If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad
When your device is turned on and connected to your computer, it should appear in the Finder, iTunes, or the Apple Devices app.
Look in the Finder, iTunes, or Apple Devices
On a Mac using macOS Catalina or later, your connected device should appear in the sidebar of any window in the Finder.* On a Mac using an earlier version of macOS, it should appear in iTunes. For more information, learn about viewing your device in the Finder or iTunes.
On a Windows PC, your connected device should appear in iTunes or the Apple Devices app. For more information, learn about using the Apple Devices app. (You can also use Device Manager to confirm that your computer detects your iPhone or iPad and can connect to it.)
Check your USB cable and connection
Your iPhone or iPad should chime or vibrate when you connect it to your computer. If it doesn't, unplug the USB cable from your iPhone or iPad and check for debris in your device’s charging port.
Connect your device directly to your computer, without using a hub or adapter.
Try another USB cable. The cable must support both data and charging.
Try another USB port or computer.
Update the software on all your devices
On your Windows PC, you might also need to update iTunes, update Apple Devices, and update drivers.
Restart your devices
Allow your accessory to connect, if asked
If you see an “Allow accessory to connect?” alert on your Mac when you plug your iPhone or iPad into your Mac, click Allow. Learn more about allowing accessories to connect.
Trust your computer, if asked
If you see a “Trust this Computer?” alert on your iPhone or iPad when you plug it into your computer, tap Trust. If you don’t see the alert, or you accidentally tapped Don’t Trust, reset Location & Privacy settings as described in About the 'Trust This Computer’ alert.
Check for software conflicts
If you need help
If your computer still doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad, you might need service. Get service.
* This feature depends on a setting: From the menu bar in the Finder, choose Finder > Settings (or Preferences). Click Sidebar at the top of the settings window, then make sure that “CDs, DVDs and iOS Devices” is selected. If you don't see a sidebar in Finder windows, choose View > Show Sidebar from the menu bar, or press Control-Command-S.
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