When iMessage is not syncing with iCloud, you’ll lose the ability to transfer data and information between your Apple devices.
Luckily, getting iMessage to stay in sync with iCloud doesn’t have to be a hair-pulling event.
In this article, we will address the problem of iMessage not syncing with iCloud and possible solutions for this issue.
Fixing iMessage Not Synching With iCloud
Many problems can cause iMessage to not sync with iCloud. It could be your Apple ID is not consistent among your Apple devices. Or it could simply be a glitch with the iMessage service.
The following are the most common issues and their solutions. Try them in order until you find the solution that works for you.
See also: How to Fix “Messages in iCloud Not Available” Error
Verify Consistent Sign-On of Your Apple ID
Messages sync based on the user’s Apple ID. Therefore, the first step is to always check to make sure that all of your devices are logged on to the same Apple ID.
If they’re not, sign out of your account and sign back in with the same Apple ID as your primary message receiving device (the iPhone, for instance).
This will ensure that any messages that are directed to your account will render on any of the devices that are signed on to this account.
However, if all of your devices are signed on to the same Apple ID, yet some are still not receiving the messages, it’s time to try some other troubleshooting techniques.
Toggle iMessage Off and On Across Your Devices
In most cases, all you truly need to fix glitches in gadgets, electronics, or software applications is just a simple reboot or restart.
To stay consistent, you’ll want to disable, then reenable your messages on every Apple device you’re looking to have messages sent to when they arrive.
When you shut off the message functionality, there’s no need to worry about losing any of your data.
Since messages are actually stored in iCloud, shutting them down on each device bears no harm to the messages themselves. To restart your messages, follow the steps below.
- Open each device’s Settings
- Under your Apple profile, select iCloud
- Choose to switch the messages off
- Reboot your device (phone, tablet, computer, etc.)
When the device is back on, enter the Settings again. Then, go to Profile → iCloud and switch Messages back on
Verify That All Devices Are Connected to The Internet
Data on any Apple device can only be sent and received if that device is connected to the internet.
Otherwise, it simply has no means to transmit or receive data. This connection must be either via Wi-Fi or your device’s cellular data plan.Â
Syncing will not work without a stable internet connection. Because data cannot be sent to a device with an unstable internet connection, iCloud simply won’t know to update it with the latest and greatest data. Or iCloud will be aware that it should try but will be rendered unable to reach it.
All of your devices don’t need to be on the same Wi-Fi connection or the same provider’s signal either.
However, to be able to sync messages across, they must all be linked up to the internet in order to communicate with iCloud.
If you wish to transfer larger audio, video, or other media files in the messages, being in the same network makes the process of syncing quicker.
Reset Network Settings
Resetting the network to the default settings is a great way to troubleshoot internet connectivity issues. Keep in mind it will wipe out your saved Wi-Fi passwords.
Here’s how to see the Wi-Fi password on your iPhone so you can reenter it later.
- Open the Settings app
- Tap on General
- Scroll down and tap on Reset.
- Select Reset Network Settings
- Then, enter your Passcode and confirm.
Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi and check to see if the messages are syncing. If you still have sync problems, maybe a bug is messing up the iMessage functionality.
Update All Your Devices
If you’ve tried all of the other methods, the last step is to ensure that all of your devices are up to date.
Check which iOS your devices are running, and check for an update by following the steps below:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap the General tab
- Select Software Update
This section will inform you about what iOS version your device is currently running and what the latest available release is.
If those two are not concurrent, you may want to update that device to the latest iOS version. This should be done with all of your Apple devices.
Wrap-Up: iMessage Not Syncing With iCloud
If you get this far it probably means none of the above solutions has worked for you. There might be a specific problem with the device that has syncing problems.
The next step is to make a Genius Bar reservation to get expert service and support. Explain your problem and the steps you’ve taken, they’ll be happy to assist you.
If you have any other helpful tips about how to get messages to sync, please let us know about them in the comments section.
