Bluetooth pairing unsuccessful between iPhone 13 with iOS 18.4.1 and MacBook Pro with macOS 15.4.1

It seems like there's a one-way Bluetooth visibility issue where your iOS 18.4.1 device can see your macOS 15.4.1 device but not the other way around. This could be due to a few factors, including Bluetooth settings, device-specific glitches, or even potential bugs in the software versions. 

Here's a breakdown of potential causes and troubleshooting steps:

1. Bluetooth Settings and Discoverability:

• Mac's Bluetooth Visibility:
• Ensure your macOS 15.4.1 device is set to "Discoverable" in Bluetooth settings. This allows other devices to see it.
• Sharing Permissions:
• Check "Sharing" permissions on your Mac and ensure Bluetooth sharing is selected. 
• Bluetooth Icon:
• Verify that the Bluetooth icon in the Mac menu bar is not greyed out, which could indicate a temporary glitch. 

2. Device-Specific Issues:

• Restart Devices:
• A simple restart of both your iOS and macOS devices can often resolve temporary software glitches that might be interfering with Bluetooth connectivity. 
• Power Cycle:
• Try turning off both Bluetooth and Handoff on all devices, signing out of iCloud, and then back in after a power cycle. 
• Bluetooth Module Reset:
• On your Mac, you can attempt to reset the Bluetooth module by holding down the Shift and Option keys while clicking the Bluetooth icon in the menu bar. 

3. Software-Related Issues:

• Software Updates: Ensure both your iOS and macOS devices are up-to-date with the latest versions, as updates often include bug fixes and improvements. 
• Handoff: If you are experiencing issues with Handoff, try turning it off and back on on both devices. 
• Keychain: Make sure Keychain is enabled on both devices. 

4. Other Troubleshooting Steps:

• Verify/Repair Permissions:
• Run a disk utility check and repair on your Mac to ensure the system files are in good order.
• AirDrop:
• If AirDrop is working from Mac to iPhone/iPad but not the other way around, try using AirDrop to send something from the Mac to the iPhone/iPad.
• Consult Apple Support:
• If the issue persists after trying these steps, consult Apple Support for further assistance. 

In summary, start by ensuring both devices are discoverable and up-to-date. If the issue persists, try resetting the Bluetooth module on your Mac and consider contacting Apple Support for further troubleshooting,. 

CJGase wrote:

From the iphone, "Pairing Unsuccessful" "MacBook Pro is not supported."

As expected. iPhones and Macs do not support doing Bluetooth pairing with each other. They sometimes use Bluetooth to support features that let them work together – but not in a traditional pairing way.

There are a number of ways that iPhones and Macs can work together, including

• Synchronization through iCloud
• Synchronization through shared e-mail accounts. This can provide shared access to e-mail and associated calendars.
• Continuity features ( Continuity features and requirements for Apple devices - Apple Support )

CJGase wrote:

I know that bluetooth is necessary for AirDrop and I wish to be able to transfer files back and forth between devices.

BlueTooth is necessary, but not in a pairing sense. See:

Use AirDrop to send items to nearby Apple devices - Apple Support

How to use AirDrop on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Another way to transfer files is to copy them to iCloud Drive. That requires Internet access, but does not require Bluetooth access at all.

Set up iCloud Drive on all your devices - Apple Support

Share files and folders in iCloud Drive on iPhone - Apple Support

Work with folders and files in iCloud Drive - Apple Support

If you were talking abut photos and videos, you could use iCloud Photos to synchronize your iPhone's and Mac's photo libraries more directly.

CJGase wrote:

From the iphone, "Pairing Unsuccessful" "MacBook Pro is not supported."

That is correct.

You told us how you’re trying to do something - pairing two Apple devices which is not supported.

You should tell us what you’re trying to accomplish. There is very likely a way to proceed.

iPhone's DON'T pair with computers via Bluetooth, in a conventional sense of Bluetooth pairing. What is it you are trying to accomplish?

Air Drop does NOT require you to "pair" the devices.