How to solve iTunes not detecting your iPhone, iPod or iPad

Why doesn't iTunes recognize my iPhone?

It’s frustrating when you connect your iPhone, iPod, or iPad to your computer and iTunes doesn't respond. This issue can stem from problems with either your device or the iTunes installation. In this guide, we'll explore common causes and how to fix them.

Connecting your device: Connect your iPhone with your computer using your Apple USB cable, then open iTunes. Ensure that your device is turned on, unlocked and is showing the Home screen.
Your device should appear in iTunes both in the left navigation and as a device symbol.

What to do if iTunes doesn't recognize iPhone, iPod or iPad

Any of these steps could be the fix for your particular issue, so try connecting your device again after each step.

1. Trust your computer

   If your iPhone, iPad or iPod shows a prompt asking if you would like to Trust this computer, simply tap "Trust" (you may need to enter your device's passcode).

   

   If you accidentally chose "Don't Trust", you can reset your privacy settings.

2. Check your hardware

   When you connect your device via USB cable, it should start charging (a charging symbol will show at the top of your device's screen).
   If the device does not start charging, disconnect and check for debris in the port on your device, the USB cable and your PC's USB port. It may also be beneficial to try different USB ports or use a different cable if needed.

3. Update your system

   • Install any outstanding updates on your Mac or Windows PC.
   • Update your iPhone, iPad or iPod.
   • Ensure iTunes is up to date:
     • Windows (from Apple website): Open iTunes and go to Help > Check for updates.
     • Windows (from Microsoft Store): Open Microsoft Store and go to More > Downloads and updates > Get updates.
     • macOS Mojave and earlier: Open the App Store and click Updates.

4. Restart your devices

   It may sound cliche, but turning off your devices and switching them back on again can sometimes resolve issues which occurred on the last run. Turn off your computer and your iOS device, then boot them back up after 30 seconds and try connecting again.

5. Update Apple Mobile Device USB Driver (Windows only)

   This driver tells your computer how to communicate with Apple mobile devices. So, if the driver is outdated or broken, this will prevent your computer (and by extension, iTunes) from recognizing your device.

   For this process, as we did before, unlock your device and ensure it is showing the Home screen. Connect your device to your PC or laptop using your Apple USB cable - this time, if iTunes opens automatically, close the window.

   Windows 10 and 11 users

   1. Right-click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen, then click "Device Manager".
   2. Click the downward arrow next to "Portable Devices" from the list.
      
   3. Right-click your connected device and choose "Update driver".
      
   4. Select "Search automatically for updated driver software".
   5. Launch iTunes and attempt to connect your device using your USB cable.
   
   

   Other Windows users

   1. Hold the Windows key on your keyboard and press R.
   2. In the proceeding 'Run' window, enter this location:
      %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers
      
   3. Click OK to go to this location on your computer.
   4. Right-click the "usbaapl64.inf" or "usbaapl.inf" Setup Information file and choose "Install".
      
   5. Once installed, restart your computer.
   6. Launch iTunes and attempt to connect your device using your USB cable.

6. Install the Apple Devices app

   Did you know that iTunes is being discontinued? Apple is replacing it with 3 new apps: Apple Devices (for device management), Apple Music and Apple TV. iTunes is now only recommended for audiobooks and podcasts.

   For this reason, Apple Devices will provide all the latest connection components for your iPhone, iPad or iPod. So, if you'd like to replace iTunes with Apple Devices, here's how it's done...

   1. Uninstall iTunes from your PC.
   2. Install the Apple Devices app from the Microsoft Store (it's free).
   3. When launching Apple Devices for the first time after uninstalling iTunes, you may receive a prompt to "Uninstall Apple Mobile Device Support". Safely disconnect your iPhone, iPad or iPod from your PC and click "Continue" on the prompt. Apple Devices will remove your older version of Apple Mobile Device support added by iTunes, and will automatically use new components for you.
      
   4. With Apple Devices open on your PC, connect your device with your USB cable. Your device should automatically be detected and displayed in the app.
      

Read next: How to Transfer Music from iPhone to iTunes.