How to Enable MMS Messaging on Mac

To enable MMS messaging on your computer, you’ll need to use both your iPhone and Mac:

1. Go to Settings > Messages on your iPhone.
2. Select Text Message Forwarding and then choose your Mac.
3. Go to your computer, open the Messages app, and make sure everything works as it should.

What is MMS messaging and how it works

MMS stands for “Multimedia Messaging Service”, and it’s not too dissimilar from SMS. The main difference is that it involves multiple forms of media, such as GIFs, pictures, and videos. In addition to sending this content via iMessage, you can use MMS to communicate with non-iMessage users in a more engaging way.

Can Mac send and receive MMS messages

While your Mac doesn’t have a native cellular system (in the same way that many iPads do), you can still send and receive MMS messages. To do this, however, you’ll need to sync your device with your iPhone. You have to meet three criteria.

Sign Into the Same Apple Account

To sync messages on your device, you need to be signed in with the same Apple Account on both your iPhone and your Mac. To do this on your iPhone, you can go to Settings and select your name or Apple Account at the top of the screen. On your Mac, meanwhile, you need to log in to your Apple Account via System Settings.

Use iMessage

To synchronize your MMS content, you have to use iMessage on both devices. The app is installed by default via Messages, and when sending content to another Apple phone, tablet, or computer, the content will automatically send via iMessage. If needed, you can block someone on your MacBook if they’re sending messages you don’t want to receive.

Own Both an iPhone and a Mac

If you don’t own an iPhone, you can’t enable MMS messaging on your Mac without third-party tools. You also need to meet the minimum software requirements.

A note from our experts:

 

In addition to connecting your devices, you should consider the risks associated with sending information from your phone to your computer. If you aren’t careful, you could unknowingly compromise your privacy. You can mitigate this with MacKeeper’s VPN Private Connect, which offers more secure data protection while sending and receiving messages. It’s also a good way to prevent phishing.

 

Here are the instructions you should follow:

1. Download MacKeeper.
2. Navigate to Privacy > Private Connect.
3. Select Open on the next window.
4. Choose your VPN location via the dropdown menu and then press Turn On. Enter your computer’s admin details if needed.

How to turn on MMS messaging on Mac

Having turned on MMS messaging myself, the process is simple and allows me to stay connected across multiple devices. I’ll now show you how to switch on MMS messaging on your computer:

1. On your iPhone, open the Settings app and select Apps.
2. Scroll down to Messages and select this tab.
3. Toggle MMS Messaging on.
4. Make sure you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on your Mac. Then, open the Messages app to confirm that everything is syncing as it should be.

Difference between MMS and iMessage

MMS is the messaging format you use to send content that contains GIFs and other forms of visual media. It uses cellular data and is available on Android and Apple. iMessage, meanwhile, is the messaging service used to communicate between Apple devices.

When using iMessage, you’ll see blue bubbles when you communicate with others. Green bubbles, meanwhile, indicate that you’re either speaking to someone without an Apple device or the message was sent as MMS/SMS because of network issues. When debating iPhone vs. Android, this is one of many differences; operating systems are another.

What to do if you can't send MMS messages from Mac

If you can’t send MMS messages from your Mac, it could be the result of several issues. Try each of these:

• Update your iPhone so it’s running iOS 8.0 at a minimum
• Sign in with the same Apple ID on your iPhone and Mac
• Make sure you can use MMS messaging with your current mobile contract
• Restart both of your devices and try resending
• Check for connectivity issues

1. Update your iOS software

Your device needs iOS 8 at the very least, which covers most modern iPhones. If needed, you can search for a software update on your phone via Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Sign in with the same Apple Account

You need the same Apple Account on your iPhone and Mac. Without this, you can’t synchronize your MMS messages. The option to sign in is available in Settings on your iPhone and System Settings on your MacBook.

3. Check to ensure you can use MMS messaging

Some network providers don’t allow you to use this format of messaging, and if your plan doesn’t have this enabled, you won’t be able to sync with your computer. Switch the feature on if necessary, and contact your network provider to see if you can use it.

4. Restart both of your devices

Sometimes, you might encounter problems after syncing because your phone and computer haven’t indexed properly. If this is the case, turning both of them off and on again can help you get back on track with minimal fuss.

5. Check for connectivity issues

If you haven’t got a strong internet connection, you won’t be able to use MMS messaging to its maximum capability. Check both your cellular and Wi-Fi connections, switching both off and on again if needed.

Important: 

 

If you encounter problems with iMessage not syncing on MacBook, you can try numerous other potential fixes as well. For example, you might want to contact a premium support team.

Everything you need to know about MMS messaging on Mac

It’s easy to turn on MMS messaging on your Mac, and today, it’s even simpler than before. Once you’ve signed in with the same Apple ID and enabled the tool on your device, you should have no problems using it. If you do, you can always check for connectivity issues and more troubleshooting when needed.

To keep yourself safe while you send and receive MMS messages (or any content, for that matter), turning on MacKeeper’s VPN Private Connect is a good idea. You’ll mask your data and add an extra layer of encryption, making it difficult for anyone to access information they shouldn’t.