Starting with macOS Catalina, users will no longer be able to use iTunes to sync their iPhone or iPad to their Mac. The Finder application is now intended for this purpose and has received enhanced capabilities. However, some users have complained about the inability to sync their iPhone or iPad with the Mac after updating it to macOS Catalina or later. The Finder simply doesn't recognize an iPhone or iPad connected to your computer.
If you are having this problem, then here are some tips to fix it. This will help you set up syncing with a Mac running newer versions of macOS.
After connecting your iPhone or iPad to your Mac, in the pop-up window, click Trust and enter the password on the screen of your mobile device to continue. Then follow the steps below. Try using different USB cables to connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer. This will help eliminate cable problems.
What if you can't sync iPhone or iPad with Finder on macOS?
Follow these simple steps in sequence and see if the Finder app on macOS Catalina sees your iPhone or iPad and can connect to it.
Turn on the display of connected iOS devices in Finder
1. Click on Finder → Preferences in the top menu.
2. In the Finder settings, go to " Sidebar ".
3. In the " Side Menu " tab, check the box next to "CDs, DVDs and iOS devices".
Otherwise, you won't be able to find your iPhone or iPad in the Finder sidebar if the display of these devices is not enabled in the settings.
Find and delete the settings file for the Finder application
1. Open the Finder app.
2. Click on Go → Go to Folder in the top menu.
3. Enter ~ / Library / Preferences / or ~ / Libraries / Preferences / and click Go.
4. Find the com.apple.finder.plist file and drag it to the trash can.
5. Restart the Finder application. Press the ⌥Option (Alt) key and right-click the Finder icon on the dock and select Restart.
6. Check if you can connect your iPhone or iPad to Finder.
Restart Finder and connect your iPhone or iPad again
1. Disconnect your iPhone or iPad from your Mac.
2. Restart the Finder application. Press the ⌥Option (Alt) key and right-click the Finder icon on the dock and select Restart.
3. Reconnect your iPhone or iPad using the cable.
4. Make sure the Finder app now detects your iPhone or iPad.
Reboot devices
Restart your iPhone (iPad) and Mac.
Based on experience, many users have experienced this problem due to the default Finder settings for displaying a connected iPhone or iPad are disabled.
See also:
- Launchpad on Mac: what it is and how to set it up correctly to use it.
- How to hide files and folders on Mac (macOS) from strangers: 3 ways.
- How to Record Video from Mac Screen (macOS): 2 Ways.
