How to Sync iPhone to Mac

By Emma Chase Updated 01/16/2024

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

When you sync content from iPhone to Mac, not only do you safeguard things like photos, videos, and files against potential loss, you also make it easier to access those things on either device as you see fit. The process for how to sync iPhone to Mac is simple, but requires an extra step the first time you do it. We'll show you how to sync iPhone content to a Mac.

Related: How to Transfer Photos from iPhone to Computer (PC or Mac)

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Why You'll Love This Tip

  • Easily access iPhone photos, videos, and other files on your Mac.
  • Back up iPhone to Mac to ensure you never lose your iPhone data.

How to Sync iPhone to Mac with & without Cables

The first time you sync your iPhone to your Mac you will need to use a cable to connect the two. After the initial setup you can choose to activate syncing via Wi-Fi, which allows you to sync iPhone content to Mac without a cable. Follow the steps below to sync your iPhone to your Mac.

  1. Connect iPhone to Mac with a cable.
  2. Select Trust in the pop-up message on your iPhone.


     
  3. Enter your passcode if prompted.
  4. On your Mac, open Finder.

    open finder to sync iphone to mac
     
  5. Select your iPhone from the sidebar.

    select iphone from finder to sync iphone to mac
     
  6. Click Trust.

    select iphone from finder to sync iphone to mac
     
  7. Make sure you're on the General tab, then scroll down to the Options section.


     
  8. Check Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi.

    transfer file between iphone and mac on wifi
     
  9. Click Apply.

    apply settings to sync iphone to mac
     
  10. To set syncing options for each type of file or app, use the menu bar across the top and edit individual settings for the content you want to sync. 

    options for how to sync iphone to mac

By regularly syncing your iPhone to your Mac you can save time and frustration down the road, whether you need to quickly set up a new iPhone, access synced content on the other device, or prepare for a vacation by downloading certain content to the device you're bringing with you.

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Topics

How-To
iPhone
Mac
iCloud
iCloud Storage
Contacts
Files
Photos
Cloud Storage
Device Storage
Finder
Storage
Device Management
Productivity & Business

Author Details

Emma Chase's picture

Author Details

Emma Chase

Emma Chase is a freelance writer for iPhone Life. She has her Bachelors degree in Communication from the University of Northern Iowa. Emma has worked in many sectors in her professional career, including the higher education, finance, and nonprofit. Emma lives in small-town Iowa with her husband and two children. When she’s not geeking out over the newest Apple product or wrangling her kids, Emma enjoys a good book, crocheting, and trying new foods.