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iPhone won't pair with my 2020 iMac via Bluetooth

I cannot get my phone to connect via bluetooth to my iMac. My phone shows the message saying my iMac is not supported. I've tried shutting both devices down, forgetting each device in the bluetooth list, and attempted to reconnect. I've gotten a pin for connecting, but then it won't connect, giving me the same message.

iPhone 12 Pro Max

Posted on Jan 28, 2022 3:33 PM

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Posted on Jan 28, 2022 3:40 PM

An iPhone will not pair via Bluetooth to a computer (Mac or Windows) or an iPad 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/HT204681

 

Also see https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/share-files-mac-bluetooth-devices-mchle7fa9e15/10.15/mac/10.15

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Jan 28, 2022 3:40 PM in response to Wilmas1527

An iPhone will not pair via Bluetooth to a computer (Mac or Windows) or an iPad 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/HT204681

 

Also see https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/share-files-mac-bluetooth-devices-mchle7fa9e15/10.15/mac/10.15

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Jan 29, 2022 8:58 AM in response to Wilmas1527

Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi must be turned on in both devices for AirDrop. The following has some other things to check that may help: Use AirDrop on your Mac - Apple Support


There is also a newer option that may be of interest: Share files between your Mac and Bluetooth devices - Apple Support

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Jan 29, 2022 12:17 AM in response to FoxFifth

Thank you, and I looked at the link you attached. The explanation makes sense.

Now knowing I can't pair the two, I guess my new concern is that I wasn't able to air drop a file from my iMac to my iPhone. That's what triggered my attempts to pair them. Bluetooth was on on both devices. I had to go to my notebook and air drop it from there.

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iPhone won't pair with my 2020 iMac via Bluetooth

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