iPhone does not show up in Finder over WiFi

I just had this same issue. Usually restarting one or both devices works, but not this time.

Instead I went to the Apple menu () > Force Quit...

Then selected Finder from the list and pressed the Relaunch button (I noticed it changes from "Force Quit" to "Relaunch" when you select Finder).

That seemed to fix it for me. When I reopened Finder my iPhone was back on the list and synced properly.

Where is this "iOS devices" setting?

[Edited by Moderator]

As I'm sure you know, you only see your iPhone in a Finder window´s sidebar! So if your iPhone isn’t showing up in the Finder try this, with your iPhone connected to your MacBook:

1) In Finder go to Finder > Preferences > Sidebar

2) Make sure “iOS Devices” is checked

3) Uncheck “iOS Devices”, wait a few seconds and check “iOS Devices” back on again.

Hope this helps you!

If all else fails give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

enfolder wrote:

I have an iPhone 12 running 17.0.1 and a MacBook Pro 16-inch 2023 running 13.4.1.

I would like to sync the phone to the computer over WiFi, but it does not show up in the Finder.

The phone does show up when connected via USB.

The phone does properly back up via USB.

"Show this phone on Wi-Fi" is checked.

Both the iPhone and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. There are no other network issues I can see.

The phone and computer use the same Apple ID in case that matters.

What could be in the way here?

I've tried turning "Private Wi-Fi Address" on and off but it doesn't seem to do anything, and it seems strange to have to turn that off to sync wirelessly.

What items should be on my troubleshooting list?

ref:

Back up iPhone - Apple Support

For me combination of Ian answer and resetting the location and privacy on my iPhone did the trick

For me, it was my USB cable. I tried a different one (older!) and it worked.

Welp, I’m having this same issue. My iPhone won’t show up unless it’s plugged directly to my MacBook with a USB cable. I’ve unchecking and checking the WiFi toggle. Ejecting and just unplugging the cable, turning WiFi off and on again, rebooting both devices, and nothing is working :')

FWIW, Ventura is now @ version 13.6. You should update.

This worked within a few seconds

Did you figure this out? I'm having the same problem