my device is not shown in the photo sidebar to import photos to Mac

I found out that in the multi user environment, the Mac OS is not able to tell which account the device should be connected to. When multiple users were logged on, switching to a different user, then connect the device. The device does not show up in the "import" tab in Photos of the current account. The device is actually connected to one of the logged users in the background. The work around is to log out all other users and reconnect the device.

The only thing that worked for me is to connect my iPhone to the MacBook using the USB-C cable and direct port on the MacBook computer side, instead of using the old standard USB cord and connections. Photos would not read my iPhone until I connected it directly to the USB-C port instead of using an adapter with the old USB connections. I hope this helps.

Which system version is installed on your iPhone and on your Mac?

Your iPhone needs to be unlocked and charged, and the photos you want to import need to be stored in the iPhone, not only in iCloud. If you are using iCloud Photos on the iPhone, ensure, that the photos you want to import to your Mac have been downloaded from iCloud to the iPhone.

After connecting the iPhone to your Mac with a USB cable the iPhone should appear in the sidebar of Photos, in the "Devices" section. Just wait, it may take several minutes. You do not need to use the "File > Import" command.

For details see: Import photos from a camera or phone using Photos on Mac – Apple Support (UK)

I can't guarantee that this will work for others, but when having the same problem - device not shown in photo sidebar, even though showing in Finder sidebar - I then replugged the USB-C, the opposite way around. ie, I turned it 180°.

Success! The device then showed up in the Photos sidebar. (Note: I'd previously tried multiple Restarts - unsuccessfully.)

I've had a similar issue previously and there does seem to be something funky in the USB-C plug fitting (and/or, adapter)

I tried many things. In the end, rebooting my Mac and restarting my iPhone was what allowed Devices with my iPhone to appear in Photos. Until that point, there was no Devices category in Photos.

Thank you so much for this tip! I've been frustrated for weeks because my iphone no longer showed up on my iMac photos app. I switched out USB cables and it showed up!!! Thanks again!

Flipping the USB-C connection, that was the ticket for me – now the iPhone is mounting in Mac Photos. Thanks!

And when i read this suggested solution I thought NO WAY

i restarted everything and nothing worked

so I replugged the USB-C 180 degrees and it works

Thanks!!

When you first connect the phone to the Mac, the phone should ask for permission to allow the device on the other end of the wire (the Mac) to connect. Did you allow that connection?

Quick note; I had the same issue as above, my Photos app on my MacBook would just not recognize my iPhone when i "plugged it in". I just read this and turned the USB 180 degree and presto it worked! Weird, but good to know. I suggest people try the first!

强16 wrote:

I have exactly the same problem, I don't see any fix has been suggested here.

Apple support, any idea?

Apple Support personnel do not visit this forum. Contact them via this link: Contact - Official Apple Support

I have the same problem. Don't have any "Devices" showing in Photos side bar. I have latest updates on MBP silicon, iPhone and Photos.

Normally when I connect phone to Mac Photos would open and phone would show in "Devises".

A new phone should still display that message the first time it is connected to a given computer.