iPhone not connecting to MacBook

Question

Level 1

4 points

iPhone not connecting to MacBook

Hi, my iPhone 13 has suddenly stopped being recognised by my MacBook Air 2020.

I have tried multiple official Apple cables which charge my iPhone from the mains with no issues.

Both USB-C ports on the MacBook work for charging and it recognises external hard drives, so fairly confident the ports are ok.

The software on both devices has been updated. When I plug in my phone to the MacBook the battery icon flashes then nothing (battery health on both devices is good). I have tried a different iPhone and that isn’t recognised/won’t charge either.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Aug 3, 2025 12:40 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Aug 3, 2025 12:56 PM in response to Ian398

Although you do not mention it, we assume that you have Shut Down the Mac and then restarted it.....correct?

Have you performed a Forced Restart on the iPhone? Force restart iPhoneApple Support Official Apple Support › guide › iphone › ios

Have you updated the operating system on the Mac and/or the iPhone recently?

What iOS version is installed on the iPhone?

Do you have a VPN installed on the iPhone?

Do you have a friend with a Mac that you could try to see if the iPhone is recognized that way?

If not, you can find a list of authorized Apple service shops in your area using this link: Find Locations

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Answer 2

Ian398 Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 3, 2025 01:24 PM in response to Bob Timmons

Yes, I’ve restarted both devices multiple times and reset Network settings.

I updated both devices’ operating systems this morning - phone is running iOS 18.6, MacBook is on Sequoia 15.6.

I have deleted VPN apps and associated settings/configurations

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Answer 3

sberman

Level 10

271,480 points

Aug 3, 2025 12:47 PM in response to Ian398

See this article.

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

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