If your iPhone is not recognized by the computer and you get the error message “iPhone can’t connect to iTunes”, below are the steps to troubleshoot and fix this issue.
Table of Contents
iPhone cannot connect to iTunes
The problem that iPhone won’t connect to iTunes on Windows computer can occur due to various reasons from outdated Apple device drivers, corrupted iTunes software to other possible reasons.
In general, most of the users have reported that when connecting iPhone to Windows computer, they get “cannot connect to iTunes” or “Your iTunes request could not be completed” and similar error messages.
1. Restart computer
Shutting down the computer helps to end stuck processes and programs that may be preventing the computer from connecting iPhone to iTunes.
Separate iPhone from the calculator shut down the computer. Allow the computer to shut down completely > Wait 30 seconds and Start anew the computer.
After restarting the computer, open iTunes > connector iPhone in the computer and see if there is still an error message.
2. Reboot the iPhone
Likewise, the problem could be due to stuck programs or corrupted cache files that are preventing the iPhone from connecting to iTunes.
Go to settings > General > scroll down and tap shut down. On the next screen, use the slider to turn off the iPhone.
Wait for the iPhone to completely shut down > Start anew iPhone by pressing the power button.
3. Trust computer when prompted
When you connect iPhone to computer for the first time, it asks “Trust this computer?” Pop-up window asking you to select either “Trust” or “Do not trust” option.
If you don’t remember, reconnect the iPhone to computer > tap the trust option as it appears on the screen of your iPhone.
If you don’t see the popup, you’ve probably selected don’t trust option and this prevents iPhone from connecting to iTunes.
To fix this, remove iPhone from computer > go to settings > General > Transfer or reset iPhone > Reset to default and select Reset location and privacy option in the popup.
After that, connect again iPhone to the computer and this time make sure you tap trust Possibility.
4. Check the Lightning cable
Check the Lightning cable for damage and try connecting the cable to a different computer to make sure it works. If another cable is available, try connecting the iPhone to the computer using that cable.
5. Update iPhone
Make sure your iPhone is using the latest version of iOS and apps.
Go to settings > General > software update.
On the software update screen, tap Download and install (if a software update is available).
6. Update iTunes on the computer
Open iTunes on your Windows machine > click Help > Check for updates.
7. Update the Apple Mobile Device Driver
Right click on the beginning click and click Device Manager. On the Device Manager screen, expand Wearable Devices Right-click entry iPhone and click update drivers Possibility.
Select on the next screen Automatic search for updated driver software Possibility. After installing the software, open iTunes > reconnect iPhone to the calculator.
8. Update the Apple Mobile USB device driver
Right click on the beginning click and click Device Manager. On the Device Manager screen, expand Universal Serial Bus devices Right-click entry Apple mobile device USB and click update drivers Possibility.
Select on the next screen Automatic search for updated driver software Possibility. After installing the software, open iTunes > Reconnect the iPhone to the computer.
9. Repair iTunes app
If iPhone is still not recognized by iTunes, the problem could also be due to the iTunes software on your computer being corrupted or damaged.
Go to settings > applications > Apps & Features and click iTunes > Change option in the right pane.
On the next screen, select the repair option and click Next.
Wait for Windows to reinstall iTunes on your computer. once this is done, Start anew Computer > Open iTunes and check if your iPhone is now available in iTunes.
