messages not syncing between devices (2024)

FAQs

Why are my iMessages not syncing between devices? ›

If your messages aren't syncing, check the requirements for Messages in iCloud and make sure your devices are up to date. See the Apple Support articles System requirements for iCloud, Update your iPhone or iPad, or Update macOS on Mac.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. On your Mac, open Messages, choose Messages > Preferences, then click iMessage. Make sure that you're signed in to iMessage with the same Apple ID on all your devices.

With the SMS Backup & Restore app, you can transfer text messages between Android phones over Wi-Fi. No computer or USB connection is required. On the source device (the phone you want to transfer text from), download SMS Backup and Restore from the Play Store. Open the app and tap Get Started.

If you receive messages on one device but not the other

If you have an iPhone and another iOS or iPadOS device, like an iPad, your iMessage settings might be set to receive and start messages from your Apple ID instead of your phone number.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Messages and make sure that iMessage is turned on. Then tap Send & Receive and make sure that you're using the same Apple ID that your Apple Watch is using. If you aren't signed in, sign in to iMessage with your Apple ID.

Make sure you're signed in to iCloud with the same Apple ID on all of your devices. Then check you've turned on Contacts, Calendars and Reminders in your iCloud settings. Check that the date and time settings on your device are correct for your current location.

On a mobile device, you can pull down your message list and release to refresh the content.

If you receive messages on one device but not the other

To check if your phone number is set to send and receive messages: In the Settings app, tap Messages. Tap Send & Receive. Choose the phone number or email address that you want to use with messages.

Steps to sync:

First, make sure you're logged into the same Apple ID account on both devices, and make sure both devices have Wi-Fi turned on. In the iCloud section of the Settings app, you'll see a list of apps that can be synced across all of your devices, and you can toggle syncing on or off for each individually.

How do I give sync access to my text messages? ›

One of the easiest ways to sync multiple devices is to use a cloud service, which is a platform that stores your data online and lets you access it from any device with an internet connection. Some popular cloud services are Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, and OneDrive.

If you find that messages you send and receive on your iPhone don't appear on your Mac or the other way around, there are a few possible reasons: You're not signed in with your Apple ID on either your Mac or your iPhone. You haven't enabled Messages in iCloud on either your Mac or your iPhone.

Check Apple ID: Verify that the same Apple ID is being used for iMessage on both devices. Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive and check if the Apple ID is the same. Network Connection: A stable internet connection is required for iMessage to sync properly.

Usually if your iPad is not receiving text messages it is because either you ID has been signed out or hasn't been synced properly, probably because of connectivity issues. As a solution to this issue you would have to sign out of your Apple ID and sign back in.

If your texts still don't send, make sure you have the correct contact information. Check the recipient's phone number or, if you use the Messages app, their email address. If you confirmed that you sent messages to the right person, but you're not getting replies, the recipient may have blocked your number.