Messages on Imac and Spinning wheel

Having some weird issue with using Messages on Imac. I use Messages to message clients from my Imac but there's a recurring problem whereby I can't type anything into the "To:" field due the spinning wheel, ie whether it's a phone number or contact name. It'll be stuck on the wheel for a long while but eventually the wheel will disappear and then allow me to enter into the "To:" field again. Force quitting Messages doesn't seem to help. Not sure if it's due to not having the latest OS, but I've been told by our network person that I shouldnt upgrade to the latest due to some interactions with other programs I use. HELP, this is ruining my productivity...

Posted on Sep 21, 2026 12:21 AM

1 reply

PreCognition

Level 6 (12,236 points)

Sep 21, 2026 1:13 AM in response to VelvetyRose

Since the delay happens specifically when you start typing a recipient, I’d check Contacts first. Open Contacts and search for a few of the same clients. If Contacts also gives you a spinning beach ball, that would point more toward contact/account lookup than Messages itself.

I’d also restart the Mac, not just force quit Messages. If the problem keeps coming back, try Messages once in Safe Mode. If it works normally there, something loading in the background may be interfering.

I wouldn’t jump to a major macOS upgrade if your other software depends on Sequoia. You could ask your network person whether there’s a newer macOS 15 update they’ve approved.

Does Contacts respond normally when this is happening?