macOS processes › Apple account and messaging
What is imagent on Mac?
imagent handles iMessage and SMS for the Messages app. It sends and receives messages in the background, even when Messages isn't open.
What it does
It manages your Messages accounts, delivers incoming messages and attachments, and syncs your conversations when Messages in iCloud is on. identityservicesd handles the registration and encryption keys that iMessage depends on.
Why it gets busy
- Messages in iCloud syncing a large history, for example on a new Mac.
- Downloading lots of photos and videos from conversations.
- Very active group chats.
Why is imagent using so much CPU?
imagent is syncing or downloading messages and attachments. A big Messages in iCloud history takes a while, and it settles once everything is in.
Is it safe to quit?
macOS restarts it right away. Messages that arrive in that moment are delivered when it's back.
How to calm it down
- Let the first sync finish. Messages in iCloud is managed in Messages › Settings › iMessage.
- Review large attachments in System Settings › General › Storage, under Messages, and delete ones you don't need.
- Quit and reopen Messages if imagent stays high.
In SystemWatch
SystemWatch's History shows whether imagent's activity is a one-time sync burst or keeps coming back, which helps you decide whether anything needs fixing.
