How to Enable Rich Link Previews in macOS Messages

This guide explains how rich link previews function in the Messages app on macOS 13 (Ventura), how to format shared URLs to display visual preview cards, and the troubleshooting steps needed if links only appear as plain text.

In macOS 13, the Messages app automatically generates rich previews for web URLs without requiring a manual toggle. When a link is shared, the app fetches metadata—such as the webpage title, description, and thumbnail image—directly from the destination server.

To ensure a URL renders as a full visual preview card rather than an inline hyperlink:

  1. Copy the full web address (including https://).
  2. Paste the URL into the Messages input field.
  3. Send the URL by itself. Adding text, emojis, or comments in the same message bubble will cause Messages to display a standard text hyperlink instead of a standalone rich preview card.
  • iMessage Protocol: Rich links load most reliably over iMessage (blue bubbles). Standard SMS/MMS messages (green bubbles) may not always generate or deliver rich metadata across non-Apple devices.
  • Active Internet Connection: macOS requires network access at the moment the message is received to download preview assets.
  • Website Metadata: The target website must have valid Open Graph or Twitter Card metadata enabled for macOS to generate a preview.

Troubleshooting Plain Text Links

If URLs appear only as plain text, apply these fixes:

  • Toggle iCloud Private Relay: Go to System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Private Relay. Temporarily toggle the feature off and on, as routing issues can occasionally block preview generation.
  • Check Content Filters and Firewalls: Third-party network filters, VPNs, or ad-blockers can block macOS from querying web servers for link metadata. Disable active network extensions to test preview loading.
  • Refresh the Messages App: Press Command + Q to quit Messages completely, then reopen the app. If the cache is stuck, a restart forces macOS to re-fetch pending previews.
  • Re-authenticate iMessage: Open Messages, select Messages in the menu bar, click Settings, go to the iMessage tab, and click Sign Out. Sign back in with your Apple ID to reset connection certificates.