When you connect your iPhone to your computer, an iPhone icon should appear in iTunes in the left column under Devices. But if it doesn’t, this troubleshooting assistant can help.
Other symptoms may include:
- Computer recognizes your iPhone as a camera but it doesn’t appear in iTunes
Update iTunes
Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes. To check for available updates of iTunes on a Mac, go to iTunes > Check for Updates. On Windows, go to Help > Check for Updates.
To install iTunes, you need one of the following operating systems on your computer:
- Mac: OS X version 10.6 or later
- PC: Windows 7; Windows Vista; or Windows XP
Note: If you are using a 64-bit version of Windows 7, be sure to download the 64-bit version of iTunes.
If your computer does not meet these requirements, you may need to upgrade your computer before installing iTunes.
Restart iPhone
To restart iPhone, first turn iPhone off by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button until a red slider appears. Slide your finger across the slider and iPhone will turn off after a few moments.
Next, turn iPhone on by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears.
Is iPhone not responding? To reset iPhone, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
If your device does not turn on or displays a red battery icon, try recharging next.
Recharge iPhone
If iPhone is very low on power or if the battery is fully depleted, charge it using an AC adapter or connect to a high-power USB such as the one on your computer.
If the iPhone’s battery is extremely low on power, the display may remain blank for up to two minutes before a low-battery images appears.
If your iPhone displays a low battery image, it can take up to 20 minutes of charging before the iPhone will start up. You can press the Home button to check the current charging status.
Check USB connections
Try disconnecting and reconnecting the iPhone.
Whenever possible, always connect iPhone to a USB port that is built into the computer instead of the keyboard or an external USB hub.
If iPhone still doesn’t appear in iTunes, try a different USB port.
Restart your computer
If you wish to return to this assistant after restarting your computer, first bookmark this page in your browser.
Restart your computer and reconnect iPhone. If your issue has not been resolved, use your bookmark to return to this troubleshooting assistant.
Reinstall iTunes (Windows)
For Windows users, it may be necessary to completely uninstall iTunes and then reinstall thelatest version of iTunes. It is not necessary for Mac users to uninstall or reinstall iTunes. For more information, select from the following:
Third-party software conflicts
Some third-party software (such as security software and anti-virus software) may prevent iTunes from recognizing your iPhone. You may have to update your software, adjust software settings, or temporarily disable the software.
In Windows, MSCONFIG is used to troubleshoot conflicting software. For assistance using MSCONFIG, select from the following:
For more information, try the following options:
- Get tips from fellow iPhone users at our iPhone Support Communities.
- Start a support request online and we’ll connect you to an expert.
- You may also contact your carrier for additional support.
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