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*, the Apple Devices app, or iTunes.

[SELECTOR DROP-DOWN] Device Type: Windows PC, Mac

Windows PC

1. Open the Apple Devices app or iTunes.

2. Connect your Apple device to your Windows device using a USB or USB-C cable.

3. Tap Trust if you see the “Trust this Computer?” alert on your iPhone or iPad when you plug it into your computer. 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.

   

An icon of your connected device appears in the sidebar of the Apple Devices app window.

To view your device in iTunes, click the button that shows an icon of the device near the top of the window.

If your computer still doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad, try any of the following:

• 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.

• Try another USB cable. The cable must support both data and charging.

• Try another USB port or computer.

• Check for software conflicts.

• Check that you’re on the latest version of Windows.

• Check that you’re on the latest iPhone or iPad OS.

• Update iTunes, update Apple software for Microsoft Windows, and update drivers through Device Manager in Windows.

If your computer still doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad, you might need service. Get service

Mac

1. Open the Finder.

2. Connect your Apple device to your Mac using a USB or USB-C cable.

3. Click Allow if you see the "Allow accessory to connect?" alert on your Mac.

   

4. Tap Trust if you see the “Trust this Computer?” alert on your iPhone or iPad when you plug it into your Mac. 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.

   

An icon of your connected device appears in the sidebar in the Finder window. If you don't see a sidebar in the Finder window, choose View > Show Sidebar from the menu bar, or press Control-Command-S.

If your Mac still doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad, try any of the following:

• Check your USB cable and connection. Your iPhone or iPad should chime or vibrate when you connect it to your Mac If it doesn't, unplug the USB cable from your iPhone or iPad and check for debris in your device’s charging port.

• Try another USB cable. The cable must support both data and charging.

• Try another USB port or Mac.

• Check for VPN and other third-party security software.

• Check that you’re on the latest version of macOS.

• Check that you’re on the latest iPhone or iPad OS.

If your computer still doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad, you might need service. Get service