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Connected iPhone shows up in Finder but will not sync

I connect my iPhone 11 Pro Max to my MacBook Pro running Catalina and it shows up in the Finder but with no button bar and only shows the Software screen with Restore iPhone as the only option available. This phone and MacBook were able to sync before the Catalina upgrade. How do I fix this?

Posted on Dec 19, 2020 10:17 AM

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3 replies

Dec 22, 2020 3:38 PM in response to meschmitz

Hey there meschmitz,


We understand your iPhone 11 Pro Max shows up in Finder on your Mac, but you're not seeing the option to sync. We'll be happy to help.


To sync using Finder, you'll need to use the steps here: Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with your computer


Note that it states, if "you use iCloud or other services like Apple Music to keep your content up to date across all of your devices, some syncing features through the Finder might be turned off." That could be one reason why the option is not there.


Let us know if those steps help or if you have any additional questions. We'll be here for you.


Cheers!

Dec 23, 2020 10:38 AM in response to meschmitz

meschmitz,


Thanks for the update and clarification on what you're seeing. To troubleshoot this, we'd recommend making a current backup of your device, then using your computer to restore to see what options are presented afterwards.


Since you only have the option to restore in Finder, you'll likely need to use iCloud to back up. Reference these steps: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


Afterwards, restore using the option in Finder. Then, you can restore the backup you made: Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup


If for any reason you still experience issues after these steps, reach out to Apple Support directly and they can assist further. Use this link: Get Support


Cheers!

Dec 23, 2020 9:18 AM in response to bailier

Thanks for the reply and I really appreciate the help.


This is not just a problem with sync as I am familiar with those instructions. As I mentioned above the button bar does not show up like it does when I connect my iPad which sync's normally and both devices have similar settings for iCloud. Here is a screen shot of the finder window when I connect my iPhone. As you can see there is no button bar and clicking on the Restore iPhone button does nothing.




Connected iPhone shows up in Finder but will not sync

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