Syncing AND Saving iPhone 16 Plus to iMac running OS 15.10.7 with USB-C to USB-A cable. iPhone NOT showing in Finder Window. Help

I have an iPhone 16 Plus. I want to Sync AND Save it to my iMac which runs on OS 10.15.7 (Catalina). [This OS is NOT upgradeable on my iMac]. I have a USB-C to USB-A cable. I attached iPhone to iMac but nothing shows up in Finder Window. Help.

iPhone 16 Plus

Posted on Dec 26, 2025 9:35 PM

Reply
3 replies

Dec 26, 2025 10:29 PM in response to Figgy

Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.


Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning-based accessories.


You may try this (The suggestion is intended as a guide to help you find the right options and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or promotion of any product. Please conduct your own research and make an informed purchasing decision.) --> Apple Mfi-Certified, Type C Female to Lightning Male OTG ...




Dec 26, 2025 10:30 PM in response to Figgy

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. Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.
    1. Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning-based accessories.
  5. 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.
    1. Update Over-the-Air (OTA) —> Update your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support (IN)
    2. Update using iTunes/Finder —> Update your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support (IN)
  6. 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. About the “Trust This Computer” alert message on your ...
  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. --> If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod ...
  8. Reset your iPhone's settings: If the issue persists, you can try resetting your iPhone's settings. Go to Settings > General > Transfer & Reset > 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. Return iPhone settings to their defaults - Apple Support (IN)
  9. 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. Update macOS on Mac
  10. 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.

Dec 27, 2025 4:07 AM in response to Figgy

Make sure that you are using a cable that is designed to carry data.


There are some charging cables that just have the 5V power pins connected. If you plug an iPhone in using one of those, the iPhone may start charging off the 5V power from the Mac, but the iPhone and Mac won't be able to see each other.


Also make sure that Finder > Preferences is set up to show iPhones in the sidebars of Finder windows.

Syncing AND Saving iPhone 16 Plus to iMac running OS 15.10.7 with USB-C to USB-A cable. iPhone NOT showing in Finder Window. Help

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