How to Fix iPad Not Showing Up In Finder (2026)

Are you encountering the iPad not showing up in the Finder problem? If your answer is YES, you are in the right place.

Finder is a software that allows users to create a local backup, copy files, change some accessibility settings, restore the device, and more.

Recently, it has been seen that some Mac users are encountering the issue while connecting their iPads using the Finder software.

If you are also facing the same problem and looking for a fix, look no further as we have you covered.

In this guide, we will show you how to fix the iPad not showing up in the Finder problem.

So, without any further ado let’s get started:

Table of Contents

How to Fix the iPad Not Showing Up In Finder Problem?

Here are some troubleshooting methods that will help you fix the iPad not showing up in the Finder problem.

Unlock Your iPad

When you connect your iPad to your Mac using the Finder then it only shows up in the conned device list if it is unlocked.

You may be encountering the iPad not showing up in the Finder problem because the iPad screen is locked.

So, make sure to connect your iPad with your Mac by unlocking the screen.

If the screen is locked then you need to unplug it, unlock the iPad, and then reconnect it again to check if it is showing up in the list.

If it still not showing up then you should wait before moving to the next method.

Set Finder to Show Your iPad

If you have accidentally disabled the show connected device setting then the Finder does not show any device in the list.

In that case, you should check the Finder settings and set it to show all connected devices.

To do so, use the steps mentioned below:

First, launch the Finder.
Then select Settings or Preferences.
Here, look for the “CDs, DVDs, and iOS Devices” option.
Once you find this option, enable it by clicking on the check box next to it.
That’s it.

Relaunch Finder

Sometimes finder does not show any connected device in the list because of the bugs and glitches.

Fortunately, these glitches are temporary and can be resolved by closing and relaunching the Finder.

If you have tried checking the Finder settings but still encountering the same problem, you should close and relaunch Finder.

Quit Other Apps On the Mac

In some cases, other applications running on the Mac conflict with the Finder functionality and prevent it from running properly.

If closing and relaunching the Finder app does not fix the problem, you should consider closing all the applications that are running in the background.

Once all applications are closed, go to Finder and check if the problem is fixed.

Check Port and Cable

It may be possible that you are facing this problem because the cable you are using to connect both devices is not working.

In that case, you should use another cable to connect your iPad to the Mac.

You can also consider switching to another port on your Mac to make sure the port you are using is working.

Allow Trust This Computer

Every time you connect your iPad with your Mac a pop-up will appear on your iPad screen that asks you to allow the Mac to access your device.

To perform anything such as transfer files, create backup, and more you need to allow your iPad to trust the computer.

If you select Don’t Trust then your iPad will not show up in the Finder.

So, make sure to allow your iPad to trust the computer before you start transferring files.

Reset Your iPad’s Remembered List of Trusted Computers

If you have accidentally selected the Don’t Trust option within the “Trust This Computer” pop-up then you can fix this problem by resetting your iPad’s remembered list of trusted computers.

Once you rest the list the “Trust This Computer” pop-up once again and you will be able to connect your iPad correctly.