What to Know

• In Messages, openPreferences>iMessage>Enable Messages in iCloud>Sync Now.
• If text/SMS messages aren't syncing, go toSettings>Messages>Text Message Forwardingon your iPhone and ensure your Mac is active.
• Your iPhone and Mac must use the same iCloud account for either option to work.

Your iCloud account should sync all your info, including the stuff you send and receive in the Messages app, across all of your devices. When it fails to do so on your Mac, here's how to fix it.

How Do You Update Messages on Your Mac?

If your iCloud account isn't syncing on its own, you can manually update it in the Messagesapp. Here's what to do.

1. In Messages, selectPreferencesunder theMessagesmenu.
   

   Alternatively, pressCommand+,(comma) on your keyboard.

   

2. Choose theiMessagetab.
   

   

3. Make sure the box next toEnable Messages in iCloudis checked.
   

   

4. ClickSync Now.
   

   If you turned on the "Enable Messages in iCloud" option in the previous step, the sync may start automatically.

   

5. Your Messages app should sync, and new items will appear.
   

Why Are My Messages on My Mac Not Updating?

Any discrepancies between what's on your phone and Mac could be because of the different ways you use them. While your iPhone and iPad are typically on and connected to the internet constantly, they can be way faster to sync than your Mac, which you might switch off, restart, or put to sleep.

If your Mac's Messages app isn't syncing correctly, you can try closing and reopening it and then waiting to see if new messages appear. If they don't, you have other things to try.

Why Are My Text Messages Not Showing Up on My Mac?

If you aren't seeing non-iOS texts (which appear as green bubbles in Messages) on your Mac, you should adjust a setting on your phone to make sure they show up on all of your devices.

1. On your iPhone, open theSettings app.
   

2. Scroll down and tapMessages.
   

3. On the next screen, chooseText Message Forwarding.
   

   On this screen, you should also make sure theMMS Messagingoption is switched on.

4. Make sure the switch next to your Mac is in theon/greenposition.
   

   

5. As long as this option is active and both your iPhone and Mac are signed in to the same iCloud account, text messages you receive on your phone will also appear on your Mac.
   

• How do I disable messages on my Mac?

  To turn off iMessage on Mac, open Messages and selectMessages>Preferences>iMessage>Sign Out. To disable notifications, go to theApple menu>System Preferences>Notifications>Messagesand turn offAllow Notifications.
  

• How do I sync iMessage to my Mac?

  To sync iMessage to your Mac, open Messages and go toMessages>Preferences>Settingsand sign in with the same Apple ID you use on your iPhone. UnderYou can be reached for messages at, check all available phone numbers and email addresses. SetStart new conversations fromto the same phone number on your iPhone and Mac.

• Can I get my Android text messages on my Mac?

  No. While you can't see texts an Android device receives on a Mac automatically, you can view text messages on your Mac by going to messages.android.com and scanning the QR code.