Can’t shut down laptop because devices won’t stop syncing

[Big Byte]

Hi, I have a 2020 M1 MBP running Sonoma 14.4.1; an iPad mini 6 running 17.4.1; and an iPhone SE running 17.4.1.

I can’t shut down my laptop because “an operation is still in progress on an iOS device”. As it appears, both of my devices have been stuck in a perpetual sync for a couple of days now. What I mean is that, in both Finder and the Music app, there is a constant spinning wheel next to a device’s name.

In Finder, when I click on the device, the screen shows nothing (see 1st Pic); attempting to “eject” the device has no affect.



In Music, when I click on the device, the screen perpetually shows “Loading”, but the “Sync Settings” option remains greyed-out (see 2nd Pic). Similar to Finder, attempting to “eject” the device has no affect. Clicking on the info button next to the “Syncing” button at the bottom of Music pulls up a menu that says “Updating My iPad” but clicking on the “x” also has no effect (see 3rd Pic).





This has happened before to my iPhone. When it has happened, a fix that always worked was to turn off my iPhone, plug it directly into the laptop, and then turn it back on. I’ve tried that with both devices, but my MBP remains in a perpetual sync mode.

I’ve searched the net, and one temporary fix is to force quit the “MDCrashReport” in Activity Monitor. I’ve searched for this, but can’t find it.

So, I’m at a loss as to how to resolve this issue. I’ve also read suggestions to log out of iCloud on both devices, but thought I would seek information on here before I do.

Any idea how to resolve this?

Thanks.

 

[Jimmysb]

Maybe a silly response but what is wrong with the off button.

 

[IWT]

Not silly, Jim B. One can Force Quit on any Apple product if necessary.
Maybe the OP can tell us if he/she has tried this. If the OP doesn't know how to Force Quit, we can advise how.

Ian

 

[Big Byte]

Maybe a silly response but what is wrong with the off button.

Not a silly response, silly me for not thinking of that! That did the trick. Thank-you!

 

[Rod]

Honestly Big Byte, wireless syncing has never worked well for me. I've tried it and abandoned it a number of times over the years both with Finder and iMazing.
In the end I have just settled on syncing to iCloud when the device is locked and charging, usually over night and syncing via cable maybe once a week.

The MDCrashReportTool has been an issue for some, as much with cable connection as wireless but you will only find it during a Sync and even then I usually have to search (in the search box) for it. Unless your sync via cable stalls it probably doesn't apply to you.
Here is the long, ongoing thread about it; Summary of Issues: MDCrashReportTool, Bac… - Apple Community

My advice would be to abandon wireless syncing unless it usually works for you.

 

[Big Byte]

Honestly Big Byte, wireless syncing has never worked well for me. I've tried it and abandoned it a number of times over the years both with Finder and iMazing.
In the end I have just settled on syncing to iCloud when the device is locked and charging, usually over night and syncing via cable maybe once a week.

The MDCrashReportTool has been an issue for some, as much with cable connection as wireless but you will only find it during a Sync and even then I usually have to search (in the search box) for it. Unless your sync via cable stalls it probably doesn't apply to you.
Here is the long, ongoing thread about it; Summary of Issues: MDCrashReportTool, Bac… - Apple Community

My advice would be to abandon wireless syncing unless it usually works for you.

Admittedly, I do sometime have problems with wireless syncing, where, what usually happens is, I click on a device in Finder or Music to start a sync, but can't do it because of "the device is in operation" notification... or something like that. But, when that does happen, connecting the device to my laptop via USB "solves" the issue.

I don't know what happened this time, though. Maybe I removed my iPhone from its cradle while it was charging and took it out of range? I don't know for sure, but I'm going to be more mindful of when I remove my iPhone from its cradle and note when it happens again (and, hopefully, why).

In general, wireless syncing works pretty well for me. And, at least I know how to shut down the laptop if encounter this issue again.

Thanks.

 

[Rod]

Maybe I should try it again

 

[Big Byte]

Maybe I should try it again

Don't take my word for it!