8 Easy Ways to Fix Computer Not Recognizing iPhone

Jul 12, 2024 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions

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computer and iphone

Are you having trouble getting your computer to recognize your iPhone? Sometimes, you need to be able to access your iPhone on a PC. However, if your PC is not recognizing your iPhone, you will be unable to get things done.

Knowing how to fix your computer and get it to recognize your iPhone is crucial. We have prepared the ultimate post to help point you in the right direction. Read on to find out how to fix a PC not recognizing an iPhone.

Common Reasons Computer Not Recognizing iPhone

There are various reasons why your computer won't recognize iPhone as mentioned below.

  1. Broken USB Cable

usb cable

One of the most common reasons behind a computer not recognizing an iPhone is a broken USB cable. Your PC or laptop can't identify your iPhone if your USB cable is broken. Besides, if you have been using the USB cable many times, it can get broken.

Even if the USB cable seems fine, it might be broken. You can easily find out if your USB cable is broken by seeing if it can charge your iPhone. Then, you will have to get a new USB cable.

  1. Software Issues

software issues

Another reason behind a computer not recognizing an iPhone is software issues. Chances are that you need to update your Windows system or iOS version. If you have yet to update the software, your computer might not recognize your iPhone. Fortunately, resolving software issues is easier than you think.

Moreover, it is also possible that your iTunes account might be causing issues. This is why you have to check your iTunes account and update it.

  1. Apple USB Driver Issue

In addition to the above, an Apple USB driver issue might be to blame if your computer won't recognize your iPhone. The fact is that an Apple USB driver issue is more common than you think. What it means is that your Apple device is not visible in the device manager.

The Apple USB driver should be automatically installed when you install iTunes on your computer. You can head to Programs Files > Common Files > Apple > Mobile Devices > Support Drivers. 

apple usb driver

Simple Tips to Fix Computer Not Recognizing iPhone

If your PC is not recognizing your iPhone, here are some things you can do.

  1. Check Your USB Cable and Port Status

The main reason your computer might not recognize your iPhone could be the USB cable or port. The USB cable or port may require repair. Try to connect your USB to a different port to find out the issue and solve the problem.

If the issue persists, connecting the USB cable to a different computer is a good idea. You should also check to see any debris at the bottom of the iPhone or in the charging port. Make sure to blow out the debris and reconnect the USB cable to see if the problem is resolved. 

  1. Restart Your iPhone

Sometimes, all you need to do if your PC is not recognizing your iPhone is restart your iPhone. It should do the trick. A lot of the time, a simple restart takes care of all the issues. Restarting your iPhone is easy and takes no time. All you have to do is hold on to the power button and select restart.

restart iphone

Once your iPhone has restarted, you can reconnect the USB cable to the computer to find out if it can recognize your device.

  1. Click Trust When “Trust this Computer” Is Asked

When you plug your iPhone into the computer, you might be asked if you "Trust this Computer". Make sure to tap Trust to enable your PC to access your device. Otherwise, nothing will appear, and you will start to worry.

trust computer

  1. Allow All Accessories on Your PC

allow accessories

If your computer won't recognize your iPhone, it is possible that you failed to allow the accessory. This is why you should try to connect your device to your laptop again. If an alert appears asking about the accessory, you must allow it to connect.

Fix Software Problems for Computer Not Recognizing iPhone

Software problems might be to blame for a computer not recognizing an iPhone. Here's what you can do to fix software problems.

  1. Update Software on your iPhone

The first thing that you need to do is update your iPhone's software.

  • You need to head over to Settings and open your account to see if there are any new updates.
  • If there is an update, you must select Update Software.
  • Make sure that your iPhone is connected to the Wi-Fi when being updated. Otherwise, the process would take longer than it should.
  • Once the software has been updated, you should be able to connect your iPhone to your computer.

update

  1. Update Apple USB Driver

Although the Apple USB driver should be automatically updated, you might need to update it manually.

  • You have to look for the connected device, click on it, and select Update driver.
  • You have to choose search automatically to find updated driver software.
  • Then, the software will install and you will have to proceed with Windows Update.

usb driver update

  1. Reinstall iTunes on your PC

iTunes may not be working on your PC. This is why it is recommended that you reinstall iTunes. You will first have to uninstall iTunes. Then, you must visit iTunes and install it on your computer again.

  1. Dr.Fone-System Repair

drfone toolkit

If your computer is still not recognizing your iPhone after you have tried the above or you are looking to fix the issue quickly, you need to use Dr.Fone-System Repair. It has been designed to help you with all types of problems. You will be amazed by what it can do for you.

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No matter what might be causing the problem, you can use Dr.Fone-System Repair to get your computer to recognize your iPhone. The following steps will ensure that your PC recognizes your iPhone.

  • Head over to the official website of Dr.Fone and download it on your computer.
  • Once the download is complete, you just need to launch Dr.Fone.

drfone

  • Then, you need to select System Repair.
  • Next, you must choose "iOS" as an iPhone issue has to be resolved.
  • A new window will appear where you have to select iOS Repair and proceed with the process.
  • Now, you have to go through different issues to find the problem you are facing. Then, you have to click on Repair Now. Even if you cannot find the issue, you can select Other Issue.

repair now

  • Although two options will appear, you need to select Standard Repair. It should repair your iPhone and get your computer to recognize it.
  • Then, you will have to put your iPhone in Recovery Mode. Make sure you have a USB to connect the device to the computer. Then, you must enter the password of your lock screen and select the Trust option.
  • After you have completed the above, you must click on Enter Recovery Mode.
  • Then, you will have to follow the on-screen instructions to get your device into Recovery Mode.
  • Once you have selected Recovery Mode, the platform will automatically detect your iPhone.

steps into recovery mode

  • Next, a list of different iOS firmware will appear. You need to Download the firmware.

download firmware

  • Once you initiate the download, the iOS firmware should download on your computer.
  • After the download is complete, the platform will verify the firmware before it is downloaded on your iPhone.
  • When the iOS firmware is verified, you must click the Repair Now button to proceed with the iOS system recovery process.
  • The prompt window will show that the process is complete, and you have to click Done. That is about it. Your computer should recognize your iPhone now.

repair completed

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The Bottom Line

It is typical for a computer not to recognize an iPhone. If you are having trouble getting your computer to recognize your device, you must follow the advice we shared above.

To ensure that the issue is resolved in the best way possible, you need to use Dr.Fone-System Repair. It is advanced software that deals with all issues and provides a stress-free experience. Only when you use the tool will you realize its effectiveness.

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James Davis

staff Editor

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