iPhone won't back up to MacBook Pro after updating to iOS 18.7.2

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Level 1

9 points

iPhone won't back up to MacBook Pro after updating to iOS 18.7.2

iPhone 11 iOS 18.7.2, MacBook Pro OS Sonoma 14.8.2

Since updating the phone to 18.7.2 over a week ago, the MacBook cannot "find" the phone to back it up or to update music/photos/etc.

When I plug the phone in, Finder shows the phone in the sidebar and the phone charges, but Finder whirls while it searches for the phone and eventually returns the error "The selected device could not be found." If I unplug the phone without ejecting it from the finder, the laptop does not complain/warn that I did it wrong. Meanwhile, in Photos, the laptop does see the photos on the phone and allows me to import/delete them.

I have tried multiple USB cables only to get the same result.

(I have not updated the laptop or the phone to the latest OS for various reasons. I'm still holding on to the music program Finale, which will stop working entirely if I go to OS 26, and I'm wary of all the "improvements" in iOS 26, though I'll probably make that switch soon.)

I prefer not to use iCloud for this purpose and in fact would not have the room to do so even if I wanted to. I'm looking for a locally based solution.

iPhone 11, iOS 18

Posted on Dec 3, 2025 1:05 PM

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Answer 1

6x6

Level 6

19,251 points

Dec 4, 2025 11:02 AM in response to dalelyles

See if this discussion can help: https://www.reddit.com/r/applehelp/comments/ix9p1p/iphone_xs_recognized_in_findermusic_but_the/.

It seems that VPNs may cause this type of issue.

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Answer 2

dalelyles Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 4, 2025 11:34 AM in response to 6x6

I looked — I had already turned off the VPN on the laptop and was surprised to find a VPN on the phone that wouldn't turn off. Seems it was part of an AT&T networking app. I deleted it. Restarted the phone.

Alas, same result: "The selected device could not be found."

I'm thinking the next step is to go ahead and update to iOS 26 and see if it helps.

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Answer 3

Dec 4, 2025 3:26 AM in response to dalelyles

It's not always the iOS update's fault! Many things can cause phone problems. If you tell people you think it's an iOS update, it might make it harder to fix or find a solution for the real issue.

Remember, the right question often leads to the solution!

Was/Is your device Jailbroken? If that's the situation, please be informed that attributing the issues to iOS updates may not be accurate.

iOS updates aim to enhance user experience, boost security, and fix bugs rather than disrupt core features. The majority of the issues after updates might stem from underlying, unmentioned factors. Updates won't typically alter personal data but may refine settings or features. Backup before major updates for safety. Review Apple's update details and backup advice for a smooth process.

Kindly consider checking your settings and addressing any device issues before attributing the issue to external factors. This could be a pure coincidence that the iOS update affected the iPhone functions.

Before initiating a standard iOS update, it's advisable to create a backup. Have you completed this step? If yes, proceed with the restoration from the backup.

See what each update does: OS — iOS 26, About iOS 18 Updates, About iOS 17 Updates, About iOS 16 Updates, About iOS 15 Updates, About iOS 14 Updates, About iOS 13 Updates, About iOS 12 Updates, and so on...

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Answer 4

Dec 4, 2025 3:26 AM in response to dalelyles

Search for accessories that have completed MFi certification. Once an accessory has completed MFi certification requirements and is reported to Apple as sold/distributed, it will be searchable in our public database of authorized Lightning, headset, charging, iAP-enabled, and Find My network-enabled accessories.

Learn how to identify counterfeit or uncertified Lightning-based accessories.

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Answer 5

dalelyles Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 4, 2025 8:31 AM in response to SravanKrA

The phone is not jailbroken.

I backed up the phone about every other day to the laptop. The day I updated the iOS, it balked.

I may not have made myself clear, that when I plug the phone in, the Finder window shows me this:

The usual back up/restoration/sync information is not there.

What's the next step?

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Answer 6

Dec 4, 2025 11:16 AM in response to dalelyles

Guess I am wondering how a "selected device" cannot be found, if the Mac did not recognize the device in the first place to allow it to be selected.

But, I'll continue to poke around on a Mac desktop running Sonoma 15.7.2 with an older iPhone 11 running iOS 18.7.2 to see if I can find anything.

Have you considered updating the OS on the Mac?

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Answer 7

dalelyles Author

Level 1

9 points

Dec 4, 2025 11:36 AM in response to Bob Timmons

Not until I'm sure I don't need 30 years of Finale music files. (I've exported them all into .musicxml files, but...)

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