart option. After doing this, simply open the iMessage app and try sending a message. If this solution didn’t work, then the next one might get the job done.
#2 Sign Out From Your Account
Some Mac fans are reporting that they have managed to get the iMessage app working back again after singing out from their account and then signing back in. This can be done by clicking on Messages from the menu bar and then by selecting the Preferences option. From here, head over to the iMessage and select the Sign Out option. Now, simply log back in and check to see if it works.
#3 Check the Internet Connection
What many people seem to forget about the iMessage app is that it doesn’t work if the Mac or any other Apple device is not connected to the internet. This is why we are advising everyone to check the internet connection by loading a webpage in the browser. If the webpage doesn’t load, then you might want to call a specialist to take a look at your router.
#4 Force Quit the App
Another simple but effective solution to make the iMessage app work is to force quit the app and then turn it back on. This can be done by clicking on the Apple menu and selecting the Force Quit option. Now, select the Messages option and then click on Force Quit which can be found in the bottom of the screen.
#5 Enable Your iMessage Account
If you have recently purchased a new Mac or created a new iMessage account, then it’s highly probable that you forgot to sign in. Don’t worry, this happens to the best of us! Singing with your iMessage account should be your top priority because, without it, you can’t access any of the useful features that iMessage has to offer. Head over to the Preferences window, select the Accounts tab and now check the box that says “Enable this Account”. If this doesn’t work, then the next tip might help you out.
#6 Keychain Access
If none of the above-mentioned tips didn’t make your iMessage work as it should, then you need to rebuild the keychain access. Access the Launchpad and then click on Keychain Access. Now, select the File option and then “Lock the Keychain login”. This option needs to be unlocked again after some time in order to enter the password. We want to mention that this solution has the highest success rate of fixing the iMessage issue.
#7 Verify the Mac and iOS Accounts
One of the most annoying issues that Apple fans who use multiple devices have to deal with is synchronizing their accounts. This problem can cause the iMessage app to stop working and fortunately, it’s not that complicated to fix. All Mac users are advised to check and see if they are using the same account on their macOS and iOS powered devices.
You can check this problem on iOS by heading over to the Settings panel, accessing Messages and now clicking on Send and Receive. After doing this, you can check to see which account you are using on all your devices. On the other hand, Mac users will need to navigate over to Messages, Preferences and then select the iMessage tab. Now, the iMessage accounts that are being used will be displayed.
#8 Set the Date and Time to Automatic Mode
Did you know that the date and time on your devices can cause lots of problems when it’s not set to automatic? GPUs and CPUs will start malfunctioning when the BIOS battery runs out on a PC and this is why you should make sure that your Mac’s battery is set to automatic mode. Access the Apple menu, System Preferences, Date and Time, now click on the Time Zone tab and then check to see if the “Set date and time automatically” option has been enabled as the default mode.
#9 Reset NVRAM
The last tip that we want to share is also the most complicated one, but you don’t need to worry about it because we are going to explain it all. NVRM is an acronym for “non-volatile random-access memory stores” and it is a small amount of memory that is used for high-priority settings.
You guessed it! The iMessage app is one of those settings and shutting down the NVRM might make the app run again. Shut down your Mac and when you turn it on, press and hold Option, Command, P and R at the same time for a total of 20 seconds. Now, wait for the second startup sound and then release the keys.