Source: Bryan M. Wolfe / iMore
If your Mac is running macOS Catalina and you've connected your iPhone to that Mac, you'll know that you can now manage things like iPhone backup and syncing through the Finder, rather than through the apps formerly known as iTunes.
Sometimes, you might run into a situation where the Finder doesn't recognize your device. This can be a problem for people who absolutely rely on manual backups, but there are steps you can take to get your device working with your Mac again.
How to troubleshoot your Mac not recognizing your iPhone or iPad
The first thing you'll want to check if your Mac isn't recognizing your iPhone is to make sure that its USB ports are still working properly. Unplug everything except your device from your Mac then test every port with the cable plugged into your iPhone.
But while the problem could relate to a hardware issue, there's also likely a software issue, too. If you've tried all of your USB ports and your iPhone or iPad still isn't showing up, you can check to see if your iPhone shows up in the System Information rundown. Here's how:
- Plug your iPhone or iPad into your Mac.
- Click the Apple logo on your Mac.
While holding down the Option key (maybe Alt on some keyboards), click System Information.
Source: iMore
Click USB in the sidebar.
Source: iMore
If your iPhone shows up under the USB menu, that means that your Mac is registering the iPhone as connected, but macOS is, for whatever reason, not. To rectify this, you'll need to make sure you've updated macOS to its latest version.
How to get your iPhone or iPad to show in the Finder
If you've gone through the troubleshooting steps and your device still isn't showing in the Finder sidebar, here's what you can do about it.
- Plug your iPhone or iPad into your Mac.
- Click Finder in the Menu bar.
Click Preferences.
Source: iMore
- Click the Sidebar tab.
Click the checkbox next to CDs, DVDs, and iOS Devices to check it if the box is empty. If the box is already checked, still click it to uncheck it and wait a few seconds.
Source: iMore
Click the checkbox next to CDs, DVDs, and iOS Devices again to check it off and wait a few minutes.
Source: iMore
After a few minutes, your iPhone or iPad should appear in the sidebar of the Finder under Locations.
Your troubleshooting tips
Do you have any great troubleshooting tips that you use with your Mac? Let us know in the comments.
- Common iPhone problems and how to fix them
- How to fix battery life problems
- How to fix Bluetooth problems
- How to fix AirDrop problems
- How to fix charging problems
- How to fix random shutdowns
- How to fix Apple Pencil problems
- How to fix HomeKit problems
- How to fix Apple TV problems
- How to fix random freezes
- How to fix Apple Music problems

What was it like working on the set of 'Cherry'?
I worked on the set of the film 'Cherry' which will be released on Apple TV+ on March 12. It was a pretty incredible experience; here's what it was like behind the scenes.

March 23 Apple event could bring AirTags, new iPad Pro, AirPods, Apple TV
Apple might be set to lift the lid on a ton of new hardware.

Apple VR leak suggests 2022 release date, key features
A new research note from Apple supply chain guru Ming-Chi Kuo indicates Apple's VR headset is coming next year, and will be highly integrated with products like Apple TV+ and Apple Arcade.

The super slim cases that will have your iPhone 12 feeling almost naked
You don't have to hide that sleek, shiny iPhone 12 in a big ugly case. Find the right ultra-slim case that provides basic protection and a minimal look.