3 Ways to Fix iPhone or iPad Not Connecting to Windows PC

Quick Fixes

• Update your iPhone/iPad drivers manually using the Device Manager app, and retry connecting it to the Windows PC.
• Repair or reset the Apple Devices app from Windows Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Apple Devices > Advanced options.

Basic Fixes

• Check or switch your data cable: Closely inspect the data cable you use to connect the iPhone/iPad to your PC. If it is damaged on either end, replace it with a new one.
• Change the USB port: Most PCs have multiple USB slots. If your iPhone or iPad isn’t responding/connecting to a specific USB port, try another one.
• Approve ‘Trust This Computer’: When you connect your iPhone/iPad to a PC for the first time, its software asks you to trust the device. Unlock your device and select ‘Trust This Computer‘ when prompted to sync and create backups.
• Disable Windows Security Temporarily: The Windows Security app may incorrectly prevent your iPhone or iPad from connecting to your PC. Press the Windows key, search ‘Windows Security’, and click to open it. Select Virus & threat protection from the sidebar, click Manage settings, and turn off ‘Real-time protection’ temporarily.
• Update your iPhone/iPad: Open the Settings app, select General, and tap Software Update. Select Update Now to update the iOS/iPadOS.
• Update Windows 11: Press the Windows + I shortcut to open Settings, select Windows Update from the left sidebar, and install available system updates.

Fix 1: Update Device Drivers Manually

Your Windows PC may struggle to identify the connected iPhone or iPad if it has obsolete drivers. Head to the Device Manager app to update them manually.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Device Manager, and click to open it.

Step 2: Expand Portable Devices, right-click your iPhone or iPad, and select Update driver.

Step 3: Click Search automatically for drivers on the next page to update them online.

Fix 2: Use the Apple Devices App

Apple has officially discontinued iTunes on Windows, replacing it with Music, TV, and Devices apps. If your iPhone or iPad isn’t connecting to your Windows PC, installing the Apple Devices app should resolve the issue.

Step 1: Open the Microsoft Store, search and open the Apple Devices app page, and click Install.

Step 2: Launch the app and select Agree.

Step 3: Connect the iPhone/iPad to your Windows PC and wait a few seconds to let the Apple Devices app detect it automatically. Once identified, you can view relevant information from the left sidebar.

Fix 3: Repair or Reset the Apple Devices App

If you’re facing issues with the Apple Devices app and it fails to recognize your iPhone or iPad, repairing or resetting the app should restore normalcy.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Apple Devices, and right-click it to open its App settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and click Repair. If the issue persists, select Reset to restore the app to its factory defaults.