macbook messages not syncing with iPhone

[lori5060]

I have macbook running mojave and new iPhone 12.
I find that messages sent on iPhone and will appear on MacBook... but when I delete from iPhone they do not delete from MacBook.
on iPhone I have settings for messages to sync with all 3 devices...

messages sent on MacBook show in iPhone... no problem. but when I go to iphone12 and delete... they stay on MacBook.

any ideas on how to fix this??

 

[jpdemers]

On the Mac, in Messages/Preferences/Settings, you need to check "Enable messages in iCloud."
The "Sync Now" button should bring everything into harmony. (Background synchronization isn't instantaneous, unless both devices are on the same WiFi network, but it should happen within minutes.)
If "deleted" messages still remain on the Mac permanently, the sync functionality is hosed. Deleting com.apple.messages.plist, and re-booting, may fix that, at the cost of losing all of your saved messages.
Logging out of iCloud, and then logging back in, may also do the trick.

 

[chscag]

On the Mac, in Messages/Preferences/Settings, you need to check "Enable messages in iCloud."

Which version of macOS are you referring to? That option does not appear in Big Sur Messages.

 

[chscag]

I have macbook running mojave and new iPhone 12.
I find that messages sent on iPhone and will appear on MacBook... but when I delete from iPhone they do not delete from MacBook.
on iPhone I have settings for messages to sync with all 3 devices...

messages sent on MacBook show in iPhone... no problem. but when I go to iphone12 and delete... they stay on MacBook.

any ideas on how to fix this??

Same here Lori. I actually have not only my iPhone listed but also my iPad, my wife's iPhone and my Mac. I believe maybe that's the way it's supposed to work. At least that's the way it has always worked on my Mac and iOS devices.

I actually like it that way because there are times when I miss an iMessage or SMS on my iPhone for some reason or other it appears on my Mac. And sometimes I delete a message on my phone or my Mac and then remember I should have kept it. It acts sort of like a backup.

I realize it may be annoying for some folks but not for me.

WhatsApp (which is a type of messaging app) works the way you want. Delete on your Mac and it automatically deletes from your iPhone or Android. However, that app requires auto syncing with your phone or it does not work right.

 

[Rod]

It's here; In Messages Preferences.

 

[chscag]

Nope, not in my version. My Messages version is 14.0 running in Big Sur 11.3.1.

The enable messages in iCloud is missing. Everything else is the same.

 

[MacInWin]

Nope, not in my version. My Messages version is 14.0 running in Big Sur 11.3.1.

The enable messages in iCloud is missing. Everything else is the same.

That's strange, Charlie. It is there in Messages for me, same macOS, same version Messages.

 

[chscag]

It's definitely not in my Messages app. I'll look into when I have time. For now, it's not a problem.

 

[ferrarr]

That option does not appear in Big Sur Messages.

Yes, in Preferences click on the iMessage tab.

 

[Rod]

 

[chscag]

Like I stated, it's not a problem for me. I actually prefer not to have messages synced across my devices.

However, I believe the reason that option is not available for me is that I do not use 2FA. (I have my reasons for not using it.)

Also, syncing security options (such as passwords) is likewise not available if you are not using 2FA.

 

[JeffL]

It's definitely not in my Messages app. I'll look into when I have time. For now, it's not a problem.

It appears on my MacBook Air M1 with Big Sur and on my iMac 2012 on Catalina.

 

[chscag]

It appears on my MacBook Air M1 with Big Sur and on my iMac 2012 on Catalina.

See reply #11.

 

[lori5060]

It's here; In Messages Preferences.

View attachment 34040

perfect..... this worked for me!! thnx

 

[Rod]

Charlie, how have you managed to opt out of 2FA? I understood Apple had made it “difficult “ to avoid. Isn’t it a requirement for Find My or do you not use that?

 

[chscag]

2FA has nothing to do with "Find My" (whatever). Only those folks who create a new account with Apple are forced into 2FA. Old heads like myself who use security questions instead are not pressed into using it.

Not using 2FA precludes your account from syncing passwords, messages, and obtaining an Apple Credit Card.

I personally have no desire for an Apple Credit Card (I already own enough CCs) nor do I care about syncing passwords or messages via iCloud.

 

[Rod]

Ah, I thought it might be conditional but then I've had 2FA for quite a while so I'm used to the process of turning Find My on and off for new devices, resetting iPhones, etc and for me it always required a 2FA code to confirm the action.