My iPhone won't pair with my MacBook after Sonoma update

I just updated my OS to Sonoma and now my phone (which recognizes my MacBook) won't pair with my MacBook


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook, OS X 10.11

Posted on Sep 30, 2023 06:37 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 2, 2023 08:54 PM

None of these options worked

12 replies

Sep 30, 2023 06:44 PM in response to GeoffMV

GeoffMV Said:

"bluetooth pairing: I just updated my OS to Sonoma and now my phone (which recognizes my MacBook) won't pair with my MacBook"

-------


Troubleshooting Mac Bluetooth:


About "Reset the Bluetooth Module":

See my User Tip: Use "Reset the Bluetooth module" to Fix Constant Bluetooth Disconnections - User Tip. Looking at my first comment on it, recommended to Apple that they bring this option back. They canned Reset the Bluetooth Module in Monterey's release.


What else to do:

Try the following, in the order provided...

  • Boot in Safe Mode:

[Hold Down: shift key, upon boot], In Safe ModeLogin Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in to Safe Mode, wait for 30 seconds, and then boot up normally, attempting another sync.


  • Try a New Admin User:

What happens when you create a new administrator user, and log int it? Do you still get this error? If not, then it is likely an error with the current user. If so, then it is likely an error with your macOS.


as a last resort...


  • Reinstall the macOS:

Go Here: How to Reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - Apple Support

Important: First, Back Up your Mac:

Create a Time Machine backup of your Mac, so that you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong with the reinstall. Take this as a learning experience, knowing to always create a backup of your Mac, prior to making any major changes to it (i.e. update installation)

Mar 2, 2024 10:13 AM in response to PasSteCyr

PasSteCyr wrote:

To Apple customers care:
I have the same issue: my iPhone8 is no more recognized from my IMAC24, short after SONOMA update.
The physical connection is achieved though direct cable, as before. The cable is tested and ok.

Since you propose the upgrade, it is quite abnormal to encounter this type of issues.
May be you should take a look on the automated test units... the non-regression objective is a must.

I spent 1 hour to this upgrade: as result I have to face a problem I didn't have before.

I hope who will spent the same amount of time to find a workaround and let us all know about.

Yours faithfully
Pascal

We are not "Apple customer care." This is a community of end users like you gathered for mutual tech support. Apple will not see this here.


If you prefer that an Apple employee see your concern, you must use one of these feedback links:


Feedback - iPhone - Apple


Feedback - macOS - Apple






Feb 1, 2024 07:58 AM in response to GeoffMV

Yes, I had the same issue with a new macbook pro, on Sonoma: where's the iphone? I get asked to trust the computer, but it's nowhere. iphone was connected via cable. Here's what worked for me: Go to Finder Settings. Make sure the New finder windows chooses MacIntosh HD, Not your other name etc. Jim's macbook etc won't work. You can also try double-clicking on the HD icon on your desktop and the iphone should appear in the sidebar. When I had my name+macbook pro, the only way the iphone came up was after double-clicking the hard drive. By selecting Macintosh HD in Finder settings, the iphone appeared, along with access and backup tools, information, etc. I hope this helps!

Mar 2, 2024 07:53 AM in response to GeoffMV

To Apple customers care:

I have the same issue: my iPhone8 is no more recognized from my IMAC24, short after SONOMA update.

The physical connection is achieved though direct cable, as before. The cable is tested and ok.


Since you propose the upgrade, it is quite abnormal to encounter this type of issues.

May be you should take a look on the automated test units... the non-regression objective is a must.


I spent 1 hour to this upgrade: as result I have to face a problem I didn't have before.


I hope who will spent the same amount of time to find a workaround and let us all know about.


Yours faithfully

Pascal

Mar 2, 2024 09:34 AM in response to PasSteCyr

Yes, same issue here, updated a MacBook Pro 16,1 to Sonoma, this was my usual machine to pair with my iPhone 8 for backups, music and so forth. Now, nothing shows up. What's up with this ? If I connect the phone to a different Mac Pro M1 machine, also on Sonoma, it says it can see the phone, but if I want to add any music to it, it claims it is going to wipe the phone clean since this isn't the usual paring machine.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

My iPhone won't pair with my MacBook after Sonoma update

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.