Cannot log into Messages on Mac

[molpas]

Some time ago, I logged out of iMessage on MacBook Air 2015 (MacOS Monterey) for personal reasons (trying to cut down on social media app time).

But now when I try to log back in, it doesn't get past the log-in screen. The little circle at the bottom just keeps spinning. I tried rebooting, I've checked the Date and Time Settings, I even rest my login keychain. But nothing has helped.

 

[maw_walker]

So on my system this login is my iCloud login. Is there an issue with that login? If so, you'll need to resolve that first. I don't sign into Messages separately.

 

[molpas]

I am logged into iCloud, and that works normally. FaceTime works, Drive works, Photos, etc. I signed out of iMessages specifically some time ago. Now I can't get back in.

 

[maw_walker]

What version of MacOS? I don’t have “iMessages” but a “Messages” app instead (Monterey) and it uses my iCloud login. It’s been this way for me for the past 2 or 3 OS upgrades (since 2019). Maybe someone else can shed some light on this.

 

[molpas]

Okay, let me try to explain this better. Yes my iMessage log-in is the same as my Apple ID/iCloud login.

And yes, the app is called "Messages."

It is possible, however, to log out of just Messages. This way you can stop receiving messages on your computer while the rest of iCloud is still available. So this is my problem now. I signed out of Messages months ago. And to receive messages again on my Mac I need to log back into the Messages app. I've attached a pic now of what the log-in screen looks like.

I am currently running macOS Monterey 12.0.1 which is the newest version of the OS. This problem however, existed before I updated. I was actually hoping that the update would sort it out, but it didn't.

 

[maw_walker]

OK, so I did exactly what you outlined and I can't duplicate the problem. I can sign out and sign back in without issue. Same version of Monterey (12.0.1). Sorry I wasn't able to offer any help.

 

[Spawn_Dooley]

Hi, I don't know which email you have been using to log in but have you tried signing into iMessage or Messages using your @me.com or @icloud.com accounts?

I realise it may seem insignificant but can you go to the website below and test your AppleID by logging into your account & letting us know the result?

https://appleid.apple.com

Have someone else attempt to sign in using their Apple ID. If they can successfully sign in and use Messages/FaceTime, it may be your Apple ID that is at fault for no particular reason.

Another thing I should ask is whether you have restarted your MB Air to see if the issue persisted?

Have you tried a NVRAM reset followed by trying to log into Messages?

How to reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support.

Also try restarting into Safe Boot then retest Messages

Lastly, I've seen this solution work for folks with the same issue:

1. Quit Messages
2. Open the Activity Monitor in Applications/Utilities
3. Search for the imagent item.
4. Highlight it & use the Quit Option (could be an X icon).
5. Confirm Force Quit. (You may see it restart)
6. Restart Messages.

Let us know if there's any joy.

Cheers,

Marty