I don't use my MacBook Air a ton and just realized that my messages are all there and in real time EXCEPT group texts of groups that I did not create.

The group texts I created are displayed like normal. However group texts I was added to by other people are not visible.
They show up just fine on my iPhone but they are not seen at all on the MacBook. Even if I search for them.

Is this normal?

I get them without any issues. Mine is about 1 1/2 years old running Tahoe.

I'm posting from my MacBook Air and wish it couldn't receive group texts I didn't start. That'd be a dream come true. Group texts are annoying as there is almost always 2 people that have a lengthy exchange against everyone else's will.

The Messages app on the MacBook Air has more filters than the version on your iPhone. You most likely have a filter set. You can check filters by selecting the icon with 3 horizontal lines about 1/2" left of the icon to start a new text.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
However group texts I was added to by other people are not visible.

I don't know the answer to your question, but this is my dream.

Anyone adding my name/number to a group text can rot in hell for all eternity.

Why Apple does not have an option to opt out of these is beyond me.

Any chance 'Messages in iCloud' is NOT turned on? Across all devices with your Apple ID?

quote:

Originally posted by tatortodd:
…wish it couldn't receive group texts I didn't start. That'd be a dream come true…

Trapper189 hearted this!
Thumbs up!
Well, I can’t make it because I’m donating a kidney to an Inuit boy in Nunavut and my flight doesn’t get back in time.
Can’t you change your flight?
Etc.

Can’t stand group texts, even if I started it.

quote:

Originally posted by nhracecraft:
Any chance 'Messages in iCloud' is NOT turned on? Across all devices with your Apple ID?

I get all other messages. Just not group texts created by other people

I checked the settings and saw nothing that would stop them

Interesting. I don't get texts on my MacBook Air.

From Grok:

**Yes — you can absolutely receive group text messages (both iMessage and SMS/MMS) on your MacBook even if you didn’t start the group chat.**

The Messages app on macOS works through **Continuity** with your iPhone. As long as your Mac is properly linked to your iPhone, group messages started by anyone else will appear on your MacBook automatically.

What you need for it to work
Make sure these are set up (most people already have them):

1. Same Apple ID** signed in on both your iPhone and MacBook.
2. Messages in iCloud** turned on:
- On iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → Show All → Messages → Sync this iPhone.
- On Mac: Messages app → Settings → iMessage → enable “Enable Messages in iCloud”.
3. For group SMS/MMS** (green bubbles, usually when Android users are in the group):
- On your iPhone: Settings → Messages → Text Message Forwarding → toggle your MacBook **on**.
- Also on iPhone: Settings → Messages → turn on **MMS Messaging** and **Group Messaging**.

Once those are enabled, any group message sent to your phone number or Apple ID will show up on your MacBook in real time (as long as the Mac is online).

Quick tips
- iMessage groups** (blue bubbles, all Apple users) sync perfectly across devices.
- SMS/MMS groups** (green bubbles) rely on your iPhone relaying the messages to the Mac.
- You can reply directly from the Mac — no need to touch your iPhone.

If you’re not seeing group messages on the Mac
Try these fixes in order:
1. Restart the Messages app on Mac (or restart the MacBook).
2. On iPhone, go to Settings → Messages → Text Message Forwarding and toggle your Mac off → on again.
3. Sign out of iMessage on Mac (Messages → Settings → iMessage → Sign Out), then sign back in.
4. Check that “Filter Unknown Senders” is off in Messages on Mac (Settings → General).

Macbook Air M4 processor running OS15.7.7 group texts work fine inbound and outbound regardless of origin.

Weird.
All the settings seem to be proper. But still not getting group texts I did not start.