My new iPhone 16 Plus running iOS 18.3.1 will not connect via bluetooth to my MacBook Pro running macOS Sequoia 15.3.1. I've tried using various cables to connect the iPhone but the MacBook still doesn't connect. Suggestions?
MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 15.3
iPhones and Macs do not support Bluetooth pairing with each other.
They normally work together via iCloud synchronization, connections to shared e-Mail accounts, Continuity features, etc. Some of the Continuity features may involve Bluetooth, but not in a pairing way.
Continuity features and requirements for Apple devices - Apple Support
That’s correct. Bluetooth pairing between an iPhone and a computer has never been supported.
As for a wired connection, are you using the cable that came with the phone?
Many 3rd party cables are charge only and do not carry data.
Then I guess my question is why the MacBook Pro running Sequoia won't connect to the hotspot on my iPhone when my personal MacBook Pro running Sonoma connects to the hotspot just fine. I appreciate all the input.
That was the problem. The iPhone didn't show up as an available network. I solved it by pulling down the WiFi list on the MBP and added the hotspot as "other network" using the user name and password of the hotspot. Thank you for the help!
This may help --> iPhone - Finder not Connecting to Mac - Apple Community
My iPhone pairs well via bluetooth to my other, personal, MacBook Pro (running macOS Sonoma 14.6.1) and allows me to join the iPhone hotspot. Not sure why the iPhone won't connect to my work MacBook Pro (running macOS Sequoia 15.3.1). Both laptops are on the same wifi network.
Thank you for the tips. Unfortunately none of that worked. I keep getting a message on my iPhone 16 Plus that the MacBook is not supported.
Pairing an iphone to a computer is not supported.
It is not necessary to do so to use the hotspot, handoff, continuity, airdrop, etc.
Are they both signed into the same Apple account?
What happens when you pull down the WiFi list on the MBP running sequoia and select the phone from the list of available networks?
You’re welcome. Glad it’s sorted out.
iPhone 16 Plus won't connect to MacBook Pro
