How to fix iPhone not showing up in iTunes

Connecting an iPhone to iTunes gives you the ability to share data easily. You can also perform various other operations like backup, update, etc. If you have connected your iPhone to your computer and your iPhone does not appear in iTunes, it means you have an issue. It is not necessary that the issue is with your iPhone itself. It can be with the lightning cable, iTunes, or your computer.

Whatever it is, you can easily fix the issue of the iPhone not showing up in iTunes by just following the solutions that are presented here.

• Why iTunes cannot detect my iPhone?
• Solution 1: Try a different USB cable or USB port
• Solution 2:Restart your iPhone and computer
• Solution 3: Turn on and Unlock your iPhone
• Solution 4: Update iPhone and iTunes
• Solution 5: Reset Location and Privacy Settings
• Solution 6: Use Dr.Fone - System Repair
• Solution 7: Use Dr.Fone - iTunes Repair

Why iTunes cannot detect my iPhone?

There are many reasons for your iPhone not being detected by iTunes. It can be both hardware as well as software issues.

• iPhone is locked or is it not on the Home screen.
• USB is not plugged in properly.
• The USB port is not working.
• USB cable is damaged.
• Outdated software on iPhone, Mac, or Windows PC.
• The device is OFF.
• You haven’t given your permission by clicking on “Trust”.
• An issue with Location and Privacy settings.

Solution 1:Try a different USB cable or USB port

A damaged USB lightning cable or port can be the reason for the iPhone not seen in iTunes. The thing is, regular use of a USB lighting cable or a port makes it non-functional. It can be due to wear and tear or an accommodation of dust in connectors. You can verify it by taking the help of a different USB cable or port. If it works, you found the issue. If not, try another solution.

Solution 2: Restart your iPhone and computer

Sometimes there are some bugs or software glitches that are responsible for a phone not showing up on iTunes. In this case, restarting both iPhone and computer will fix the issue.

iPhone 11, 12, or 13

Press and hold either volume button along with the side button until you see the power OFF slider. Now drag the slider and wait for the iPhone to turn OFF. To turn it ON, press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears

iPhone SE (2nd Generation), 8,7, or 6

Press and hold the side button until you see the slider. Once it appears, drag it and wait for the iPhone to power OFF. Now press and hold the side button until you see the Apple logo to power ON the iPhone.

iPhone SE (1st generation), 5, or earlier

Press and hold the button at the top until the power OFF slider shows up. Now drag the slider and wait for the iPhone to turn OFF. Now again press and hold the top button until the Apple logo appears, to power ON the device.

Solution 3: Turn on and Unlock your iPhone

If your iPhone is turned OFF or it is not on the Home Screen you will encounter an iPhone not showing in iTunes issue. In this case, Unplug your iPhone. Turn it ON, unlock it and keep it on Home Screen. Now plugin again to use it.

Solution 4: Update iPhone and iTunes

If your iPhone or iTunes are not updated, you must update them to fix the issue ofiTunes not detecting iPhone.

Update iPhone

Go to “Settings” and select “General”. Now tap on “Software Update” and install the latest update.

Update iTunes on Mac

Open iTunes and click on the iTunes menu. Now select “Check for Updates”. If available, install them.

You can also update iTunes from the App store. Open the App Store and click on “Updates”. If available, install them by clicking on the “Update” button.

Update iTunes on Windows computer

Open iTunes and click on “help”. Now select “Check for Updates” and install if any.

Solution 5: Reset Location and Privacy Settings

Sometimes tapping on “Don’t Trust” instead of “Trust” in the “Trust This Computer” window causes this issue.

In another case, changing settings unknowingly results in the iPhone not showing in iTunes. In this case, resetting is the best option to go with.

Go to your iPhone’s “Settings” and select “General”. Now click on “Reset” followed by “Reset Location & Privacy”. Enter the passcode and confirm the action.

Note Next time select “Trust”.

Solution 6: Use Dr.Fone - System Repair

Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS System Recovery) lets you fix various iOS system issues at home itself. You can easily fix stuck in recovery mode, stuck in DFU mode, white screen of death, black screen, boot loop, iPhone frozen, iPhone not showing on iTunes, etc. The good thing about this tool is, you can handle it all by yourself and fix the issue within less than 10 minutes. 

Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone

Launch Dr.Fone on the computer and select “System Repair”.

Now you have to connect your iPhone with a computer using the lightning cable.

Step 2: Select the Mode

Once your iPhone is detected you will be provided with two modes. Standard Mode and Advanced Mode. Go with Standard Mode.

Dr.Fone will detect your iPhone automatically. Once detected available iOS versions will be displayed. Select a version and select “Start” to continue.

This will begin downloading selected firmware. This process will take some time.

Note: In case the process of downloading doesn't start automatically, you can start it manually by tapping on “Download” using the Browser. You are required to click on “Select” to restore the downloaded firmware.

Once the download is complete, the tool will verify the downloaded iOS firmware.

Step 3: Fix the Issue

Click on the “Fix Now”. This will begin the process of repairing your iPhone for various issues.

Once the process is completed, you have to wait for your iPhone to start. Now it will work normally.

Solution 7: Use Dr.Fone - iTunes Repair

If you are not able to fix the issue of the iPhone not showing up in iTunes mac or Windows even after going with Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS System Recovery). The chances are high that there is an issue with iTunes itself. In this case, you can go with Dr.Fone - iTunes Repair.

Step 1: Launch Dr.Fone

Launch Dr.Fone on your computer and select “System Repair” from the given modules.

Step 2: Select the Mode

Connect your iPhone using the lightning cable. Once your device is detected, go to “iTunes Repair” and select “Repair iTunes Connection Issues”.

Click on “Start” to continue

Note: Do not forget to unlock the device screen after connecting.

Step 3: Fix the Issue

It will take some time for the download to complete. Once completed, click on “Start”. This will start repairing your iTunes. Once the repair is completed, click on “OK”. Your iTunes will start working normally and will detect your iPhone.

Conclusion: 

iTunes not detecting iPhone is a common issue that happens with many users. There are various possible reasons for it. You can fix the issue at home itself by applying the techniques that are presented to you here in this guide. The good thing is, you will also be able to fix various other issues in your iPhone by using Dr.Fone - System Repair (iOS System Recovery).