How do I back up my iPhone 13 promax to my laptop

BingBinns wrote:

my iPhone is not recognized in finder…when I first tried plugging in my iPhone to my laptop, Apple said it needed to download a file to connect, so I downloaded the file and finder still doesn’t recognize my iphone

There’s no separate manually-triggered download, that particular update happens in the background and either updates existing or adds new devices to those devices that Finder recognizes.

Or that update seemingly doesn’t happen, here.

Update macOS, connect the cable directly to the Mac and not via a hub or dock, restart macOS, and try again.

Here is what Apple suggests doing: If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

See this Apple article: How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

BingBinns wrote:

I am trying to back up my iPhone 13 promax to my 2013 Mac air laptop

how??

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with your Mac - Apple Support