Options for Keeping Messages Running in the Background

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 116 views

Introduction

Are you looking for a way to keep your Mountain Lion Messages app running in the background without cluttering your dock? You're not alone. Many users prefer to keep their Messages app open to monitor text messages sent to their cell phone, but don't want it taking up valuable space in their dock. In this article, we'll explore the options available to you and provide a step-by-step guide on how to keep your Messages app running but hidden from the dock.

Why Keep Messages Running in the Background?

There are several reasons why you might want to keep your Messages app running in the background. For example, you might want to:

Monitor text messages sent to your cell phone
Receive notifications when you receive a new message
Keep a record of your conversations
Access your messages from multiple devices

Options for Keeping Messages Running in the Background

There are several options available to you for keeping your Messages app running in the background. Here are a few:

Option 1: Use the "Keep in Dock" Feature

One option is to use the "Keep in Dock" feature. This will keep your Messages app in the dock, but you can still hide it from view by clicking on the dock and selecting "Hide" from the context menu.

Option 2: Use the "Force Quit" Feature

Another option is to use the "Force Quit" feature. This will close your Messages app, but you can still keep it running in the background by using the "Force Quit" feature again to reopen it.

Option 3: Use a Third-Party App

There are also several third-party apps available that can help you keep your Messages app running in the background. These apps can provide additional features and functionality, such as the ability to customize your notifications and access your messages from multiple devices.

Step-by-Step Guide to Keeping Messages Running in the Background

Here's a step-by-step guide to keeping your Messages app running in the background:

Step 1: Open the Messages App

First, open the Messages app by clicking on its icon in the dock or by searching for it in Spotlight.

Step 2: Click on the Messages App Icon

Next, click on the Messages app icon in the dock. This will open the Messages app in a new window.

Step 3: Click on the "Hide" Button

Now, click on the "Hide" button in the top-right corner of the Messages app window. This will hide the Messages app from view, but it will still be running in the background.

Step 4: Click on the "Dock" Icon

Next, click on the dock icon to open the dock. This will show you a list of all the apps that are currently running in the background.

Step 5: Select the "Messages" App

Now, select the "Messages" app from the list of running apps. This will open the Messages app in a new window.

Step 6: Click on the "Keep in Dock" Button

Finally, click on the "Keep in Dock" button to keep the Messages app in the dock. This will keep the Messages app running in the background, but it will no longer be visible in the dock.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you're having trouble keeping your Messages app running in the background, here are a few troubleshooting tips to try:

Make sure that the Messages app is not set to quit when you close it.
Check that the Messages app is not set to hide when you close it.
Try restarting your Mac to see if that resolves the issue.
Check that your Messages app is up to date and that you have the latest version installed.

Conclusion

Q: Why can't I keep my Messages app running in the background?

A: There are several reasons why you might not be able to keep your Messages app running in the background. One reason is that the Messages app is set to quit when you close it. Another reason is that the Messages app is set to hide when you close it. To resolve this issue, try checking the Messages app's settings to see if it is set to quit or hide when you close it.

Q: How do I keep my Messages app running in the background on Mountain Lion?

A: To keep your Messages app running in the background on Mountain Lion, follow these steps:

Open the Messages app by clicking on its icon in the dock or by searching for it in Spotlight.
Click on the Messages app icon in the dock to open the Messages app in a new window.
Click on the "Hide" button in the top-right corner of the Messages app window to hide the Messages app from view.
Click on the dock icon to open the dock and select the Messages app from the list of running apps.
Click on the "Keep in Dock" button to keep the Messages app in the dock.

Q: Can I keep my Messages app running in the background if I'm using a third-party app?

A: Yes, you can keep your Messages app running in the background even if you're using a third-party app. However, you may need to configure the third-party app to allow the Messages app to run in the background.

Q: How do I configure my third-party app to allow the Messages app to run in the background?

A: To configure your third-party app to allow the Messages app to run in the background, follow these steps:

Open the third-party app and go to its settings.
Look for the option to allow the Messages app to run in the background.
Enable the option to allow the Messages app to run in the background.
Save the changes to the third-party app's settings.

Q: Can I keep my Messages app running in the background if I'm using a different version of Mac OS X?

A: Yes, you can keep your Messages app running in the background even if you're using a different version of Mac OS X. However, the steps to do so may vary depending on the version of Mac OS X you're using.

Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with keeping my Messages app running in the background?

A: To troubleshoot issues with keeping your Messages app running in the background, try the following:

Check the Messages app's settings to see if it is set to quit or hide when you close it.
Check the third-party app's settings to see if it is configured to allow the Messages app to run in the background.
Restart your Mac to see if that resolves the issue.
Check for updates to the Messages app and install any available updates.

Q: Can I keep my Messages app running in the background if I'm using a different language?

A: Yes, you can keep your Messages app running in the background even if you're using a different language. However, the steps to do so may vary depending on the language you're using.

Q: How do I keep my Messages app running in the background if I'm using a different region?

A: Yes, you can keep your Messages app running in the background even if you're using a different region. However, the steps to do so may vary depending on the region you're using.

Conclusion

We hope this article has been helpful in providing you with the information you need to keep your Messages app running in the background. If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us.