In my attempt to sync photos from my new iPhone 12 to my Mac air, the screen to trust or not trust pops comes and goes super fast. If I reset my network settings, what does it mean to reset to factory defaults?

Hi magoodfel

Welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community.

Wondering which iOS version is installed on your iPhone (eg: iOS 16.2 is the latest)

and

which Mac air Model (year)

and MacOS version (ie: if compatible: latest is Ventura MacOS 13.2.2)

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Re: attempt to sync photos from my new iPhone 12 to my Mac air

Wondering which method you were trying to use to sync

(eg: ? can you use the Finder on your MacOS version)

How to: Sync files from your Mac to iPhone, iPad or iPod touch – Apple Support

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Re: "the screen to trust or not trust pops comes and goes super fast".

Wondering which app the screen is in:

If your iPhone is not working right, you may want to try re-starting it:

Restart your iPhone - Apple Support

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Re: "If I reset my network settings, what does it mean to reset to factory defaults?"

You might want to scroll to:

"Reset Network Settings" in the article below for all the info:

Return iPhone settings to their defaults – Apple Support

also:

If your iPhone or iPad won't connect to a Wi-Fi network - Apple Support

says:

"This also resets Wi-Fi networks and passwords, cellular settings, and VPN and APN settings that you've used before".

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if needed:

iPhone - Official Apple Support

(NB: There's a "Get Support" link at the bottom of their webpage)

All the best :-)