While it’s long been possible to send and receive both SMS and iMesssages on a Mac, it’s a hassle when they’re not all in sync, especially with attachments. Learn how…

Messages on the Mac

Messages started on iPhone only for SMS text messages. Apple’s iMessage service launched in 2011 and Messages came to the Mac in 2012 with iMessage support.

SMS + iMessage

Messages is a simple way to chat with other Apple device users via iMessage. If you have an iPhone, Messages on the Mac also supports SMS via Text Message Forwarding. You can enable this on iPhone in Settings > Messages.

The setting will be missing, however, if you aren’t using your Apple ID for iMessage. Look for this option in Send & Receive.

iCloud Sync

Earlier this year, Apple introduced the ability to sync all messages across devices. In iOS 11.4 or later, go to Settings > Apple ID > iCloud and toggle on Messages. The first sync requires the device to be plugged in.

In macOS 10.13.5 or later, go to Messages > Preferences > iMessage and check Enable Messages in iCloud.

Sync Deletions

Syncing is a boon for folks who send and receive photos and videos by text message and want to save space on portable devices. It’s easier to multi-select and act on attachments on Mac than on iPhone.

  1. Click Details for a given message thread
  2. Shift+click or Command+click attached photos or files
  3. Right-click and choose an action from the contextual menu

Having trouble getting messages in sync? Wishing you had an iPhone so you could experience this ease? Give me a call and we’ll discuss the possibilities.