Mac Imessage App Won't Open

However, Messages for Mac isn't quite the same app as Messages for iPhone and iPad, with a number of effects left out of this version that have made their way to the mobile app. Using this guide, find out what you can do, what you can't do, and how you can work around some of the limitations of Messages for macOS with other apps and tools.

Why won

When you first set up Messages on your Mac, you're asked to sign in to your iMessage account with your Apple ID. Messages then automatically attempts to sign in every time you open it. Signing in to FaceTime is similar. If either app doesn't sign in successfully, try these solutions.

Check your Internet connection

Make sure that your Mac is connected to the Internet. You should be able to load web pages or receive email, for example.

Check for a service outage

Check the Apple System Status page for a temporary outage affecting iMessage or FaceTime.

Check your Date & Time settings

  • Choose Apple menu () > System Preferences, then click Date & Time. Make sure that the date, time, and time zone are correct.
  • If the ”Set date and time automatically” checkbox is selected, deselect it and select it again. (If the checkbox is dimmed, click and enter your administrator password.)

My Mac Won't Open Applications

Make sure that your software is up to date

Learn how to update your Mac software. Software updates can improve the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac, and might also resolve the issue.

Check your Apple ID

To make sure that your Apple ID and password are correct, go to the Apple ID account page and sign in with the same Apple ID that you're using with Messages and FaceTime. If that works, open the app and take these steps:

  • Messages: Choose Messages > Preferences, then click Accounts. Select your iMessage account, then click Sign Out. Now sign in again with the same Apple ID you used on the Apple ID account page.
  • FaceTime: Choose FaceTime > Preferences. In the Settings tab, click Sign Out. Then sign in again with the same Apple ID you used on the Apple ID account page.

Reset NVRAM

Imessage Won't Work On Macbook

In case the issue is related to any of the settings stored in NVRAM, reset NVRAM on your Mac.

App

Check for third-party software

Application Won't Open On Mac

If you installed firewall, security, VPN, or other third-party networking software, make sure that the software isn't blocking any of the network ports used by iMessage and FaceTime. If necessary, disable the software and then try using your iMessage account or FaceTime again.

Mac Apps Won't Open

Learn more

Learn what to do if you have other FaceTime issues.

Mac Can't Open App


FaceTime is not available in all countries or regions.