iPhone disconnects from Mac mini when backing up

When I plug my iphone 13 into my Mac Mini using the standard Apple cable, I get a "phone has been disconnected" error as soon as I try to back the phone up. I've tried multiple cables, restarting both the computer and the phone; and maybe the strangest part is that it doesn't actually disconnect - I can still see the device there on my desktop.

Mac mini, macOS 14.6

Posted on Dec 5, 2024 05:56 PM

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Posted on Jan 18, 2025 05:47 AM

I have a similar issue when importing photos from iPhone 13 via Image Capture and Photos app. In Image Capture the phone almost automatically disconnects and is not showing up in the app (but still showing in Finder), in Photos app I'm able to download a few photos and then it disconnects (not showing in the app but showing in Finder). It used to work just fine a few months ago.


I reset my iPhone privacy settings, restarted Mac and iPhone, I don't have a security software that could interfere with the transfer. The only change that occurred both on MacBook and iPhone would be updating the software...

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 18, 2025 05:47 AM in response to tigerstripes8

I have a similar issue when importing photos from iPhone 13 via Image Capture and Photos app. In Image Capture the phone almost automatically disconnects and is not showing up in the app (but still showing in Finder), in Photos app I'm able to download a few photos and then it disconnects (not showing in the app but showing in Finder). It used to work just fine a few months ago.


I reset my iPhone privacy settings, restarted Mac and iPhone, I don't have a security software that could interfere with the transfer. The only change that occurred both on MacBook and iPhone would be updating the software...

Dec 5, 2024 10:37 PM in response to tigerstripes8

tigerstripes8 Said:

"iPhone disconnects from Mac mini when backing up: When I plug my iphone 13 into my Mac Mini using the standard Apple cable, I get a 'phone has been disconnected' error as soon as I try to back the phone up. I've tried multiple cables, restarting both the computer and the phone; and maybe the strangest part is that it doesn't actually disconnect - I can still see the device there on my desktop."

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Boot your Mac in Safe Mode:

When you boot a Mac in Safe Mode, it login items down open at login.


Remove Security Software:

Any Security Software Installed? When plumbing something in, and it is bounced back, then it is likely being blocked out through use of a Firewall. So, uninstall the Security Software (using the correct uninstaller), and then see if this no longer occurs.

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iPhone disconnects from Mac mini when backing up

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