How to Sync Messages From iPhone to Mac: A Step-By-Step Guide

The interoperability between iPhone and Mac is unparalleled; from using the iPhone as Mac’s webcam to syncing messages from iPhone to Mac. However, there’s stuff to know and settings to enable before you can send and receive messages from Mac. Read along to learn them all.

If you want to send an urgent message, but don’t have your iPhone next to you, or want to continue a conversation while using your Mac, here’s how you can connect iMessage to Mac.

How to Get Messages on Mac

The basic premise of this feature is iCloud. So, you’ll need to:

• Enable iCloud Message sync on iPhone and Mac (basically all the devices you want to use for Messages).

• Use the same Apple ID on all devices, namely the iPhone and Mac.

In addition to iMessage, you can also sync text messages from iPhone to Mac. Once set up, you’ll receive every new message on your iPhone and Mac.

Moreover, you can choose to reply or react from any device. And anything you delete will be deleted from all devices.

Chiefly there are three steps to sync iMessage history and attachments to Mac; so let’s get going.

1. Enable iCloud Sync for Messages on iPhone and iPad

Step 1: Launch Settings and tap your profile (your name and image) from the top.

Step 2: Tap iCloud

Step 3: Select Show All under Apps Using iCloud.

Step 4: Look for Messages and tap it.

Step 5: Turn on the toggle for Sync this iPhone.

Altogether the upload process might take some time depending on the size/number of messages.

Now, your message history will be synced to iCloud. Correspondingly any old messages stored in iCloud will be accessible on this device and all-new conversations will be stored on iCloud for backup.

Tip: Try to do the initial sync with a stable Wi-Fi connection as it can eat up a lot of your cellular data. Also, ensure there’s ample battery life to avoid battery drain before the sync is complete.

2. Allow Mac to Send and Receive Messages From iPhone

To turn on iMessage sync:

Step 1: Go to Setting → Messages.

Step 2: Select Send & Receive.

Step 3: Here, check the phone numbers and email addresses you want to send and receive messages from on each device.

Step 4: Check the preferred number or email address under ‘Start New Conversation From.’

To get an SMS on Mac,

Step 1: Go to Settings → Messages.

Step 2: Scroll down to Text Message Forwarding.

Step 3: Turn on the toggle for your Mac.

Note: If you haven’t activated two-factor authentication on your Apple ID, a six-digit activation code will appear on your Mac. Subsequently, enter this code on your iPhone and tap Allow.

3. Sync Messages From iPhone to Mac

Step 1: Launch the Messages app on Mac.

Step 2: Do one of the following, depending on your macOS:

• macOS Ventura: From the menu bar, select Messages → Settings → iMessage tab.

• macOS Monterey or earlier: From the menu bar, select Messages → Preferences → iMessage tab.

Step 3: Check the box next to ‘Enable Messages in iCloud’. Next, select the phone numbers and email addresses you want to send and receive messages from the Mac.

Step 4: Also, click the drop-down menu under ‘Start new conversations from’ and select the number/email ID. (It should match the setting on iPhone)

Thereupon, all messages stored in iCloud will be accessible from your Mac. Reversibly, any message sent and received on your Mac will be synced to your iCloud.

Tip: If the Messages app didn’t auto-sync all messages, you can click Sync Now to do so.

How to Send a Message From Mac

A great thing about enabling messages on Mac is that you are privy to almost all the features available on iPhone. So, alongside texting to an individual or a group, you can also:

• Send audio messages: Similar to sending a voice text on an iPhone, you have to click the Record Audio button (the wavy icon), speak, and click the Send Button.

• Attach and send photos and videos: Click the Apps button (app icon) → Photos → select the photo/video from the library. Additionally, you can copy and paste or drag and drop them in the message field directly.

• Tapback: Click and hold the message and choose the reaction you want to send. To unsend or send a different reaction, repeat the process and de-select or select any other Tapback.

• Scan an image or import a file from iPhone: Go to Files (from the menu bar) → Import from iPhone or iPad → choose between Take Photo, Scan Documents, and Add Sketch.

• Create and use Memoji: Click the Apps button (app icon) → Memoji Stickers → select an already existing Memoji or click plus ( ) icon/ three-dot icon → make the Memoji and share it.

• Add Message effects: Type the message or add the emoji, click the Apps button (app icon) → Message Effects → select the effect and send the message. If you want some tricks up your sleeve, check out these iMessage effects like Pew Pew.

• Edit or unsend messages: Remarkably, with iOS 16 and macOS Ventura you can now edit or unsend an iMessage. Right-click on the message and select Edit or Undo Send.

well, that’s how you can set up and send messages from your MacBook. However, if you no longer wish to sync iMessage on Mac, move on to the next section.

How to Stop Getting Messages on Mac From iPhone

To stop receiving messages on your Mac, you’ll need to turn off Messages in iCloud on Mac.

Step 1: Launch Messages.

Step 2: Select Messages from the top bar and select,

• Settings (macOS Ventura and later)
• Preferences (macOS Monterey and earlier)

(Alternatively, you can simply open messages and press Cmd , to open Settings/Preferences.)

Step 3: Here, uncheck ‘Enable Messages in iCloud.’

Step 4: Choose,

• Disable This Device: To turn off iCloud sync for Messages from Mac.
• Disable All: Turns off iCloud sync for Messages on all devices associated with the Apple ID.

The sync instantly stops when you turn off Messages in iCloud on any device. As for your message history on this device, it will be stored separately in the iCloud backup while the sync of other devices remains intact.

That’s it! You have successfully disconnected iMessage from Mac. Have more queries? Move on to the next section.

FAQs About Syncing Messages From iPhone to Mac

1. Why can’t I sync my iPhone messages to my Mac?

There can be a variety of reasons, from errors in connecting to iCloud to system bugs. Check out these fixes to get your iMessage working again on Mac.

2. Can I get messages on Mac if I don’t have an iPhone?

Yes, you can register for iMessage on your Mac with your Apple ID. However, this will be limited to iMessage, you won’t be able to receive and send SMS.

3. Can you get Messages on Mac without iCloud or Apple ID?

No, you’ll need iCloud/Apple ID to set up messages on Mac and to sync text messages from iPhone to Mac.

4. Why can’t I see Text Message Forwarding in Messages?

There might be a glitch in iMessage sync or something. Albeit to fix it, go to Settings → Messages → Toggle off iMessage → restart device → Toggle on and sign back into iMessage.

5. Is iCloud sync for Messages secure?

Yes, Apple uses end-to-end encryption for all messages stored in iCloud. Whether you’re downloading or uploading messages, iCloud keeps it safe.

Turn on Messages on Mac for Ultimate Ease

Shared messages between your iPhone, iPad, and Mac are remarkably smooth. If used wisely, it can help you achieve work/life balance. Conversely, it can also cause distractions in your workflow.

And while some love the feature and depend on it, some prefer keeping the setting disabled. So, which side are you on, would you prefer keeping it on or off? Share in the comments below.

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