iPhone to MacBook Pro WiFi Syncing problems

According to Apple I can Sync/Backup my iPhone to my MBP via Wi-Fi see: Sync content between your Mac and iPhone, iPad or iPod touch over Wi-Fi – Apple Support (UK)

This is all well and good but it requires that the iPhone be on the same Wi-Fi network, connected to power and unlocked with Passcode.

These last two conditions are difficult to meet. My Qi charger for the iPhone is in my bedroom and unlike using a USB cable the phone does not request a Passcode when Backup or Sync is initiated on my MBP it simply unlocks with biometrics. Even forcing the iPhone to revert to the passcode does not seem to work.



Both devices already "trust" each other so how can I overcome this annoying requirement.

PS. I see that I could also tick "Automatically sync when this iPhone is connected" but it changes nothing. The Finder still requires the same conditions.

Apple Watch SE, watchOS 9

Posted on Nov 18, 2022 8:10 PM

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2 replies

Nov 21, 2022 1:42 PM in response to BaliMac

Apple discovered a vulnerability with Wi-Fi sync that would allow a “bad actor” to initiate a backup to a computer that they had local or remote access to, so the added the requirement that the phone’s passcode be entered on the phone to back it up. I imagine they are looking for a better solution long term, but for now that’s the reason. Here’s more detail→https://imazing.com/blog/ios-backup-passcode-prompt

Nov 21, 2022 1:38 PM in response to BaliMac

Hi BaliMac,


You started from a great resource: Sync content between your Mac and iPhone, iPad or iPod touch over Wi-Fi

In the guide it does state "To set up Wi-Fi syncing, first connect your device to your Mac using a USB or USB-C cable. You then turn on Wi-Fi syncing and choose the settings you want."


If you've first connected with a cable to ensure your settings are correct, test the steps below found in the article here: Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with your computer


"Sync your content using Wi-Fi

After you set up syncing with the Finder using USB, you can set up the Finder to sync to your device with Wi-Fi instead of USB.


  1. Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable, then open a Finder window and select your device.
  2. Select “Show this [device] when on Wi-Fi."
  3. Click Apply.

When the computer and the device are on the same Wi-Fi network, the device appears in the Finder. The device syncs automatically whenever it's plugged in to power."


If you're still asked for a passcode to sync via Wi-Fi, reach out to Apple Support directly to further assist.

Contact - Official Apple Support


Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support


Best.




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iPhone to MacBook Pro WiFi Syncing problems

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