Unable to link iphone to imac. result showing on iphone is "imac not supported"

If you're experiencing difficulty connecting your iPhone to your Mac, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Check the USB cable and ports: Ensure that you're using a certified Lightning to USB cable and try connecting it to different USB ports on your Mac. Also, check for any physical damage or debris in the ports that may be preventing a proper connection. Use genuine cable --> Identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning connector accessories ...
2. Disconnect all other USB devices from your computer, except for your keyboard and mouse. --> Resolve USB-related alerts in iTunes/Finder - Apple Support
3. Restart your iPhone and Mac: Sometimes, restarting your devices can resolve temporary connection issues. Restart both your iPhone and your Mac, and then try connecting them again.
   1. Restart the device. That's it.
   2. Still not solved --> Force restart iPhone - Apple Support
4. Update your software: Make sure that both your iPhone and Mac are running the latest software versions. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update, and on your Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
5. Trust the computer: When connecting your iPhone to your Mac for the first time, you may need to trust the computer on your iPhone. Unlock your iPhone and check for any prompts asking you to trust the connected computer. Confirm the trust request on your iPhone.
6. Try a different port, cable, or computer. The issue could be related to your computer, its USB port, or the USB cable connecting it to your device. If possible, try a different computer, USB port, or USB cable. Also check for any debris in the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone or iPad. --> If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod ...
7. Reset your iPhone's settings: If the issue persists, you can try resetting your iPhone's settings. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. This will not erase your data but will reset your settings to their default values. After the reset, attempt to connect your iPhone to your Mac again.
8. Update iTunes or Finder (macOS Catalina or later): If you're using a Mac running macOS Mojave or earlier, make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed. If you're using macOS Catalina or later, iTunes has been replaced with Finder for device management. Ensure that you have the latest macOS updates installed, which should include the latest version of Finder.
9. Check for conflicting software: Sometimes, third-party security software or firewalls can interfere with the connection between your iPhone and Mac. Temporarily disable any security software or firewalls and see if that resolves the issue.

If you are experiencing an issue not listed here, contact support as they can provide specific troubleshooting steps based on your situation.

Bluetooth pairing between a computer and iphone is not and has never been supported. it is not necessary for features like handoff, continuity, etc.

What are you trying to accomplish that you think requires they be paired?

PRB999 wrote:

Thank you, but is that not the same thing? Both are side by side same wifi and both with bluetooth on. Surely they should connect with each other.

No. They should not. Not via traditional Bluetooth pairing.

Again, what are you trying to accomplish?

That is not how it works.

You have NEVER been able to pair an iPhone via Bluetooth with a computer. Nothing has changed. it’s been that way since 2007.

You need to be logged into both devices with the same Apple ID and have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on, but you do not “pair” them. Check Settings>Phone>Calls on Other Devices on your phone.

The iPhone cannot connect to the iMac via Bluetooth. It does not matter how close the iPhone might be to the Mac. It will never connect via Bluetooth.

unable to link my ipod to my phone

Darsanjb wrote:

unable to link my ipod to my phone

That's correct.