Fixed: iTunes Won't Recognize My iPhone

“After updating my phone, I thought everything was working fine until I tried to connect it to iTunes. Even after trusting my system, iTunes won’t recognize my iPhone. I don’t know how to resolve this error.”

Recently, a friend of mine came up with this issue, which made me realize that too many times iTunes won’t detect iPhone. There could be plenty of reasons behind it. Though, most of the times, it happens due to a bad update or a corrupted process. Don’t worry! Just like most of the problems related to iTunes, this one also has a cure. In this guide, I will make you familiar with different solutions and tips related to this issue. If you also have a problem like iTunes won’t recognize my iPhone, then read on and overcome this setback right away.

Part 1. Top Tips if iTunes doesn‘t recognize your iPhone

After connecting your iOS device to your system via a physical connector, you would get a pop-up message on your phone, asking you to trust the system or not. It has been observed that right after tapping on the “Trust” option, iTunes get stuck and doesn’t recognize the device. You might be getting any other kind of problem related to iTunes won’t detect iPhone as well. Start by following these suggestions to solve this issue.

1. Check your device and cable

Most of the times, users forget to check their device and cable quality. To start with, make sure that you are using only branded and authentic lightning/USB cable to connect your device. Also, your port should be cleaned and in an ideal condition. If your hardware is damaged, then you can’t make a secure connection between your device and system.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -Check your device

2. Update iTunes

In order to sync your phone and iTunes together, you need to ensure that you have an updated version of iTunes. For instance, iPhone 11 (and 11 pro) needs a version of at least iTunes to operate.

The last time iTunes won’t recognize my iPhone, I fixed it by simply updating the software. If you are using a Mac, then open iTunes and from the menu bar, select iTunes > Check for updates. Whereas, Windows users can go to iTunes > Help > Check for updates to do the same.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -Update iTunes

This will open a brand new wizard and iTunes will let you know of a compatible update. Just follow the on-screen instructions to update iTunes.

3. Update your phone

It has been observed that after getting a wrong update, users face the iTunes won’t detect iPhone issue. To resolve this issue, you need to wait for a new update. If there is an error with the current update, then chances are that your system will prompt you to get a new one as soon as possible. Nevertheless, to check it, you can visit Settings > General > Software Update.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -Update your phone

From here, you can see the new version of iOS update available. Just tap on the “Install Now” to update your phone.

4. Reset Privacy settings

The privacy settings on your phone usually control the way it is connected with other devices. If you are also getting the iTunes won’t recognize my iPhone error, then you should try to reset all the privacy settings on your phone

To do this, visit Settings > General > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy and tap on the option of “Reset Settings”. You would be asked to provide your passcode to confirm the selection.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -Reset Privacy settings

Afterward, as you would connect your device to your system, you will get an authentication pop-up. Tap on the “Trust” button in order to establish a reliable connection between both the devices.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -

5. Install USB Drivers

If nothing else seems to work, then chances are that you are getting an iTunes won’t detect iPhone because its USB drivers are either missing (or corrupted). Firstly, restart your phone and your system and try establishing a connection. If it doesn’t work, then check the device manager on your system.

To do it, press the Windows and “R” key to open the Run prompt. Here, provide the command “devmgmt.msc” to open your system’s device manager.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -Install USB Drivers

This will let you manage all the devices linked to your system. Now, expand the option of USB (Universal Serial Bus) controllers and make sure that the “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver” is listed.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -Apple Mobile Device USB Driver

If you are using a Mac, then you can check it by going to the System Information option and expanding “Hardware” list. Click on the “USB” option here and see whether iPhone is listed or not.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -Hardware

If it is missing, then you got to install the drivers. To do it, visit the location of the drivers. Most of the times, it is Program Files > Common Files > Apple > Mobile Device Support > Drivers. Here, you will find the file usbaapl64.inf or usbaapl.inf. Just select the file and install it.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -install

Part 2. How to Backup iPhone to Computer if iTunes doesn’t Recognize iPhone

I’m sure that after following these suggestions, you would no longer get the iTunes won’t detect iPhone error. Nevertheless, if you are still having this issue, then you need to reset your device. Nobody likes to reset their device as it erases their data. Therefore, before you reset your phone, it is always recommended to take a backup of your data. To do this, you can take the assistance of MobileTrans by Wondershare.

It is an extremely reliable tool that will let you transfer your data from one device to another on the go. Since it comes with plenty of added features, it can be a perfect alternative to iTunes as well. It is compatible with almost every version of iOS (including iOS 13) and runs on Windows as well as Mac systems. In order to take a backup of your data using MobileTrans, follow these steps.

MobileTrans - Backup

How to Backup iPhone to Computer if iTunes doesn’t Recognize iPhone

  • Easily transfer photos, videos, calendar, contacts, messages and music from Android to iPhone/iPad.
  • Backup and restore data on your device to a computer with one click.
  • Takes less than 10 minutes to finish.
  • Enable to transfer from HTC, Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, iPhone and more to new iPhone.
  • Works perfectly with Apple, Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony, Google, HUAWEI, Motorola, ZTE, Nokia and more smartphones and tablets.
  • Fully compatible with major providers like AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile.
  • Support the latest iOS and Android OS.
Available on:

Step 1. Launch MobileTrans and choose to backup your phone

Firstly, download the relevant version of MobileTrans and install it on your system. Launch the application and out of all the provided options on the home screen, click on “Backup” to continue.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -Backup your phone

Step 2. Choose the files to backup

Now, connect your phone to the system and let the interface recognize it automatically. In no time, it will provide its snapshot on the screen with a list of different data types. From here, you can select the type of data you want to backup.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -Choose the files

Step 3. Start the backup process

After making your selection, just click on the “Start” button. This will initiate the backup process and will provide its update from an on-screen indicator. Wait for a while and don’t disconnect your phone during the entire operation.

Fix iTunes won't recognize iphone -Start the backup

Step 4. View your backup file

As soon as the backup process would be completed, you will get a pop-up message. From there, you can view your backup. Additionally, if you want, you can change the default location where your backup is stored. Just go to the Settings window and manually change the location where your backup is stored.

I’m sure that after following the above-listed suggestions, you would be able to surpass this issue. I was able to solve the iTunes won’t recognize my iPhone issue after this and I hope you will have the same kind of constructive results. Nevertheless, if you are still facing a setback, then you can take the assistance of MobileTrans to take a backup of your data. It will provide a secure and easy way for you to manage your device.

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Nicola Massimo

Nicola Massimo

staff Editor

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