When you first set up Messages on your Mac, you're asked to sign in to your iMessage account with your Apple ID. Messages then automatically attempts to sign in every time you open it. Signing in to FaceTime is similar. If either app doesn't sign in successfully, try these solutions.
The result is that the Mac’s instant messaging app is more robust and works just like it does on the iPhone and iPad. Here’s an overview of Messages in Big Sur. Messages is a simple, helpful messaging app that keeps you connected with the people who matter most. Text anyone from anywhere across devices.
Check your Internet connection
How to get pages app on mac. Make sure that your Mac is connected to the Internet. You should be able to load web pages or receive email, for example.
Check for a service outage
Check the Apple System Status page for a temporary outage affecting iMessage or FaceTime. How to remove an app from your desktop mac.
- Learn more about sending and receiving text messages, photos, personal effects and more with the Messages app on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac.
- Apple What's new: The new Messages app on MacOS Big Sur includes ways to pin conversations (similar to a feature in the new iOS 14), options to better wrangle group messages, a redesigned search.
Check your Date & Time settings
- Choose Apple menu () > System Preferences, then click Date & Time. Make sure that the date, time, and time zone are correct.
- If the ”Set date and time automatically” checkbox is selected, deselect it and select it again. (If the checkbox is dimmed, click and enter your administrator password.)
Make sure that your software is up to date
Learn how to update your Mac software. Software updates can improve the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, and might also resolve the issue.
Check your Apple ID
Messages Application On Mac
To make sure that your Apple ID and password are correct, go to the Apple ID account page and sign in with the same Apple ID that you're using with Messages and FaceTime. If that works, open the app and take these steps:
- Messages: Choose Messages > Preferences, then click Accounts. Select your iMessage account, then click Sign Out. Now sign in again with the same Apple ID you used on the Apple ID account page.
- FaceTime: Choose FaceTime > Preferences. In the Settings tab, click Sign Out. Then sign in again with the same Apple ID you used on the Apple ID account page.
Reset NVRAM
In case the issue is related to any of the settings stored in NVRAM, reset NVRAM on your Mac.
Check for third-party software
If you installed firewall, security, VPN, or other third-party networking software, make sure that the software isn't blocking any of the network ports used by iMessage and FaceTime. If necessary, disable the software and then try using your iMessage account or FaceTime again.
Learn more
Learn what to do if you have other FaceTime issues.
FaceTime is not available in all countries or regions.
Set up your phone number
On your iPhone:
- Go to Settings > Messages and make sure that iMessage is on. You might need to wait a moment for it to activate.
- Tap Send & Receive. If you see “Use your Apple ID for iMessage,” tap it and sign in with the same Apple ID that you use on your Mac, iPad, and iPod touch.
- In the 'You can receive iMessages' section, make sure that your phone number and Apple ID are selected.
- Go to Settings > FaceTime and make sure that your phone number and Apple ID are selected in the 'You can be reached by FaceTime at' section.
On your other devices, you can now turn on the phone number that you just set up:
If you use this feature and share your Apple ID with someone, you can't prevent them from seeing your conversations. Instead of using the same Apple ID as someone else, set up Family Sharing.
Remove your phone number
If you don't want calls or messages for your iPhone on your iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, you can remove your phone number. There are two ways to do this:
- On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. Select your Apple ID at the bottom of the screen and tap Sign Out. Then go to Settings > FaceTime, select your Apple ID and tap Sign Out.
- If the phone number that you want to remove belongs to an iPhone that you can't access, change your Apple ID password. This removes all phone numbers from your iPad, iPod touch, and Mac. Calls or messages for the removed numbers won't appear on those devices anymore.
If you have questions, contact Apple Support.
Turn your phone number on or off for your Mac
After you set up your phone number, you can turn it on or off for Messages and FaceTime on your Mac.
- Open Messages or FaceTime. If asked, sign in with the Apple ID that you're using with Messages and FaceTime on your iPhone.
- For Messages, choose Messages > Preferences, then click iMessage. For FaceTime, choose FaceTime > Preferences, then click Settings.
- Turn your phone number on or off:
- To turn on your phone number, select it and your Apple ID in the list. If you don't see your phone number, get help with your settings or contact Apple Support. If you see a number that isn't yours, change your Apple ID password.
- To turn off your phone number, deselect it in the list.
- If you want recipients to see your phone number and not your Apple ID, select your phone number from the “Start new conversations from” or ”Start new calls from” pop-up menu.
Learn how to make messages that you send and receive on your iPhone appear on your Mac, iPad, and iPod touch.
Turn your phone number on or off for your iPad or iPod touch
After you set up your phone number, you can turn it on or off for Messages and FaceTime on your iPad or iPod touch.
- For Messages, go to Settings > Messages and make sure that iMessage is on. If asked, sign in with the Apple ID you're using with Messages and FaceTime on your iPhone. Then tap Send & Receive.
- For FaceTime, go to Settings > FaceTime. If asked, sign in with the Apple ID that you're using with Messages and FaceTime on your iPhone.
- Turn your phone number on or off:
- To turn on your phone number, select it and your Apple ID in the “You can be reached” section. If you don't see your phone number, get help with your settings or contact Apple Support. If you see a number that isn't yours, change your Apple ID password.
- To turn off your phone number, uncheck it.
Learn how to make messages that you send and receive on your iPhone also appear on your Mac, iPad, and iPod touch.
If you can't see or select your number in Messages or FaceTime
- Make sure that you're using the latest software for your Mac or iOS device.
- Make sure that you correctly followed the iPhone steps to set up your phone number. You should be using the same Apple ID on all of your devices.
- In the “You can be reached” section of Messages and FaceTime settings, make sure that there are checkmarks beside your phone number and Apple ID:
If your phone number is unchecked and you can't select it, or you have some other issue, follow these steps:
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- On your Mac:
- In Messages, choose Messages > Preferences, then click iMessage. Click Sign Out.
- In FaceTime, choose FaceTime > Preferences, then click Sign Out.
- On your iPhone, iPad, and iPod:
- Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. Tap your Apple ID, then tap Sign Out.
- Go to Settings > FaceTime. Tap your Apple ID, then tap Sign Out.
- On your iPhone:
- Go back to Settings > Messages and make sure that iMessage is turned on.
- Tap Send & Receive, then choose “Use your Apple ID for iMessage” and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Using the same Apple ID, sign back in to Messages and FaceTime on your other devices.
Text Messages On Mac
If you still need help, change your Apple ID password and repeat the setup steps. If that doesn't work, contact Apple Support.