What to do When iTunes is Not Recognizing iPhone, iPad or iPod: It can be quite frustrating when you try to sync iPhone, iPad, or iPod with the iTunes on your computer and it just refuses to recognize the device. You look in iTunes and not a single iOS device can be seen to pair it with. What do you do now? Listen to the same albums on repeat? Never get to access those media files you took time to save and spent money to purchase?
How to Get iTunes to Recognize an iOS Devices – iPhone, iPad or iPod?
The situation can leave you puzzled and annoyed, but do not fret it too much. As much as it is distasteful, the problem is more common among iTunes users than you’d think. However, good news is that it is fixable. There are several solutions to re-establish the connection between the iTunes and your iOS device. You will find them all in this article.
None of these methods put the iTunes data under threat. Even in the worst-case scenario, you will only have to uninstall and reinstall iTunes. Hopefully you will not need it. Let’s begin with relatively easier solutions first.
Solution #1 – Check the Sync Cable
If your iTunes not recognizing iPhone, iPad, or iPod, it may be because a damaged or incompatible sync cable.
Sync cables can easily damage, especially toward the ends, thus making them prone to failure. If the wire you are using is visibly damaged at the ends, show exposed wire or frayed edges, then it is better to check and double check it before moving on to other solutions. Another scenario that calls for double-checking the connectivity of the sync cable is when you are using one that isn’t Apple’s original. A cheap cable can cause compatibility issues. Swap the cable with a different one and see if the iTunes recognizes your iOS device.
Once you are sure that the sync cable isn’t the problem and yet iTunes refuses to recognize your iDevice, try next solution.
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Solution #2 – Try Another USB Port
It might sound weird, but sometimes connecting the device via a different USB port works. If there is another computer that is available to you, try to connect your iDevice to it. This will rule out the possibility that the connectivity issue is caused due to some hardware issue with your current computer.
Solution #3 – Check for Updates on Both the Devices
Apple is frequently releasing new software updates. Most of these updates are centered around fixing bugs and issues. While, updating your iPhone, iPod, iPad, or Mac may seem like a lot of work, it is vital if you want your devices to work smoothly. Therefore, if you have not been keeping the devices updated, there is a good chance the connectivity issue is caused because you are using an outdated software version.
Check if any of your devices require a software update. If they do, install it and reconnect both, the PC and the handset. If the software on those devices are found up to date, switch to the next solution.
Solution #4 – Restart the Device and Computer
We all know how well restarting a device can work when it comes to common glitches such as this one. Restarting the device gives it time to fix any minor bug or software malfunctioning that may be causing the problem in connectivity. Now, since we can never be sure whether the bug causing the problem is in the iDevice or computer, the best way to solve the problem will be to restart both. It is harmless, takes no extra time, and ensures better results.
Restart iPhone 8 or Earlier Model or iPod Touch or iPad
- Long press the “Power Button” until the slider shows up on the screen
- Drag the slider from left to right to turn the device off
- Once the device is off, wait for a minute or two
- Long press the “Power Button” to restart it
Restart iPhone X or Later Models
- Press and quickly release the “Volume Up” button
- Do the same with “Volume Down” button
- Long press the side “Power” button and hold for 10 seconds until Apple logo appears
- Leave it turned off for a minute or two
- Long press the side “Power” button to turn it back on
Alternative Method for all iDevice
If you are using the device with iOS 11 or later, you can also use the following method,
- Go to “Settings”
- Tap on “General”
- Scroll down and tap on “Shut Down”
Reconnect the iDevice with your computer to see if restarting them has resolved the problem of iTunes not recognizing iPhone/iPad/iPod. If it hasn’t, do not worry and try the next solution in this article.
Solution #5 – Uninstall and Reinstall Fresh Version of iTunes
If none of the solutions so far have helped in connecting the two devices, it is time to delete and reinstall the latest version of iTunes. The process is different for Windows and Mac PC. Depending on which computer you are currently using, choose and follow the apt guide from the two mentioned below.
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Uninstalling iTunes from Mac
- Go to “Applications” and tap on “Utilities”
- Launch “Terminal”
- Types the command “cd /Applications/” and wait for Application directory to open
- Now put “sudo rm -rf iTunes.app/” as your next command
- Enter the Administrator password when prompted
Note: Once you type the password and enter, the iTunes will instantly delete without any warning or asking for permission.
Uninstalling iTunes will not delete the iTunes library from your Apple ID. You will still be able to access all the media files which you purchased and saved with iTunes.
Uninstalling iTunes from Windows 10 PC
- Tap on the “Start Button”
- Click on “Settings” icon located in extreme left
- Click on “Apps” and then on “Apps & Features”
- Scroll through the list of applications until you find “iTunes”
- Click on it and tap on “Uninstall”
Alternatively, you can also type “iTunes” in the Start search bar and then click on it to uninstall.
Reinstalling iTunes
If you are using Mac computer, then use this link to install the latest version of iTunes. On the other hand, if you are using Windows PC, then use this link to reinstall iTunes.
Solution #6 – Update iPhone Drivers (Windows 10 PC Only)
This solution is for Windows PC users whose iPhone, iPod, or iPad are not being detected by iTunes or their computer. Updating iPhone drivers can solve this issue for you. All you need to do is,
- Tap the “Start” button
- Go to “Device Manager”
- Navigate to “Apple iPhone” located under “Portable Devices” section
- Right click on “Apple iPhone” and then select “Update Software”
- Select “Browse on My Computer” option
- Go into the “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple” folder
- Select “Drivers”
The updated version of the drivers will install on your computer. Reconnect the iOS device with the computer. iTunes should be able to recognize the device now.
Conclusion to What to Do When iTunes not Recognizing iPhone, iPod, or iPad:
In this article you will find 6 solutions to what you can do when iTunes does not recognize iPhone, iPad, or iPod. The solutions are provided for both Mac and Windows PC users. Solutions listed in this article should be able to help with bugs and software issues that may be causing the connectivity problem.
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