An open community 
of Macintosh users,
for Macintosh users.

FineTunedMac Dashboard widget now available! Download Here

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
#54536 05/11/20 06:55 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
OP Offline

Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
I've been having this problem for a few days now. I've tried everything I know to do like restarting my Mac and restarting my iPhone. I've also reset my network settings.
I did some other stuff which, if you suggest it, I may say I've already done it. I called Apple, but they were of no help. They've been especially unhelpful since they have been working from home.

This also is causing problems sending SMS messages from time to time, including today. The addressee shows up in orange on my Mac, which means it's not going to send. Messages that are sent via Messages are not showing up on my iPhone when sent from the Mac, but when I send them via the iPhone, they do show up on my Mac.

Two different problems. I don't know if I have to separate the posts but they seem intertwined.

Thanks.






MacBook Pro - M2, Ventura 13.6
Safari Tech Prev 17.0
Safari 16.6
Firefox 116.0.2
iPhone 7 Version 15.8




Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
plantsower #54540 05/12/20 03:49 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 8
Offline

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 8
Text messages from Messages on your Mac can only be sent to another Apple device. Your computer does not have cellular service like your iPhone, so it is dependent on sending via the Internet and for some design reason, that means only to other Apple devices. On your iPhone the blue and green text message bubbles tell you if the message is going to an iDevice (blue) via the Internet or via cellular (green). [this may or may not address your issue smirk ]

With regard to syncing, on your Mac check the iCloud System Preference settings and make sure the desired apps are checked as using iCloud. Sorry I can't be more specific about location with Sierra osMac.


On a Mac since 1984.
Currently: 24" M1 iMac, M2 Pro Mac mini with 27" BenQ monitor, M2 Macbook Air, MacOS 14.x; iPhones, iPods (yes, still) and iPads.
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
Ira L #54545 05/12/20 04:45 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
OP Offline

Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
Thanks for getting back to me, Ira. I can actually send texts from my Mac to Androids, etc. as long as I am connected to the internet. It just sends it in SMS mode. Same with the iPhone. That's not the problem. Usually, when I send or receive a text, I can see it on my Mac and on my iPhone. That wasn't happening. But, somehow, yesterday, it cleared itself up and is back to what it was. Why it glitches from time to time I can't say. It's frustrating, and Apple has no answers that actually work all the time.

Rita


Originally Posted By: Ira L
Text messages from Messages on your Mac can only be sent to another Apple device. Your computer does not have cellular service like your iPhone, so it is dependent on sending via the Internet and for some design reason, that means only to other Apple devices. On your iPhone the blue and green text message bubbles tell you if the message is going to an iDevice (blue) via the Internet or via cellular (green). [this may or may not address your issue smirk ]

With regard to syncing, on your Mac check the iCloud System Preference settings and make sure the desired apps are checked as using iCloud. Sorry I can't be more specific about location with Sierra osMac.


MacBook Pro - M2, Ventura 13.6
Safari Tech Prev 17.0
Safari 16.6
Firefox 116.0.2
iPhone 7 Version 15.8




Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
plantsower #54546 05/12/20 04:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Online

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Originally Posted By: plantsower
I can actually send texts from my Mac to Androids, etc. as long as I am connected to the internet. It just sends it in SMS mode. Same with the iPhone.

Hi, Rita.

I thought Text/SMS messages required a cellular connection, which is why they can be sent from your iPhone, so how do you do it from your Mac?


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
artie505 #54548 05/12/20 05:41 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
OP Offline

Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
Hi: I just pull up the Messages App, fill in the blanks and send. I've always been able to do this. If the internet isn't connected, I can't send anything from the Mac, but when it is, I can send to both Apple devices and non-apple devices. It's really handy because it's way easier to type a text with a regular keyboard.



Originally Posted By: artie505
Originally Posted By: plantsower
I can actually send texts from my Mac to Androids, etc. as long as I am connected to the internet. It just sends it in SMS mode. Same with the iPhone.

Hi, Rita.

I thought Text/SMS messages required a cellular connection, which is why they can be sent from your iPhone, so how do you do it from your Mac?


MacBook Pro - M2, Ventura 13.6
Safari Tech Prev 17.0
Safari 16.6
Firefox 116.0.2
iPhone 7 Version 15.8




Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
artie505 #54549 05/12/20 05:53 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
OP Offline

Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
I looked up an article that shows how to do this. It's old but should work. Sending Texts with Mac

I think I could do this before I had an iPhone too, but I can't swear to it.

R...


Originally Posted By: artie505
Originally Posted By: plantsower
I can actually send texts from my Mac to Androids, etc. as long as I am connected to the internet. It just sends it in SMS mode. Same with the iPhone.

Hi, Rita.

I thought Text/SMS messages required a cellular connection, which is why they can be sent from your iPhone, so how do you do it from your Mac?


MacBook Pro - M2, Ventura 13.6
Safari Tech Prev 17.0
Safari 16.6
Firefox 116.0.2
iPhone 7 Version 15.8




Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
plantsower #54550 05/12/20 05:57 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
OP Offline

Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
Here's how to set it up on Apple.com. Setting up Mac to Send MMS/SMS texts.

Let me know how it goes.

R...



Originally Posted By: plantsower
Hi: I just pull up the Messages App, fill in the blanks and send. I've always been able to do this. If the internet isn't connected, I can't send anything from the Mac, but when it is, I can send to both Apple devices and non-apple devices. It's really handy because it's way easier to type a text with a regular keyboard.



Originally Posted By: artie505
Originally Posted By: plantsower
I can actually send texts from my Mac to Androids, etc. as long as I am connected to the internet. It just sends it in SMS mode. Same with the iPhone.

Hi, Rita.

I thought Text/SMS messages required a cellular connection, which is why they can be sent from your iPhone, so how do you do it from your Mac?


MacBook Pro - M2, Ventura 13.6
Safari Tech Prev 17.0
Safari 16.6
Firefox 116.0.2
iPhone 7 Version 15.8




Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
artie505 #54552 05/12/20 07:16 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 16
Moderator
Offline
Moderator

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 16
Artie this was discussed at length a couple of months ago in this thread.


If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?

— Albert Einstein
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
plantsower #54555 05/13/20 07:52 AM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Online

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Thanks for the link, Rita.

It confirms that, as I thought, you can't actually text from a Mac, but you can use an iPhone as a conduit to do it.

And it is, INDEED, a pleasure to be able to avoid typing on an iPhone.


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
joemikeb #54556 05/13/20 08:01 AM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Online

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Originally Posted By: joemikeb
Artie this was discussed at length a couple of months ago in this thread.

I followed that thread as it unwound, but it completely lost me, and it's still beyond me, but I think Rita's link finally puts the issue to rest.


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
artie505 #54558 05/13/20 02:23 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 16
Moderator
Offline
Moderator

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 16
You do have to have a phone number to send an SMS/MMS message from your Mac, which you get from the iPhone associated with your Apple ID. But just to be clear, that phone does not have to be present or even turned on to send and receive SMS/MMS texts on the Mac or a non-cellular iPad. The phone's only participation is providing the telephone number of an SMS/MMS enabled device. The telephone network connection is all handled by Apple via the Mac's internet connection. I don't know the actual mechanics of the process, but I know it works.


If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?

— Albert Einstein
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
artie505 #54560 05/13/20 04:36 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
OP Offline

Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
Ta dah! I finally was able to help someone on FTM! Only took a few years. blush

Originally Posted By: artie505
Originally Posted By: joemikeb
Artie this was discussed at length a couple of months ago in this thread.

I followed that thread as it unwound, but it completely lost me, and it's still beyond me, but I think Rita's link finally puts the issue to rest.


MacBook Pro - M2, Ventura 13.6
Safari Tech Prev 17.0
Safari 16.6
Firefox 116.0.2
iPhone 7 Version 15.8




Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
plantsower #54561 05/13/20 04:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 5
Moderator
Online
Moderator

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 5
It's what we do......nice! grin


Freedom is never free....thank a Service member today.
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
MacManiac #54562 05/13/20 05:04 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
OP Offline

Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
laugh laugh

Originally Posted By: MacManiac
It's what we do......nice! grin


MacBook Pro - M2, Ventura 13.6
Safari Tech Prev 17.0
Safari 16.6
Firefox 116.0.2
iPhone 7 Version 15.8




Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
joemikeb #54564 05/13/20 05:16 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Online

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Originally Posted By: joemikeb
You do have to have a phone number to send an SMS/MMS message from your Mac, which you get from the iPhone associated with your Apple ID. But just to be clear, that phone does not have to be present or even turned on to send and receive SMS/MMS texts on the Mac or a non-cellular iPad. The phone's only participation is providing the telephone number of an SMS/MMS enabled device. The telephone network connection is all handled by Apple via the Mac's internet connection. I don't know the actual mechanics of the process, but I know it works.

I got that from the iBozz thread; I got lost with what he was trying to do with WhatsApp.


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
plantsower #54565 05/13/20 05:41 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Online

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Originally Posted By: plantsower
laugh laugh

Originally Posted By: MacManiac
It's what we do......nice! grin

I'll mess up the icing on the cake with a chronology:
  • I broached the subject myself when I got my new iPhone back in November and came away with the understanding that you must have a phone plan to text.
  • joemike's linked iBozz thread confirmed the necessity for a phone plan.
  • Then you went and confused me by saying
    1. I just pull up the Messages App, fill in the blanks and send. I've always been able to do this. If the internet isn't connected, I can't send anything from the Mac, but when it is, I can send to both Apple devices and non-apple devices.
    2. I can actually send texts from my Mac to Androids, etc. as long as I am connected to the internet. It just sends it in SMS mode. Same with the iPhone.
    3. I think I could do this before I had an iPhone too, but I can't swear to it.
  • But your second linked doc cleared up the misunderstanding with finality with
    1. "Use it to send messages with iMessage, or send SMS and MMS messages through your iPhone." and
    2. "With Messages for Mac, you can send unlimited messages to any Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch that uses iMessage, Apple's secure-messaging service. iPhone owners can use it for SMS and MMS messages, too."
(I assume that the same as goes for iPhones goes for iPads.)

So, your second linked doc was the ultimate authority, and my confusion is a thing of the past.

Thanks! smile


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
artie505 #54566 05/13/20 07:01 PM
Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
OP Offline

Joined: Sep 2009
Likes: 3
Yep, I guess I couldn't do that before I got my iPhone. Wasn't sure. Now I know, and you're welcome!

So, your second linked doc was the ultimate authority, and my confusion is a thing of the past.

Thanks! smile [/quote]


MacBook Pro - M2, Ventura 13.6
Safari Tech Prev 17.0
Safari 16.6
Firefox 116.0.2
iPhone 7 Version 15.8




Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
artie505 #54567 05/13/20 10:33 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 16
Moderator
Offline
Moderator

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 16
Originally Posted By: artie505
(I assume that the same as goes for iPhones goes for iPads.)

Yes, but with caveats. Any iPad with an internet connection can do any messaging, app and data downloads, iCloud and internet access that a Mac can do including receiving telephone calls as well as sending and receiving of SMS/MMS texts using the phone number and account of the iPhone on the same Apple ID as expected.

The unique feature is when the iPad has cellular capability activated. An iPad with cellular capability activated has its own SIM card and unique telephone number and account but only the Telephone Company knows what that number is]. The iPad's hidden phone number is aliased to the iPhone's number. The user doesn't really see that separation (except on the monthly bill from the telco) but it is an interesting twist.

NOTE: All Apple watches can send and receive any kind of communication an iPhone can with the exception of Face Time (no camera) through a bluetooth connection to an iPhone. Like the cellular enabled iPad Apple Watches 4 and 5 have their own SIM and hidden phone number and are able to connect directly via their own cellular connection. (If the iPhone is within bluetooth range it will be used to conserve the Apple Watch battery.)


If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?

— Albert Einstein
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
joemikeb #54568 05/14/20 04:06 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Online

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 15
Dick Tracy would have had to spend so much time learning connectivity that he'd never have had any time to catch bad guys! grin

Too complicated for me to even want to think about let alone learn!


The new Great Equalizer is the SEND button.

In Memory of Harv: Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities. ~Voltaire
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
joemikeb #54573 05/14/20 05:11 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 8
Offline

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 8
Originally Posted By: joemikeb
An iPad with cellular capability activated has its own SIM card and unique telephone number and account but only the Telephone Company knows what that number is]. The iPad's hidden phone number is aliased to the iPhone's number. The user doesn't really see that separation (except on the monthly bill from the telco) but it is an interesting twist.


Just to clarify, the iPad's phone number is not a secret. The cellular provider will tell you what it is, and in my case, it shows up on the bill. Also displays on the iPad under Preferences>General>About>Cellular Data Number.


On a Mac since 1984.
Currently: 24" M1 iMac, M2 Pro Mac mini with 27" BenQ monitor, M2 Macbook Air, MacOS 14.x; iPhones, iPods (yes, still) and iPads.
Re: iPhone not syncing with MacBook Pro
Ira L #54575 05/14/20 07:26 PM
Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 16
Moderator
Offline
Moderator

Joined: Aug 2009
Likes: 16
Thanks for that clarification. I recently changed cellular providers because among other things they could or would not tell me anything but an EID number on the other devices and they were billing me for one EID number neither I nor they could associate with a device much less a telephone number. It was the only way I could get rid of a $15/month charge. 🤬


If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?

— Albert Einstein

Moderated by  cyn, dianne 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.4
(Release build 20200307)
Responsive Width:

PHP: 7.4.33 Page Time: 0.043s Queries: 56 (0.032s) Memory: 0.6873 MB (Peak: 0.8372 MB) Data Comp: Zlib Server Time: 2024-03-29 09:04:58 UTC
Valid HTML 5 and Valid CSS