Can't connect Sequoia Mac to other older Macs on LAN

Question

Can't connect Sequoia Mac to other older Macs on LAN

I have three Macs on the same network, most recent "main" Mac running Sequoia 15.6. The previous one was running Catalina and we had no problems connecting to the other 2. Now with Sequoia, every time I try to connect to either of the Macs, I get Connection Failed error. Computers have File Sharing enabled. There are no firewalls or VPN's. I've searched multiple websites for an answer and none of the "fixes" has worked, and it appears this is a known issue without a clear fix? It doesn't seem like it should be that hard. Thanks.

Mac mini, macOS 15.6

Posted on Aug 13, 2025 03:30 PM

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Answer 1

den.thed

Level 10

88,750 points

Aug 13, 2025 04:19 PM in response to MrDigitalGraphics

In addition to File Sharing.

see > Set up file sharing on Mac - Apple Support

Turn on Screen Sharing and see if you can connect to the reluctant Mac that way.

see > Share the screen of another Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 2

Aug 13, 2025 05:44 PM in response to den.thed

Thanks. I apologize I left out some info. I'm trying to connect to access shared folders on the other 2 Macs. Don't need to access apps or anything else, just get the shared folders mounted on the desktop of the Sequoia machine. Like I mentioned, the sharing has been working fine for many years with the Catalina machine.

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

88,750 points

Aug 13, 2025 06:12 PM in response to MrDigitalGraphics

Hmm... I have no problem connecting to my 2012 Mac mini media server running Catalina from either of our macOS 15.6 desktops.

Take a look at > Connect your Mac to shared computers and servers - Apple Support

and > If your Mac can’t connect to another computer - Apple Support

A few other things that can block sharing are:

Recent changes to the Firewall settings on any of the Mac's.

Recent changes to the Privacy & Security settings on any of the Mac's.

Recent installation of third-party AV-ware, Protection-ware or a VPN on any of the Mac's.

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Answer 4

Aug 14, 2025 06:22 AM in response to den.thed

Double checked the links you referenced, and more weirdness. I have an M2 MacMini at home on Sequoia and can connect to an older MacMini no problem. I've compared the settings between it and the identical M2 MacMini at the office and it appears all the settings are the same, and yet we continue to get the Connection Failed error. Nothing was changed on the 2 older MacMinis at the office since connecting wasn't a problem on the Catalina machine. I just can't figure what I'm missing. No new Firewalls, VPNs, etc. Pulled the Catalina Mac, connected the Sequoia Mac, and now this. I figured I would some kind of issues reloading apps etc, but never thought this would be happening.

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Answer 5

markwmsn

Level 6

16,613 points

Aug 23, 2025 10:42 AM in response to MrDigitalGraphics

Some clarifying questions, if I may.

Has this 'most recent "main" Mac running Sequoia 15.6' ever been able to reach the other two Macs, or has it failed from its installation (or some update)?

What version(s) of macOS run on the other two Macs?

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Answer 6

Barney-15E

Level 10

121,238 points

Aug 24, 2025 02:37 AM in response to MrDigitalGraphics

I have a weird issue with a mesh WiFi router (TP-Link Deco). If the two Macs are connected through the same base, they cannot connect. AppleTV remote won’t see the AppleTV if on the same base.

If you have a mesh WiFi network, try forcing one of the Macs to connect to a different base.

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Answer 7

Aug 24, 2025 03:18 PM in response to markwmsn

Thanks markwmsn, it's been a problem ever since I recently purchased the used 2023 with a fresh install of Sequoia. The MacMinis I'm trying to connect to are older machines with OS 10.16.7 and 10.11.6. I had an IT guy on the phone for 2 hours and didn't make any progress. The crazy thing is I have another 2023 with Sequoia (I was using at home) that connects just fine. So I swapped it to use on the network at the office and all is fine. I brought the finicky one home to use, as I don't have to worry about connecting to other machines. So It all worked out ... after transferring emails, updating apps, etc, etc. Working with Macs since 1992 and never had a situation like this. Just kind of crazy.

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