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WatchTimes
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Cannot send Messages to non-iPhone users from MacBook Air

I have a Iphone 16 max pro (IOS 27.0.1) and a Macbook air running OS Golden Gate (27.0.1).

I can't send messages to non iphone users from my laptop.

I have forwarding set on in my iphone and my laptop name shows up.

This has happened in the past few weeks, I didn't think much of it as I knew there were updates available and I had not updated but assumed it would rectify when I updated. I updated a few days ago and am still having this issue?



[Edited by Moderator]

Posted on Oct 16, 2026 12:15 PM

3 replies

steve626
User level: Level 7 (20,243 points)

Oct 16, 2026 8:01 PM in response to WatchTimes

Here is an iMessage checklist. Note that most of the Settings are on the iPhone, but also it is crucial that the iPhone phone number be specified in the Mac's Settings as indicated below. All steps below must be followed:


iPhone and Mac both logged in to same Apple ID. Try logging off and logging on if necessary.


iPhone Settings => Messages shows iMessage as "on" (sometimes toggling this off and then on fixes some things)


iPhone Settings => Messages shows Send & Receive showing both phone number and email (Apple ID)


iPhone Settings => Messages shows Text Message Forwarding and your Mac is listed and shown as "on" there.


iPhone Settings => Messages shows Send as SMS "on" and MMS Messaging and Group Messaging both "on"


On the Mac: Messages => Settings => iMessage tab shows same and correct Apple ID and "You can be reached for messages at" indicates both phone number and Apple ID (email), and "start new conversations from" indicates the phone number. If the phone number does not show up properly on the Mac here, sign out of iMessage on the Mac, then sign back in using the same Apple ID as you use on your phone.



* Don't see the Text Message Forwarding setting on your iPhone? Go to Settings > Messages, turn off iMessage, turn it back on, tap Send & Receive, tap Use Your Apple ID for iMessage, then sign in with the same Apple ID used on your other devices.


Forward text messages from your iPhone to other devices - Apple Support


John Galt
User level: Level 10 (162,806 points)

Oct 16, 2026 1:47 PM in response to WatchTimes

What does that Mac indicate?


For reference: Forward text messages from your iPhone to other devices - Apple Support


Excerpt:


  • Mac: Open the Messages app. From the Messages menu in the menu bar, choose Settings (or Preferences). Click iMessage and make sure that the Apple Account shown in this window is the same as on your iPhone. If it isn't, click Sign Out, then sign in with the correct Apple Account.


If all that is correct I'd sign out / sign in again anyway.

ATRJR
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Oct 25, 2026 11:33 AM in response to John Galt

I had the same problem. Couldn't send texts to non-iPhones. I did everything in Steve626's post above. Still didn't work. I had iPhone15 ProMax Running 27.0, and Macbook Pro running 27.0.1.

I upgraded my iPhone to 27.0.1 and the problem went away.

Note: I find no such choice as "Send as SMS" that was stated in your instructions:

iPhone Settings => Messages shows Send as SMS "on" and MMS Messaging and Group Messaging both "on"

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256377440