Q: iPhone pairing with iMac via bluetooth not working

Everyone is having a similar experience. An iPhone will not pair via Bluetooth to a computer (Mac or Windows) except for personal hotspot and then only if your cellular plan supports it. See the following for more information. https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-7722

If you are attempting to use Handoff/Continuity or AirDrop, that does involve Bluetooth but the devices are NOT paired; Bluetooth just needs to be on and the devices in range of each other. The following may help with Handoff/Continuity issues: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204678

JeffSp8 wrote:

 

My iPhone 6 with the latest release of iOS will not pair up via bluetooth with my iMac having the latest release of osx.

 

Apple Support informed me this is "expected behavior" which I found to be a curious response when the phone connects without problems in my car.

 

Anyone having a similar experience?

Bluetooth: Why can't I pair my iPhone or iPad with another iOS device or with my computer?

Yes,  you are not alone,

I did not ever use iTunes,  I was happy with backup to the cloud,  and happy with  bluetooth to move files and date between my mac, iPad and iPhones..

Oh, I dropped my Nokia phone  and turned to iPhone(s) for my wife and I  just for the easy connectivity between devices via bluetooth. 

I kept up with OS updates fine without iTunes.  Really?   Is this step forward? Or change for the sake of change?

athlone5 wrote:

 

Yes,  you are not alone,

I did not ever use iTunes,  I was happy with backup to the cloud,  and happy with  bluetooth to move files and date between my mac, iPad and iPhones..

Oh, I dropped my Nokia phone  and turned to iPhone(s) for my wife and I  just for the easy connectivity between devices via bluetooth.

I kept up with OS updates fine without iTunes.  Really?   Is this step forward? Or change for the sake of change?

It is not a change. The iPhone has never supported pairing with a computer or other devices via Bluetooth for file transfers.

You can use AirDrop for transfers between iOS devices and between iOS devices and Mac computers that meet the system requirements:

Share content with AirDrop from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

Use AirDrop to send files from your Mac to another nearby Mac or iOS device - Apple Support