User level: Level 1 (4 points)So I tried factory resetting an iPhone 16 that I had on my older iMac made in late 2013, but it won't show up in finder. can old Macs not read usb-c devices?
Posted on Sep 20, 2026 8:54 AM
User level: Level 9 (55,707 points)Sep 20, 2026 12:04 PM in response to ATB_Combat
Your post seems to indicate that you have a 27" Late 2013 iMac running macOS 10.15.* (Catalina). That iMac has four USB-A ports that support USB 3.0. Your iPhone 16 has a USB-C port that supports USB 2.0.
You can convert USB protocol between USB-A and USB-C in either direction, so long as you are talking about USB 3.1 Gen 2 speed or less. So your Mac should be able to make a USB connection to your iPhone at USB 2.0 speeds.
If you are not seeing your iPhone show up in the sidebars of Finder windows, my suspicion would be that
User level: Level 10 (85,896 points)Sep 20, 2026 9:44 AM in response to ATB_Combat
Are you really running macOS 15 on the iMac as shown in yout equipment profiles? If OS version 14 or older, an attached iPhone or iPad needs to be managed with iTunes.
Have you tried different cables and adapters. Some aftermarket USB-A to ISB-C adapters can only handle charging, not data.
User level: Level 10 (131,878 points)Sep 21, 2026 8:55 AM in response to ATB_Combat
A recent version of iOS on that iPhone 16 can reset the phone without your needing a Mac at all.
How to factory reset your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
After it is done, it will boot to a setup screen as you first encountered when it was new.
User level: Level 9 (55,707 points)Sep 20, 2026 7:02 PM in response to ATB_Combat
Note that the OP later posted a similar thread
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Sep 21, 2026 6:04 PM in response to Allan Jones
I'm running macOS Catalina 10.15.8
User level: Level 1 (4 points)Sep 21, 2026 6:04 PM in response to VikingOSX
Thanks!
Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256361296