iPhone Not Showing Up in iTunes in Windows 11? 10 Fixes to Try

When you plug your iPhone into your Windows 11 computer, you expect it to show up in iTunes right away. But sometimes, software-related bugs, corrupt privacy settings, and general connectivity errors can cause problems.

If your iPhone isn’t showing up in iTunes, the solutions in this troubleshooting guide should help you resolve the problem.

Trust Your Computer

If you’re connecting your iPhone to a PC for the first time, the device will remain inaccessible in iTunes until you permit iOS to share its data with Windows. To do that:

Restart Windows 11

If you’ve previously had no trouble connecting your iPhone to your PC, then it’s likely you’re dealing with a minor system-related glitch preventing the devices from communicating. The quickest way to resolve that is to restart Windows 11. To do that:

Restart Your iPhone

If the problem persists, it’s best torestart your iPhonebefore moving on with the rest of the fixes. Here’s how:

Update the iTunes App

Older iTunes software for Windows can lead to compatibility issues with newer iOS versions. To update the iTunes installation on your PC, you must:

If you use the non-Microsoft Store version of iTunes, open iTunes and selectHelp>Check for Updateson the menu bar to update the application. Or, open the Apple Software Update app via the Start menu, select any updates next toiTunes, and selectInstall.

Update Windows 11

Windows 11 updates often include various enhancements and bug fixes, for how the operating system interacts with external devices. If you’re still encountering issues, it’s a good idea to check for pending Windows updates, as they might contain fixes that could resolve your problem. Here’s how:

Update Your iPhone

Similarly, it’s crucial to keep your iPhone up-to-date with the latest system software. New updates often include bug fixes that enhance how an iOS device and PC talk with each other. To do that:

Switch USB Ports and Cables

Another possible cause for your iPhone not connecting could be a faulty USB port or cable. To test that out, try switching between different USB ports on your computer or laptop. If the Lightning or USB-C cable you’re using is visibly damaged or frayed, it’s best to replace it with a differentMFi (Made for iPhone) certified USB cable.

USB hubs can cause power or connectivity issues. Instead, connect your iPhone directly to a USB port on your PC and check if that makes a difference.

Reinstall the iTunes Drivers

If the problem persists, you must reinstall the hardware driver that iTunes uses to interface with your iPhone. The procedure differs depending on the version of iTunes that you have on your computer.

If you use the Microsoft Store version of iTunes:

If you use the version of iTunes that you download from the Apple website:

%ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers

Reset Location and Privacy Settings

Corrupt permissions are another reason that prevents your iPhone and PC from communicating. The only way to fix that is to reset the location and privacy settings in iOS. Here’s how:

Switch iTunes Versions

If the issue continues, consider switching between the Microsoft Store version of iTunes and the version available on the Apple website. It’s quick and straightforward, and you don’t even need to remove the current copy of iTunes from Windows 11.

For instance, if you’re moving from the Microsoft Store version to the Apple website version, go to the Apple website,download the iTunes installer, and run it. Conversely, if you want to switch to the Microsoft Store version,visit the iTunes page on the Microsoft Storeand selectInstall.

Note: Your iPhone backups should automatically transfer between the two versions. If you subscribe to Apple Music, any downloaded tracks should also carry over.

Your iPhone Is Showing Up Again In iTunes

As you just learned, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take if your iPhone is not showing up in iTunes on your Windows 11 computer. Start with simple solutions like restarting your computer and updating software. If these don’t work, delve into more specific fixes like checking your USB connections and resetting privacy settings. If none of the above steps work, it’s time tocontact Apple Support.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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