iPhone keeps disconnecting from Mac

Hi it_68,

Thank you for using the Apple Support Communities! For this issue, we would recommend the relevant steps in the article below that can help if you're experiencing an issue maintaining a connection:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad

1. Look in the Finder or iTunes

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, look for your device in the sidebar of any window in the Finder.*

On a Mac with an earlier version of macOS, look for your device in iTunes.

On a PC with iTunes for Windows, look for your device in iTunes.

Learn more about viewing your device in the Finder or iTunes

2. Update the software on all devices

Update your iPhone or iPad

Update your Mac

3. Connect your device directly to your computer

Make sure that your device is unlocked and showing its Home Screen, then use a USB cable to connect it directly to your computer. Don't connect to a USB hub, display, or other device. 

If that doesn't help, disconnect your device and all other USB devices and accessories from your computer. Then reconnect only your device. 

4. Trust your computer, if asked

If you see a “Trust this Computer?” alert on your device when you plug it into your computer, tap Trust.

About the 'Trust This Computer' alert

5. Allow the accessory to connect

When connecting your device to a Mac laptop computer with Apple silicon, your Mac might ask whether you want to allow this accessory to connect. If so, allow it to connect.

Learn about allowing accessories to connect

6. Restart your devices

Restart your iPhone

Restart your Mac

7. 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.

8. If your computer still doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad, contact Apple Support.

Hope this helps!

Have a great day.

Couple of things.

First - open Activity Monitor (Applications>Utilities), search (top RH corner) for a application called usbmuxd and kill it. Try plugging the phone in and synching again.

If that doesn't work come back and tell us:

Is the phone set to synch automatically when you connect it?

Is the phone set to do backups automatically when you connect it?

Does the phone backup to your Mac or to the Cloud?

Hi there it_68,

Although the title of the article with the steps mentioned above doesn't describe the exact issue you're experiencing with your iPhone repeatedly disconnecting from your Mac, some of the steps could still be relevant and helpful.

If this behavior continues, you'll want to reach out to Apple Support directly for further assistance. They're best-equipped to take a closer look at the issue and provide some additional guidance. This link will help you get started: Apple Support

Take care.