7 Solutions for "Unknown Error" on iMessage for Mac

Users often report being unable to sign in to the iMessage app on macOS: after hours of trying, the loading spinner rotates for 2-3 minutes, and they see the message “An unknown error occurred with iMessage.” on their screen.

As a system-based application, iMessage is prone to various specific errors, with “Unknown Error” being a common issue that users often encounter. But don't worry; fixing this error is relatively straightforward. Below are seven effective methods to resolve the "Unknown Error" on iMessage on your Mac.

Recovering Lost Information with Software [The Most Effective Methods?]

Before attempting any of the solutions listed in the article, you should know that this error often results in data loss. Therefore, it is crucial to safeguard the data on your MacBook by installing the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac tool.

This professional tool can easily recover deleted iMessage chat history on Mac and help you restore deleted iMessages on your Mac. Download this professional data recovery software right now!

Then follow the steps below to recover lost or deleted iMessages on your Mac:

Step one: Search for the lost records.

Select the disk location where you want to search for lost files (it can be an internal HDD/SSD or an external drive), and then click the “Search Lost Files” button.

Note: Before data recovery, it's recommended that you click “Disk Backup” from the left sidebar to create a backup of your HDD/SSD to prevent further data loss. After the backup, the software can recover data from your disk image, and then you can reuse your HDD or SSD.

Step 2: Preview the scanning results

The software will immediately scan the disk volume you've chosen and display images, documents, audio, video, and email in the left pane.

Step 3: Select the files and recover them

Click on Preview Data, and then hit the “Recover” button to get them back.

After recovering your lost data, check out the 7 verified methods below to fix the “Unknown Error” issue in iMessage on your Mac.

Fix 1: Check your internet connection to resolve the "Unknown error occurred" issue

The iMessage app relies solely on an internet connection. Without one, you can't open iMessage; with a spotty one, you'll get a “Unknown Error” notice.

The app streams updates from Apple's servers, so it's best to have a steady internet connection when you start using iMessage on your MacBook.

Please share this article on social media to help others learn how to fix the issue of iMessage not responding due to an unknown error.

Solution 2: Fix Unknown iMessage Error by Checking Your Apple ID

If you can't sign in to iMessage on your Mac, make sure that you're using the correct Apple ID. Here's how to check your Apple ID:

Step 1: Open the Messages app on your Mac, and then choose Preferences.

Step 2: Choose “Accounts.”

Step 3: You should see “Info” in the left-hand column. Click on “Info.”

Step 4: Verify the Apple ID you entered. It should display on the screen. Make sure the box next to "Enable this account" is checked. If you entered the wrong Apple ID, sign in with the correct account for iMessage.

Tap the "Sign In with Apple ID" button.

If you notice that this box is checked, you'll need to uncheck it, wait a few seconds, and then check it again.

Solution 3: Check for service disruptions

iMessage not working on Mac could be your fault, but it's also Apple's. It could be a system glitch on their end, or their servers might be down or under maintenance, causing iMessage not to work on your Mac.

The Apple System Status page has more details. If iMessage isn't listed there or is shown in yellow, the issue originates from Apple's servers. In this case, you'll have to be patient and wait it out. Apple is working on fixing the problem, and once it's resolved, your iMessage login issues on Mac should disappear.

Solution 4: Force-quit suspicious third-party apps

Third-party software on your Mac can prevent you from signing into iMessage, especially antivirus software, a VPN, or a firewall. Try limiting these programs and then signing into iMessage. If iMessage works, you can force quit or uninstall the program through Activity Monitor to get rid of the error text.

Click on the “X” icon

Fix 5: Check Date & Time Settings to Resolve Unknown iMessage Error

You might be wondering why the date and time settings on your MacBook need to be precise, and this is directly related to the “Unknown Error” in iMessage. When you boot up your Mac and connect to Wi-Fi, Apple's servers check your system status.

Inaccurate data or the wrong time can hassle your server, causing it to display the mentioned error notification. Here's how to check your date and time settings on a MacBook:

1. Open the “Apple” menu on your MacBook.

< b > Step 2:< / b > Click “System Preferences.”

Third, tap “Date and Time,” and set it to your time zone.

To fix this, you need to check the box next to “Set Automatically.” If this box is already checked, uncheck it and then check it again manually.

If iMessage still shows “Unknown Error,” you'd better recover your lost messages with a reliable data recovery tool first to avoid permanent loss.

Solution 6: Reset the NVRAM on Your Mac

Resetting the NVRAM can easily fix an “Unknown Error Occurred on Mac with iMessage.” Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM) is a type of memory your Mac uses to store settings in a specific order. This includes:

1. Volume
2. Display resolution
3. Startup disk selection
4. Time zone
5. Recent kernel panic information

On several occasions, users have found that after resetting the NVRAM, the “Could not sign in to iMessage on this Mac” error notification goes away. Let's see how easy it is to perform this reset:

Step 1: Turn off your Mac.

Step 2: Turn the MacBook over, and immediately press and hold all four keys: Option + Command + P + R.

Step 3: Wait 30 seconds, then let go of the keys. Your Mac will restart.

4. After restarting your computer, you can then reset the NVRAM, which will return all of the specified settings to their defaults.

Fix 7: Check for Mac software updates

If none of the above solutions work and you're still unable to sign in to iMessage on your MacBook, it's crucial to check for and update your software. You can manually update your device to fix this error. Follow these steps to check for software updates on your Mac:

Step one: Click the Apple menu and choose System Preferences.

Step 2: Click on "Software Update" to see if any updates are available.

If any updates are available, click Install Update(s) to install the latest updates.

You can choose “More Info” to get more detailed information about the macOS update.

Conclusions

In short, if you can't access iMessage on your Mac, don't panic. It's a common iMessage issue that can be easily resolved with the above solutions. If you lose data in the process of fixing this error, install the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac tool right away!

"Frequently Asked Questions: 'Unknown Error' on iMessage on Mac"

Read through the following FAQ to gain a better understanding of the topic:

Why do I get an error when trying to activate iMessage on my Mac?

There are many reasons why you might not be able to activate iMessage if you entered the wrong Apple ID or password.

2. How to fix iMessage not working on your Mac? If iMessage isn't functioning properly on your Mac, try these steps to resolve the issue: 1. **Check your Internet connection**: Make sure your Mac is connected to the internet. You can do this by clicking the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar or checking the network status in System Preferences. 2. **Restart devices**: Sometimes, restarting both your Mac and iPhone (if applicable) can solve many issues. First, shut down your Mac, then power it back on. If possible, also restart your iPhone. 3. **Verify and sign in with your Apple ID**: Ensure the Apple ID you're using on your Mac matches the one used for iMessage on your iPhone, and that it's signed in correctly. Check and adjust your Apple ID in System Preferences > iMessage. 4. **Enable iMessage and FaceTime**: Go to System Preferences > iMessage and confirm that iMessage and FaceTime are activated. Authenticate with your Apple ID and password if prompted. 5. **Update software**: Make sure your Mac and iPhone have the latest software updates. Open the App Store and click the "Updates" tab to check for available system updates. 6. **Reset network settings**: On your Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Network, then click the "Advanced" button at the bottom left. In the "Network" window, select the "DNS" tab, click the "-" button to remove all DNS entries, and then click "OK" and "Apply." 7. **Contact Apple Support**: If none of the above solutions work, reach out to Apple Support directly or visit an Apple Retail Store for assistance. Try these steps as needed, as usually one or two will address the iMessage functionality problem.

You can reset the NVRAM on your Mac to fix issues with iMessage not working. This specialized Mac memory helps keep certain settings in order.

<b>Why can't I sign in to Messages on my Mac?</b>

When you can't sign in to the Messages app on your Mac, it could be due to a VPN or security software that's limiting your access. Alternatively, you might have entered an incorrect Apple ID or password, which could cause this issue.