I’m experiencing an issue with iMessage on two devices: a 2019 MacBook Air and a refurbished 2022 iPhone SE. I set these up with a new Apple ID for international travel with minimal personal information.
Both devices have been reset to the latest supported operating systems and have several familiar apps installed. However, iMessage is proving to be problematic.
On the MacBook Air, when I try to log in with my Apple ID for iMessage, a new message window appears. Unfortunately, as soon as I click in the “TO:” field, the app crashes and prompts me to sign in again.
The iPhone SE allows me to draft a message, but when I attempt to send it, I receive a “Message failed to send” notification. I checked the settings under Messages in the Apps menu, where my new Apple ID is displayed, but I can’t access additional settings.
Interestingly, when I use my regular Apple ID (just for iMessage, not for iCloud) on both devices, it works without any issues. I have tried standard troubleshooting steps like rebooting the devices and signing out of iCloud, but nothing seems to resolve the problem.
For comparison, I set up an identical refurbished 2022 iPhone SE and a new 2025 iPad for my wife, also using a new Apple ID. Both devices work smoothly with iMessage.
I’m running out of ideas. I’ve explored numerous suggestions online, and I’m contemplating erasing and resetting my MacBook Air and iPhone SE to create a new Apple ID solely for iMessage.
Any thoughts or additional recommendations would be greatly appreciated.
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