So, your iPhone’s iMessage shows all chats perfectly — but your MacBook is totally out of sync? Missing texts, broken threads, or just that frustrating “Waiting for activation” message? Don’t worry. You’re not alone.
After the macOS Tahoe 26 and Sequoia updates, a ton of users have reported iMessage desync issues. The good news? You can fix it — and it’s easier than you think.
Let’s go step-by-step, from quick fixes to deep-level solutions, tested by real users and verified on the latest macOS builds.
Before You Begin: What’s Really Going On
iMessage uses your Apple ID and iCloud sync to keep all your devices — iPhone, iPad, and Mac — updated with the same conversations.
But after a macOS update (especially Tahoe or Sequoia), these can get out of alignment because of:
- Temporary iCloud desync
- Broken Apple ID session
- Corrupted Message cache
- Keychain/verification delay
- Or just Apple servers lagging behind new builds
So, let’s dive in — follow carefully, and you’ll see your messages syncing again like magic.
1. Check iCloud Sync Settings (The #1 Fix)
Let’s start where most issues begin — iCloud not properly syncing Messages.
On Your Mac:
- Go to Apple Logo → System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud.
- Click on the See All button.
- Now click on Messages in iCloud and make sure Use on this Mac is toggled ON.
- On the same screen, click on Sync next to Status.
On Your iPhone:
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → See All button → Messages in iCloud and make sure Use on this iPhone is toggled ON.
- On the same screen, click on the Sync Now option below.
Now, give it 2–3 minutes.
If you see messages suddenly appear on your Mac — congrats, the simplest fix worked!
If not, keep going. Don’t leave yet — the next one’s key.
2. Sign Out and Back In to iMessage
A broken session token can stop your Mac from talking to Apple’s servers properly. Refreshing it resets the entire iMessage pipeline.
- Open Messages on your Mac. (Press command + spacebar to open Spotlight search and type messages & tap return key).
- Go to Messages → Settings → iMessage tab.
- Click Sign Out.
- Wait 15 seconds, then Sign Back In using the same Apple ID that’s on your iPhone.
💡 Pro Tip: If you use multiple Apple IDs (work vs personal), double-check that the same ID is active on both devices.
3. Make Sure Both Devices Use the Same “Send & Receive” Addresses
This tiny setting can totally break sync — especially after the Tahoe or Sequoia update.
On iPhone:
- Go to Settings → Apps → Messages → Send & Receive.
- Note the email and phone number checked here.
On Mac:
- Open Messages App → click on Messages on the top → Settings → iMessage tab.
- Make sure the same numbers and emails are selected.
If one device uses your number and the other uses only your email, iMessage can’t merge the threads.
4. Reset the Messages Cache (Real Fix for Stuck Threads)
If old message data gets corrupted, sync won’t complete properly — even when everything looks fine. Clearing the cache helps.
- Quit the Messages app.
- Open Finder → Go → Go to Folder.
- Paste this path and hit Return:
~/Library/Messages/ - Move these folders to Trash:
chat.dbchat.db-shmchat.db-wal
Then restart your Mac and reopen Messages.
Your iCloud messages will begin to re-sync fresh.
👉 Don’t worry, this doesn’t delete messages permanently. It just clears the local cache.
5. Check Apple ID Verification (Tahoe / Sequoia Security Step)
After recent updates, macOS adds extra layers of identity verification.
If your account is partially signed in, sync silently stops.
- Go to System Settings → Apple ID.
- If you see a message like “Some account services require attention,” click Continue.
- Enter your Apple ID password again.
- Once verified, restart your Mac.
You’ll usually see Messages start syncing again in under 60 seconds.
6. Check Internet Connection & Apple Servers
Sounds simple, but don’t skip it.
If Apple’s iMessage or iCloud server hiccups, your sync will hang indefinitely.
Visit: Apple System Status Page
Look for any orange or yellow lights next to iMessage or iCloud Account & Sign In. If it’s down — you just have to wait. No local fix will override that.
7. Force Re-Sync Messages from iCloud
If everything above looks fine but sync still stalls:
- Go to System Settings → Apple ID → iCloud.
- Click on the See All button.
- Now click on Messages in iCloud and turn the toggle off next to Use on this Mac. Wait 15 seconds.
- Toggle it back ON.
Now, open Messages, and within a few minutes, your iCloud threads will start downloading again.
💬 You’ll see a small progress spinner or “Downloading Messages from iCloud…” at the bottom.
8. Reset NVRAM & Reboot (Last Resort That Works Wonders)
When in doubt, reset your Mac’s NVRAM (Non-Volatile RAM). It stores cached preferences, including network and login data.
- Shut down your Mac.
- Turn it on and immediately hold:
Option + Command + P + R - Keep holding for about 20 seconds.
When it boots, recheck iMessage — it’ll often sync instantly afterward.
Bonus: For Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3, M4) Users
Apple Silicon Macs handle secure sessions differently. If you’re on M3 or M4:
- Make sure iCloud Keychain is turned ON (under Apple ID → iCloud).
- Reboot into Safe Mode (hold Power until Options appears → choose Safe Mode).
- Log into Messages, then restart normally.
This flushes any hidden security caches that prevent token sync.
Still Not Working? Try This Hidden Trick
If everything fails (rare!), delete the Messages plist file:
- Quit Messages.
- Go to Finder → Go → Go to Folder:
~/Library/Preferences/ - Find and move this file to Trash:
com.apple.iChat.plist - Restart your Mac and reopen Messages.
Your app will rebuild from scratch and re-link iCloud.
Final Words — Trust This: It Will Sync Again
We’ve tested all these methods across multiple Macs running macOS Tahoe 26 and Sequoia, including the latest M4 Pro MacBook. Every single case of “iMessage not syncing” was fixed using one or more of these steps.
If you follow each solution carefully, your messages will reappear — perfectly in sync with your iPhone, iPad, and Mac again.
Whether it’s a simple toggle or a full reset, stay patient — Apple’s iCloud system sometimes takes a few minutes to resync once fixed.
