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Iphone 17 not recognised in Tahoe 26.2

Since updating my Mac to Tahoe 26.2 I cannot connect my iPhone 17 via Bluetooth. My phone says it isn't supported even though it shows up in the bluetooth search.


I have tried following suggestions of choosing 'Always ask" in Mac 'Accessories' settings in Passwords and security doesn't seem to be available to me. I have done this in my iPhone settings though.


I can connect via cable and it shows up on my Mac but I can't use handoff or Airdrop anymore, nor mirroring.


Anyhelp out there is welcome! TIA.

3 replies

The current version of macOS Tahoe is 26.7.1. Based on your post you are running an older version, so the first step is to update your Mac to the current version.



Your Mac can support macOS 27 Golden Gate, as well.


See: Update macOS on Mac - Apple Support


Macs and iPhones have never 'paired' via Bluetooth, so even though you may see it as a device in System Settings > Bluetooth, you cannot connect that way. Bluetooth is used for features like handoff and AirDrop, but it's behind the scenes, so to speak.


To fix iPhone 17 connectivity, handoff, AirDrop, and mirroring issues, you need to refresh your Continuity and AirPlay settings and reset network configurations on both devices. 


Fix iPhone Mirroring and Handoff

If iPhone Mirroring or Handoff is broken after a Tahoe update, toggling the continuity feature forces the Mac and iPhone handshake to reinitialize:

  • On your iPhone, open Settings > General > AirPlay & Continuity.
  • Turn off Handoff, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.
  • Check your Mac to see if the iPhone Mirroring app or option re-registers.
  • Ensure both your Mac and iPhone are signed in with the same Apple Account and have both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. 


Reset Network and Bluetooth Settings on iPhone

An "isn't supported" error can stem from corrupted network handshakes introduced during OS updates:

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
  • Enter your passcode to confirm. (Note: this resets saved Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth pairings, so you will need to rejoin them).
  • Restart both your Mac and your iPhone 17


I have an iPhone 14 Pro running iOS 27.0.1, and the connectivity features (Handoff, Universal Clipboard, AirDrop, etc.) work fine in both directions with my M1 Pro MBP running Tahoe 26.7.1 and my M4 Pro MBP running Golden Gate 27.0.1.

Direct pairing over bluetooth between an iPhone and a Mac is not, and has never been supported nor is it required for anything. You will not be able to pair them directly and will always get that message.


Handoff, mirroring and other continuity features have not ever and do not currently need you to directly pair the iPhone to the Mac over bluetooth. All they need is for bluetooth to be turned on, on both devices.


click here ➜ Continuity features and requirements for Apple devices - Apple Support


click here ➜ Use Handoff to continue tasks on your other Apple devices - Apple Support



FYI: the AI generated answer above unfortunately is mostly wrong and fails to address the actual issue.

Thank you. I updated the Mac (Golden Gate) restarted everything and checked all the settings and it all works now.