If iPhone is not showing up in the Finder on your Mac, you won’t be able to backup your device to Mac, transfer photos, install updates and perform certain troubleshooting steps on your iPhone.
The problem of iPhone not showing in Finder on Mac could be due to various reasons, ranging from minor software glitches, problem with the USB Port, USB Hub or the USB cable being damaged to other reasons.
iPhone Not Showing in Finder on Mac
In most cases, you should be able to fix the problem of iPhone not showing up in the Finder on Mac using the following troubleshooting steps.
1. Unlock iPhone
The Finder on Mac won’t be able to recognize your device, if it is not unlocked. Simply, unlock your device and it should show up in the Finder sidebar.
2. Plug iPhone to Another Port
Sometimes, the problem is due to the USB port or USB Hub becoming faulty. To rule out this possibility, plug iPhone into another port on your Mac and see if it appears in the Finder.
3. Inspect Lightning Cable
Inspect the lightning cable to see if it is twisted, broken or damaged. Sometimes, the lightning cable can stop working, even if it is not showing any signs of being broken or damaged.
To rule out this possibility, try to connect iPhone to another computer or connect iPhone to Mac using another lightning cable.
4. Trust Computer on iPhone
Due to a security feature in iOS, you won’t be able to access iPhone on any computer, unless the computer has been trusted on your iOS device.
1. Unplug iPhone from the Mac.
2. Wait for 30 seconds > Plug the iPhone back into Mac.
3. You should now see “Trust This Computer?” pop-up on the screen of your iPhone.
4. Tap on the Trust option and this should make the iPhone show up in the Finder window.
5. Restart iPhone and Mac
Before going with other troubleshooting steps, it is good idea to Restart both iPhone and Mac to rule out the possibility of the problem being due to a stuck app or process.
On Mac: Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and select the Restart option in the drop-down menu.
On iPhone: Go to Settings > General > scroll down and tap on Shut Down.
After restarting both device, connect iPhone to Mac and see if it now showing up in the Finder sidebar on your Mac.
6. Change Finder Preferences
1. Open the Finder on your Mac > click on the Finder tab in top-menu bar and select Preferences in the drop-down menu.
2. On Finder Preferences screen, switch to Sidebar tab and select CDs, DVDs, and iOS Devices option.
Hopefully, you should now your iPhone showing up in the Finder on your Mac.
7. Update iPhone
The problem could be due to a pending update waiting to be installed on your iPhone.
1. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
2. On the software update screen, tap on Download and Install (If an update is available).
8. Update Mac
Similarly, certain features on Mac can temporarily stop working or get stuck due a pending macOS update.
1. Click on Apple Logo in top-menu bar and select System Preferences in the drop-down menu.
2. On the next screen, click on Software Update Icon and install Updates (if available).