14 Ways to Fix Apple Intelligence Not Working on Mac

Apple Intelligence may not yet be ready to take on the likes of OpenAI ChatGPT and Google Gemini. However, Apple’s generative AI has got most bases covered to be a great asset. Whether it’s about prioritizing your notifications, summarizing text, or generating images, the AI can perform a number of actions efficiently. Sadly, the Apple Intelligence is not working for some Mac users. If it’s gone off track on your Mac as well, try out these 14 best tips and tricks to resolve the issue.

Fix Apple Intelligence Not Working on Mac

What has derailed the Apple Intelligence on your macOS device? From the hardware requirement to software glitches to hidden restrictions, there could be many reasons why this feature is malfunctioning on your Mac.

1. Check Device Compatibility

It’s worth pointing out that Apple Intelligence only works on supported devices with Apple Silicon chips and macOS Sequoia or later.

  • So, click the Apple menu and choose About This Mac.
  • Now, make sure your Mac is running macOS Sequoia or later.
  • Additionally, ensure the chip is an M1 or later; older Intel Macs are not supported.

2. Update macOS to the Latest Version

We all know that the outdated software can prevent Apple Intelligence from functioning properly. So, try updating your Mac to the latest version.

  • To do so, open System Settings on your Mac.
  • Go to General > Software Update.
  • If an update is available, click Update Now and restart your Mac afterward.
Update your Mac

3. Enable Apple Intelligence Features

Some features might be disabled by default and need to be turned on.

  • Navigate to System Settings on your Mac > Screen Time > Content & Privacy.
  • Now, choose Intelligence & Siri.
  • Under the Apple Intelligence section, make sure the features you need are toggled on. For instance, Image Creation, Writing Tools, and Intelligence Extensions.
Enable Apple Intelligence Features

4. Check Internet Connection

Some Apple Intelligence tools require online resources to function correctly.

  • Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar.
  • Ensure you’re connected to a stable network.
  • Try browsing a webpage to test connectivity.

5. Ensure Siri is Enabled

Apple Intelligence is tightly integrated with Siri on macOS. Therefore, make sure the virtual assistant is active on your Mac.

  • Open System Settings on your macOS device > Apple Intelligence & Siri.
  • Now, ensure that Siri is active. Also, be sure all the important Siri features have been customized perfectly.
Enable and customize Siri on Mac

6. Restart Your Mac

A quick restart can resolve temporary system glitches blocking the feature.

  • To begin with, click the Apple menu > Select Restart.
  • Wait for your Mac to reboot and test Apple Intelligence again.
Restart your Mac

7. Check Apple ID Sign-In

Some Apple Intelligence features rely on your Apple ID for personalization.

  • To do so, open System Settings > Apple ID > After that, make sure you’re signed in with your primary account.
  • If you are already logged in, sign out of your account and sign back in.
Sign out on Mac

8. Disable and Re-enable Apple Intelligence

Toggling the feature off and back on can reset its background services.

  • Open System Settings > Apple Intelligence > Now, turn off all the available features.
  • Now, wait a few seconds, then turn them back on.

9. Turn Off Low Power Mode

Low Power Mode can restrict background processes needed for AI features.

  • Go to System Settings > Battery.
  • If Low Power Mode is enabled, turn it off.
  • Try using Apple Intelligence again.

10. Free Up Storage Space

Apple Intelligence may require adequate system storage to process data locally.

  • On your Mac, head over to System Settings > General > Storage.
  • Review large files and unused apps.
  • Delete items you no longer need and empty the Trash.
Manage storage on mac

11. Reset Siri & Apple Intelligence Preferences

Corrupted settings could be stopping Apple Intelligence from functioning.

  • To get it done, open Finder, then press Command + Shift + G.
  • Enter ~/Library/Preferences and hit Enter.
  • Delete files like com.apple.assistant.plist or any file related to Siri or AI.
  • Restart your Mac to regenerate fresh preferences.

12. Test in a New User Account

If the issue is account-specific, a fresh user profile can help isolate it.

  • On your macOS device, dive into the System Settings > Users & Groups.
  • Click the + button to add a new user.
  • Log in to the new user account and check if Apple Intelligence works.

13. Boot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode helps diagnose and fix software-related problems that might interfere with Apple Intelligence.

  • Shut down your Mac.
  • Hold the Power button until “Loading startup options” appears.
  • Select your startup disk while holding Shift, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
  • Log in and test Apple Intelligence.

14. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above work, a deeper issue may be affecting your Mac’s AI functionality.

  • Visit support.apple.com.
  • Choose Mac > macOS > Features & Settings.
  • Start a chat or schedule a callback with Apple Support for help.

Wrapping up…

And that’s about it! Apple Intelligence not working on your Mac can stem from compatibility limits, incorrect settings, or system errors. Go through each fix step-by-step to get everything running smoothly again.

Posted by
Rashmi Mishra

Founder/CEO: Rashmi Mishra is a new-age entrepreneur and a die-hard tech lover. Though Rashmi has a special liking for iPhone, MacBook, and Apple Watch, she loves to take the hottest Android smartphones and Windows laptops for a spin. When she is not reading stories that are breaking the Internet, you will find her either crafting designs or fixing lives for good!

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