Cannot turn on file sharing

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Level 1

23 points

Cannot turn on file sharing

I'm using macOS Catalina 10.15.7 on a MacBook Pro.

I want to share files with my other computers on the local WiFi network.

I have read the support articles and they all start with the step "Select the File Sharing checkbox." but this is the step I cannot complete.

When I try to check the check box it does not become checked.

Screenshot below:

For info, I can see this computer when I browse the network on my other computer, but only the screen sharing option is active at the moment.

MacBook Pro 15″

Posted on Nov 24, 2022 12:25 PM

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Answer 1

billtubbs Author

Level 1

23 points

Dec 1, 2022 09:18 AM in response to billtubbs

I had a call with Apple support and they couldn't figure out why it doesn't work but they did find this post which has a potential solution involving manually turning on file sharing using Terminal app:

Cannot Turn File Sharing On - Apple Community

Haven't tried it yet but I will.

116 people say they had this problem.

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Answer 2

lexOS1

Community Specialist

Nov 26, 2022 12:57 PM in response to billtubbs

Hi billtubbs,

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities. It looks like you came from the following support article: Set up file sharing on Mac - Apple Support (CA)

If you are unable to turn on file sharing, here are a few steps to help:

1. Restart your device to see if the issue is still there: Shut down or restart your Mac - Apple Support

2. Confirm that your device is using the most recent software to rule out the older one: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support

3. Try the steps here to see if they help: Connect your Mac to shared computers and servers - Apple Support (CA)

4. Contact Apple Support here if you need further support: Contact - Official Apple Support

Have a great day.

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Answer 3

billtubbs Author

Level 1

23 points

Nov 30, 2022 09:35 AM in response to lexOS1

Thanks. I tried those suggestions.

Restarting - no change, still doesn't work
I can't upgrade from Catalina to a newer operating system because it is not supported for my devices (2012 / 2013 machines)
When I open networks in Finder, there is nothing showing (I can't enable File Sharing on my 2012 Mac Mini with Catalina either).

I will try contacting support.

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Cannot turn on file sharing

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