MacBook Air doesn't detect Iphone (other accessories work fine)

I've been troubleshooting this for the entire day, but I can't seem to fix it no matter what. My MacBook Air M1 2020 doesn't detect any of my two Iphones (both 12's), I've tried using lightning/usb-c and lightning/usb 3.1 with a usb 3.1/usb-c adapter, but neither of my Iphones show up in Finder.


I've tried the following:


1. Updating both macOS and IOS to the latest versions. (Sonoma 14.2.1 & IOS 17.2.1)

2. Completely resetting both devices.

3. Making sure that CD- and DVD-devices and IOS-devices is checked under the sidebar tab in the Finder settings.

4. Cleaning both all cable connectors and ports of lint.

5. Entering "sudo killall -STOP -c usbd" in terminal.

6. Entering "sudo kill com.apple.usbmuxd" in terminal.

7. Calling support, they asked me to boot in safe mode and try all the above steps, which didn't work.


I never get the message if I trust this device on either of the phones when connecting to my mac.


Both deviced can connect to my Windows PC properly, with the same cables and adapter. Connecting external memory works fine and it shows up in finder right away. Does anyone have any idea how to fix this

iPhone 12

Posted on Dec 27, 2023 11:52 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 27, 2023 4:57 PM

With Apple Silicon Macs you also have to make sure that USB devices are allowed & approved when connecting anything to a USB-C port. I have found it is easiest for me to configure the "Allow accessories to connect" in the Privacy & Security System Settings to "Always when unlocked", otherwise I find it gets in the way or can even get in the way for some jobs since sometimes I found the notification does not always display or the notification gets overlayed by another window before I noticed the notification.

Allow accessories to connect to Mac - Apple Support


5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 27, 2023 4:57 PM in response to carlandrn

With Apple Silicon Macs you also have to make sure that USB devices are allowed & approved when connecting anything to a USB-C port. I have found it is easiest for me to configure the "Allow accessories to connect" in the Privacy & Security System Settings to "Always when unlocked", otherwise I find it gets in the way or can even get in the way for some jobs since sometimes I found the notification does not always display or the notification gets overlayed by another window before I noticed the notification.

Allow accessories to connect to Mac - Apple Support


Jan 3, 2024 9:21 AM in response to carlandrn

I have the same issue. I can see my iPhone on another MacBook in Finder. Also I can see my iPhone on my MacBook in Xcode. But in Finder I can't see any iOS device.

It worked a month or two ago.

(Of course, CD- and DVD-devices and IOS-devices is checked under the sidebar tab in the Finder settings.)

Please help. It looks like some Finder component is broken :(

Jan 21, 2024 7:05 PM in response to carlandrn

I used to be able to connect my iPhone to my MacBook air running Big Sur using USB. Now nothing is working. My phone doesn't show up at all in Finder. I've tried everything suggested on Apple support as well as other websites, but so far nothing has worked. So frustrating. I have tried 4 different USB cables and both ports. Rebooted both devices twice. Trusted the device. Ensured there are no updates. 2 hours later nothing but wasted time.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

MacBook Air doesn't detect Iphone (other accessories work fine)

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.