[Fixed in 2023] iTunes Not Recognizing iPhone on Windows/Mac

As we all know, we can use iTunes to back up and manage data on iOS devices. But only if we can connect the iPhone to iTunes. While this usually works well, sometimes iTunes not recognizing iPhone, which is frustrating. iTunes not detecting iPhone, which means you can't do anything.

There could be many reasons behind this problem happening. But don't worry too much, like most iTunes-related problems, there is a cure for this problem. Follow the series of solutions below to allow iTunes to re-recognize your iPhone.

Part 1. Why Won't My iPhone Connect to iTunes?

Why can't I see my iPhone on iTunes? The reason why iTunes won't connect to iPhone 13/12/11/Xs/X/8/7/6 comes down to two categories: physical issues and software issues. When we know the cause of the problem, we can find the corresponding solution.

• Computers are not trusted. You need to trust this computer on your phone for iTunes to recognize your iPhone.
• Faulty USB port or data cable.
• iTunes is not the latest version. An outdated version of iTunes may not be compatible with your iPhone system.
• Software glitches on iPhone and computer.
• ...

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Part 2. What to do When iTunes Doesn't Recognize iPhone (9 Fixes)

"Cannot find my iPhone on iTunes!" Don't worry, here are some proven methods to help you solve this problem easily.

1. Check USB Cable & USB Port

Faulty hardware will directly cause problems with iTunes won't connect to new iPhone. First, make sure you're using a genuine USB cable. Then, unplug the Lightning cable and look closely for any signs of breakage. You can also just change another cable to try it out and see if it works. Also, you need to check if the port is clean.

2. Unlock iPhone and Trust Computer

You need to make sure you have the "Trust" option selected on the home screen when you plug your iPhone into your computer. Otherwise iTunes will not be able to detect your iPhone. If you missed this, you can try the following steps:

• Disconnect your iPhone from your computer, then turn off your computer.
• Restart your computer and plug your iPhone into this computer again using the Lightning cable.
• A pop-up will appear on your iPhone screen asking to trust this computer, click "Trust".
• Your iPhone name should now appear in iTunes.

3. Restart iPhone and Computer

Restarting your device is the most worthwhile thing to try when you encounter any issues. It can basically help to repair general system failures. Here are the steps to hard reset your iPhone.

• iPhone 8 or later: Press the Volume + button, then quickly release. Press the volume - button again, then quickly release it. Finally press and hold the side button for a few seconds until you see the Apple logo.
• iPhone 7/7 Plus: Press and hold the power button and volume - button for a few seconds until you see the Apple logo.
• iPhone 6S or earlier: Press and hold the Power and Home buttons at the same time for a few seconds until you see the Apple logo.

4. Update your iPhone and iTunes

Older iOS and iTunes versions may have some issues that cause iTunes not detecting iPhone. You can update iTunes and iOS to the latest version.

• Update iPhone: Go to "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update" and tap "Download and Install" if a new version is available.



• Update iTunes: Open iTunes on your computer > Select "Help" from the menu bar > Select "Check for Updates".

5. Uninstall and reinstall iTunes

If the iPhone not recognized by iTunes is caused by an internal failure in iTunes, it can be solved by uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes. Worried that uninstalling iTunes will lose your music and other data? Don't worry, under normal circumstances it won't. If you're still worried, you can create another iPhone backup before uninstalling iTunes.

6. Check and reinstall Apple's Drivers

If iTunes on Windows doesn't recognize the iPhone, there's a good chance that there's a problem with Apple's Windows drivers. You can go to Computer Manager and look for the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver entry under Universal Serial Bus Controllers. If the entry has a yellow warning sign, then you need to click Enable to fix it. If it can't be fixed, you can also reinstall it.

• Go to C:> "Program Files" > "Common Files" > Apple > "Mobile Device Support" > Drivers.
• Find the file named "usbaapl64.inf" or "usbaapl.inf", right-click and choose "Install" to reinstall Apple's drivers.

7. Temporarily Disable Security Software

Firewalls and third-party security software on your computer may be blocking the connection between iTunes and your iPhone. While you're backing up or restoring your iPhone with iTunes, it's a good idea to temporarily disable antivirus software and other security programs.

8. Reach out to Apple Support

If none of the above solutions solve your problem, you can also go to the Apple iTunes support website for help. The site offers many useful features, including a knowledge base to answer questions for users. You'll need to make an appointment at the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store.

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Part 3. How to Back up iPhone to Computer if iTunes Doesn't Recognize iPhone

After following the above methods, I believe you will no longer receive the error "iTunes won't connect to iPhone". However, if you have had enough of iTunes problems and want to look for an iTunes alternative, then we recommend MobiKin Assistant for iOS. Compared with iTunes, it provides more flexible functions to help you back up, restore, transfer and manage data on iOS devices in different situations.

Assistant for iOS - Flexible Way to Back Up iPhone

• One click to back up your iPhone data to computer selectively or wholly.
• Support to back up Video, Photo, Music, eBook, Contacts, Text Messages, Notes, Safari Bookmarks, Voice Memo, Podcast, Ringtone, Playlist, etc.
• You are allowed to preview and restore any item from the backup to any iOS device.
• Support to back up iPhone to iTunes, import iTunes backups from PC to your device, and delete any unwanted iTunes backups from your PC.
• No data loss during the backup and restore process.
• Works perfectly with iPhone 13/13 Pro (Max)/13 mini, iPhone 12/12 Pro (Max)/12 mini, iPhone 11/11 Pro (Max), iPhone X/XR/Xs/Xs Max, iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus, iPhone 6/6S/6 Plus, iPod touch, iPad, etc.

How to back up iPhone when iTunes not recognizing iPhone?

Step 1: Connect your iPhone to computer

Download and install Assistant for iOS on your computer. Connect your iPhone to the computer via lightning cable and launch the software. Then, it will detect the connected iPhone automatically.

Step 2: Scan and choose the files you want

A list of different data types will be displayed on the left side window. From here, you can preview and select the types of data you want to back up.

Step 3: Start to back up your iPhone

Decide the data types to back up and then click the "Export" button from the top menu. This will initiate the backup process. Please do not disconnect your iPhone during the entire operation.

After the backup process is complete, unplug the iPhone and you can view your iPhone backup on your computer at any time.

Final Words

Most Apple users rely on iTunes to manage data on their iOS devices, so the problem of iTunes not recognizing iPhone needs to be solved urgently. Fortunately, there are several solutions you can learn to solve this problem in this tutorial. But if you are still stuck, then you can backup your iPhone, iPad data with the help of MobiKin Assistant for iOS. With it, you can also enjoy a more secure and flexible way to manage your iOS devices.

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