Q: Why can I not see my iPhone on my laptop

but there is a photo I would like to retrieve.

Do you have access to a Windows PC? If so connect your phone to a USB port, open the Windows File Manager, and under Devices you will see the phone as a folder. Expand all subfolders and under the DCIM folder(s) (there may be more than one) you will see your photos. You can then select the photo you want and just copy it.

so much for that, amigo - buenos noches - ÇÇÇ

RPMELLORS wrote:

 

To be honest I do not connect my phone to my Mac Book Pro normally but there is a photo I would like to retrieve.  I would have thought I would be able to see it as an external drive.

Email it to yourself, open it on the MBP.

RPMELLORS wrote:

 

What gets me is why do I have to use something else and not just plug and play?

It is if you use any of the software designed to do that, Preview, Image Capture, Photos, iPhoto, iTunes.

Igualmente...  

..............

From your Bio:  "Occupation: Retired & Alzheimer's Caregiver"

Bless your heart, thank you...  mil veces!

there is a photo I would like to retrieve.

iTunes is not used to move photos from the phone to the computer.  The simplest way is via Image Capture

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH17894

You also could mail the photo from the phone to the Mac.

Same Bio page, see ŒHomepage¹ - bottom of that first page Œmain frame¹ - I

have ³NEWS²

Thanx for the blessing I receive it.

RPMELLORS wrote:

 

I do not use cloud it is insecure.

Actually, it is not insecure. And if you don't use it that means that you cannot use Find my iPhone.

RP, as Lawrence said above I do not believe iCloud is insecure. IMO it is as secure as anything on the web these days. I use it to a limited extent, certainly for Find my iPhone/iPad which I believe are essential. I was told by an AppleCare rep that Find my iPhone has reduced he number of iPhone thefts in New York City dramatically (he said by a third) as thieves now know that they can be traced and that the phone will be useless.