Took out your Mac to send a very urgent text to someone only to see a blank screen? While this issue is quite rare, the cause is pretty much the same as other Messages-related problems, i.e., an interruption between the app and Apple servers. Upon launching, the Messages app might show you a blank template with no content to preview or read. Not only that, but you’ll also be unable to compose new messages. Other times, the messages may appear with only the sidebar appearing blank with no names or vice versa. However, with the correct troubleshooting methods, you can resolve the Messages showing a blank screen on Mac issue in no time, and we’re here just with that. So read through this detailed guide and carefully follow the steps to fix this issue. So let’s get started right away!
1. Restart the Messages app.
Often, Messages shows a blank screen on Mac due to a glitch in the application. Hopefully, it’s temporary, which can be easily eliminated by simply force quitting the app and restarting it. This method also works since all the background activity is erased, clearing up some RAM space. Here’s how to do it:
2. Restart Your Mac.
If the first method was unhelpful, you should assume the glitch is not in the Messages app but in your Mac. In this case, we recommend rebooting your device to refresh all connections and services. Restarting also removes all background processes and applications, enhancing the overall performance of the Mac. Alongside this, any temporary bug hiding in the software will be removed. Follow the steps below to do it: If that doesn’t work, don’t fret! We have more methods discussed below.
3. Update Your macOS.
Outdated software versions contain numerous bugs, which result in all kinds of errors in your system. A quick way to avoid this is to never leave an OS update pending. If your Messages shows a blank screen on Mac, immediately check for a macOS update and install it if available. Use the instructions below to do it: Once the new macOS is installed, check to see if the conversations are now appearing in the Messaged app.
4. Reboot into Safe Mode.
The Messages app could be interfering with several other programs, resulting in a blank screen with no content to show. If you believe that to be the reason, try rebooting your Mac into Safe Mode. It allows your device to start with only the essential and necessary programs, which will help you analyze if any third-party application could be the potential reason behind the stated error. Before going into the method, check what type of chip your Mac has by following the steps below: If your Mac has a Silicon chip, follow these steps below to boot into Safe Mode: For Intel-based Macs, perform these steps:
5. Re-Sign Into the Messages App.
When the Messages app shows a blank screen on Mac, consider logging out of your account and then back in to refresh the account and its related settings. Hopefully, this will help you resolve the issue. Use the instructions below to follow this method: This should fix the Messages showing a blank screen on Mac. If not, continue to the next method.
6. Delete Messages Plist Files.
The Plist files are short for Preference files which contain the configuration of attributes or properties of an application or a process. It may occasionally become corrupt, resulting in a problem with the associated program. In case the Messages Plist files are damaged, you should remove them to fix the Messages shows a blank screen on Mac issue. Though this method is completely harmless, keep in mind that you will lose some of the application settings or customization. Here’s what you need to do to follow this method: Once you’re done, go to the Messages app and check if you can see the chats. This sums up our guide on how to fix Messages shows a blank screen on Mac. In case of any queries regarding this topic, utilize the comments section below. We’ll be more than happy to assist you further. If this guide helped you, please share it. 😊
