iTunes allows users to add, download, organize and play digital media files from macOS or Windows OS. This software has an in-built iTunes store, where the users can experience multiple video and audio contents in it. With iTunes, you shall connect your iPhone to your PC via a USB cable and sync media files between the devices. However, the user finds it difficult to connect iTunes with iPhone. In precise, iTunes may not recognize your iPhone for some reason. These problems can be easily tackled with simple troubleshooting methods. In this blog, we’ve covered the complete guide on how to solve the iTunes not recognizing your iPhone issue.
Possible Reasons for iTunes Not Recognizing iPhone
iTunes will fail to recognize your iPhone for the following reasons.
Defective Lightning cable
USB port fault
Debris or clogging on the iPhone port
Software problems
iTunes Not Recognizing Your iPhone – Possible Fixes
Follow the Troubleshooting methods listed below to fix the iTunes not recognizing iPhone problem,
- Restart your iPhone
- Restart your Mac or PC
- Install and update iTunes
- Check the USB cable and the port in your devices.
- Update OS in your Mac or Windows PC.
- Tap the option “Trust this Computer”
- Check Your Mac’s System Report
- Uninstall Security Software
- Unlock iPhone and connect it to iTunes
- Reinstall the Apple driver on your PC.
Restart your iPhone
The foremost thing to do is to restart your iPhone. Usually, restarting the device helps to solve many issues. Reboot your iPhone device and try to reconnect it with iTunes. Each model of the iPhone has different restarting procedures. In iPhone X or later models, press the volume down and side button until the power off screen appears. Swipe the slider to the right, and your device will be switched off. To turn it on, long-press the side button. The side button is the key to power off and on or iPhones like 6, 7, 8, and SE models.
Restart your Mac or PC
A restart can help you to solve the connectivity issues. A simple restart helps in kick-starting your system by eliminating unwanted bugs. After restarting your Mac or PC, connect it and check if iTunes not recognizing iPhone is fixed or not.
To restart your Mac,
1) Tap on the Apple icon displayed at the top left corner of the Mac menu.
2) Select the option Restart from the drop-down menu.
3) Your Mac device will be rebooted.
To restart on Windows PC,
1) Tap Start displayed at the left bottom corner.
2) Click the Power button. You will find an extended menu bar.
4) Tap Restart to reboot your Windows PC.
Install and Update iTunes
If iTunes isn’t installed properly on your Mac or PC, it fails to recognize your iPhone. Install iTunes properly from the official website. Make sure to select and download the iTunes that matches your Mac or Windows PC system requirement. Using the old version of iTunes does not help you solve the issue. So, install the latest version of the software.
Check Hardware Parts
USB/Lightning Cable
USB cables can be the main reason for iTunes not recognizing your iPhone. A defective lightning cable fails to connect your iPhone device with Mac or PC. Instead, use authorized MFi certification lightning cables for your iPhone. Local brand USB cables will not be effective in connecting and can cause some internal issues in your handheld.
Device Port
Sometimes you can see the dirt accumulating on the iPhone or your system’s USB port. Make sure to clean with a smooth brush or the sim ejector pin without damaging the port. In that case, you shall try to reconnect again and check if the issue continues. If it continues, try changing the port on your system or connect your iPhone with another PC or Mac.
Related: How to Fix “iPhone Cannot Connect to the App Store” Issue
Update System OS
Make sure to update the Operating System to the latest version. It may be Windows PC or Mac. The updating process takes time. But the result will be effective. In most cases, updating system OS rectifies the iPhone to iTunes connectivity issues.
To update macOS,
1) Click on the Apple icon displayed on the top left corner of the screen.
2) Tap the option System Preferences from the drop-down menu.
3) Select Software Update and tap Update Now.
To update Windows,
1) Click Start and select Settings.
2) Tap the option Security & Updates.
3) Select Windows Updates and click Update Now.
Tap “Trust this Computer”
This is the most important step in connecting iTunes to iPhone. If you’re a new user connecting your iPhone device with Mac for the first time, make sure to tap Trust This Computer alert displayed on your iPhone. If you failed to tap,
1) Navigate to Settings and click General.
2) Locate and select the option Reset.
3) Tap Reset Location and Privacy.
4) Now reconnect your iPhone with the computer. This time make sure to tap Trust this computer alert.
Uninstall Security Software
Sometimes, third-party security software like VPN or Antivirus may block the iPhone from connecting to iTunes. First, uninstall all third-party security software on your Mac or PC. To remove security software, visit the official support page of the antivirus software service and learn about the procedures to uninstall the security software. Most of the security software services provide uninstallers to remove their software from a system.
Check Your Mac’s System Report
Navigate to system information on your Mac device and check whether your iPhone is displayed under the active devices section. The method can be done only in Mac. To view your system report, follow the steps listed below.
1) Press and hold down the Option key and tap the Apple logo icon at the top.
2) Select System Report on the new screen.
3) From the left pane of the screen, locate and select the option USB.
4) If you don’t find your iPhone on the right side screen, it indicates a fault in your Hardware. Try using different USB lightning cables and clean the USB ports.
5) Now, reconnect to iTunes and check if it’s working or not.
Related: How to Fix “iPhone is Disabled Connect to iTunes” Issue
Additional Troubleshooting Tips
- This is one of the simple troubleshooting tips to try. Leave the iPhone unlocked on the home screen and after a few minutes, try reconnecting the iPhone with iTunes.
- Reinstalling the Apple Driver on your PC is the quick way to solve iTunes not recognizing your iPhone. Reinstalling the driver eliminates the temporary malfunctions.
Now we’re at the end. Refer to the steps above and fix iTunes not connecting with your iPhone. Mostly restarting devices solve the connectivity issue. If not, you shall try the fixes listed in no particular order. If the problem still persists, contact Apple Support or visit a nearby Apple outlet for help. Hope this article guides you to fix the connectivity problem. Share this article with your friends, and make sure to leave your thoughts in the comments section. Visit our blog to know more about Apple updates.