If you have an Apple device, such as an iPad, iPhone, or Mac, you may occasionally see this error message: “Messages in iCloud not available as iCloud and iMessage accounts are different”.
This error message shows that iMessage is not syncing with iCloud, and this may occur when you use more than one Apple ID on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Don’t worry! We’ve got many DIY solutions you can try to fix this problem.
Why does my iPhone say Messages in iCloud is not available because iCloud and iMessage accounts are different?
You may be getting the “Messages in iCloud not available” error message because you’re using different Apple IDs for iCloud and iMessage. This may also happen when you have disabled Text Forwarding or installed a bad update.
How to Fix Messages in iCloud Not Available
If your iPhone is showing you the message that “iCloud and iMessage accounts do not match”, you need to ensure your Apple IDs match. Go to Settings > Messages > Send & Receive. Your Apple ID will be at the bottom in small texts. Make sure it’s the same as your Apple ID below your name.
For more detailed instructions, follow the steps below to fix the “Messages in iCloud not available” problem.
1. Make Sure You’re Using the Same Apple ID
First, check if you use the same Apple ID for iCloud and iMessage. If these two are different, your device won’t be able to sync the two services, and as a result, you get the error message. Follow the steps below to fix the problem.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Your Name.
- Check your Apple ID.
- Go back and open Messages.
- Open Send & Receive.
- Check your Apple ID at the bottom of the screen.
- If they’re different, tap on your Apple ID and Sign Out.
- Sign in with the same Apple ID you use for your iCloud account.
2. Enable Text Message Forwarding
Logging in with the same Apple ID isn’t enough if you want messages to sync across multiple Apple devices.
If you do not enable Text Message Forwarding, you will receive the message, “Messages in iCloud not available because iCloud and iMessage accounts are different.”
To enable Text Message Forwarding, follow the steps below.
- Go to Settings.
- Open Messages.
- Tap on Text Message Forwarding.
- Choose which devices you want to send and receive text messages from your iPhone.
- If you don’t activate the two-factor authentication for the Apple ID, you will receive a verification code on the devices you chose to sync. Enter the code, and that’s it!
3. Update iOS
Most of the time, an outdated version of iOS may prevent iPhone and other Apple devices from working properly.
New software updates introduce features and overall stability and security. However, sometimes, updates may have bugs and cause many issues.
Some faulty iOS updates may cause disrupted synchronization between iCloud and Messages, and you get ‘Messages in iCloud not available.’
If you think this is the case, keep an eye out for new iOS updates. Apple will be informed of the problem and release a new version that will fix the issue.
To update your iOS, take the steps below:
- Go to Settings.
- Choose General.
- Tap on Software Updates.
- Update the iOS.
4. Turn Off Messages and Turn It Back On
If you still can’t sync Messages with iCloud, let’s try the most general solution. That is, turn Messages off and then back on again.
- Open Settings.
- Choose Message.
- Toggle the iMessage off.
- Head back to Settings.
- Tap on Your Name.
- Choose iCloud.
- Toggle Message off.
- Reboot your iPhone.
- Go back to Settings and turn on Messages and iMessage.
Conclusion
If you’re facing “Messages in iCloud not available,” it’s because your iMessage and iCloud Apple ID do not match.
Anyone with more than one Apple ID may face this issue. You can fix it by changing your iMessage Apple ID, updating iOS, reactivating iMessage, and turning on Messages in iCloud.
If you have any other ideas or suggestions, we encourage you to suggest them in the comments below.
