Archive. This is an archive of the Apple Support Community. Discussions are being restored and soon you will be able to read and post here again.

iPad and iPhone cannot access Mac folders via SMB after macOS 27 update

SMB connection to server with iPadOS/ iOS/ MacOS (27)


  • Before updating to OS 27, I could access all folders and external drives attached to my Mac
  • After updating, I can’t access my desktop, documents, downloads folders, or attached drives
  • I can connect from both my iPad and iPhone, but not access these locations


I did the usual restarting of devices to no avail. An internet search (AI assisted) merely confirmed the existence of the problem (no solution).


MacBook Air M4

iPad Pro M5

iPhone 16 Pro Max

4 replies

To fix SMB file sharing issues after updating to macOS 27, reset your file sharing list and re-add the missing directories and drives.


The macOS 27 upgrade may have broken or unbound previously shared folder permissions during the upgrade process.


How to Fix SMB Access on macOS 27:


Disable and Clear File Sharing:

  • Open System Settings on your Mac.
  • Click General in the sidebar, then click Sharing.
  • Turn Off File Sharing


Remove and Re-add Shared Folders/Drives:

  • Click the Info (i) button next to File Sharing.
  • Select your shared folders (such as Desktop, Documents, Downloads) or attached external drives in the Shared Folders list, and click the minus (–) button to remove them.
  • Click the plus (+) button to re-add each folder or external drive.
  • Ensure user permissions for each item are set to Read & Write (or your preferred access level).


Re-enable File Sharing:

    • Turn File Sharing back On.
    • Click Options and make sure your user account is checked under Share files and folders using SMB. Re-enter your account password if prompted.


Reconnect from iPadOS / iOS:

    • Open the Files app on your iPad or iPhone.
    • Tap the three dots (...) at the top right of the Browse sidebar and select Connect to Server.
    • Enter your Mac's local IP address or hostname (smb://...) and sign in using your Mac username and password


More info from Apple: Set up SMB file sharing on Mac - Apple Support


Ensure the SMB file server (smbd) has full disk access permission.


System Settings > Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access


If smbd doesn’t show up in the full disk access list, there’s a way to add it, and then grant access.

Thanks. Problem solved.

Yep. Did so.