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Finder window only showing new iPhone options (setup and restore) when I don't need either.

I have an existing iPhone I plug into my computer semi- regularly, to back up or sync. Today I plugged it in and it is only letting me restore from a backup or set up a new phone. I don't want to do either, I am just trying to sync/backup my phone.

iPhone XS

Posted on Mar 17, 2021 11:48 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 18, 2021 12:32 PM

Hello and welcome to Apple Support Communities, mabblemedia.

If we understand your post correctly, your iPhone is being treated like an unknown or new device when connected to your computer even though you've backed up your iPhone to this computer previously. We’d like to help.


It looks like your existing backup is still saved and available. Select set up as new device from this screen. This will not erase your iPhone. It will simply tell your computer to handle this device as if it were the first time it had been connected. You'll then be able to sync or create a new backup of your iPhone.


Follow the steps in this article:


How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


Let us know if that resolves this issue for you.


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 18, 2021 12:32 PM in response to mabblemedia

Hello and welcome to Apple Support Communities, mabblemedia.

If we understand your post correctly, your iPhone is being treated like an unknown or new device when connected to your computer even though you've backed up your iPhone to this computer previously. We’d like to help.


It looks like your existing backup is still saved and available. Select set up as new device from this screen. This will not erase your iPhone. It will simply tell your computer to handle this device as if it were the first time it had been connected. You'll then be able to sync or create a new backup of your iPhone.


Follow the steps in this article:


How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch


Let us know if that resolves this issue for you.


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.

Finder window only showing new iPhone options (setup and restore) when I don't need either.

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