How to Fix iPhone Not Recognized by Windows

For syncing files from iPhone to iTunes or downloading music, video, TV shows, etc. from iTunes to iPhone, iPhone users need to connnect their iPhone to Windows/Mac computer and launch iTunes. However, some iPhone users recently reported an issue that they couldn’t sync their iPhone because it was not recognized by their Windows computers. The main issue is that they connect iPhone to their computer and press “Trust” button on their iPhone, expecting it to show up on “My computer”. Unluckily, their iPhone refuses to show up on iTunes, which means “Windows not recognizing iPhone.” “iPhone not recognized by Windows” has been an increasingly frustrating issue for some iPhone users.

There have been many questions posted by the iPhone users on pages and internet, such as:

1. “Why is there always issue when I want to connect my iPhone to the computer?”
2. “What is the reason my iPhone is not showing on My computer?”
3. “My iPhone can’t be operated because it needs a new version.”
4. “Windows 7 not recognizing iPhone.”

Here is good news. the issue of iPhone not recognized by Windows 7 or Windows not recognizing iPhone can be easily fixed and solved by simple tricks that will be unveiled in this post. Pay attention to every method that will be discussed in the following guidance.

Part 1. Before You Fix the iPhone Not Recognized by Windows Issue

To ensure you are having this issue, you need to carry out some test to set up the fixing processes. If Windows does not recognize iPhone, it will display this way in “Device Printer”.

Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Devices and Printers, it will show in the unspecified section as “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver” as below.

However, this is not a difficult issue to solve. Relax, as you get it solved within a blink of an eye. Before we continue, ensure you have done the necessary steps by checking out the following details:

It is necessary to update to the latest version of iTunes that is compatible with your computer

Ensure you have updated your Windows version. To check if you have updated your software, go to “Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Update.”

It is necessary to update to the latest version of iTunes that is compatible with your computer

On your iPhone, press the “Trust” button.

Ensure your device is switched on.

Make an attempt to try another USB cables as well as USB ports to see if the same problem persists.

Part 2. Four Effective Ways to Fix iPhone not Recognized by Windows Issue

Fixing this Windows not recognizing iPhone problem only requires simple steps which can be carried out through different methods as discussed here. Your iPhone not recognized by Window 7 or other Windows will be a thing of the past after following the steps as directed in each of the methods.

Method 1. Manually Update the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver

Step 1. Connect your iPhone to computer and wait for some time until the device is recognised.

Step 2. Right-click “Computer”, Go to “Device Manager”. Then expand category “Universal Serial Bus controllers” and locate “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver”.

Step 3. Right-click “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver” and click “Update Driver Software”. On the pop-out window, choose “Browse my computer for driver software”.

Step 4. Choose “Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer” and click “Next”.

Step 5. On “Update Driver Software – Apple Mobile Device USB Driver” box, click “Have disk”. However, if this button is not available on this box; click a device category like “Mobile Phone” or “Storage Device” in case if that is what you see.

Step 6. Click “Browse”.

Step 7. Navigate to “C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers”. Then double-click the usbaapl file. If you have a 64-bit version of Windows, this file will be called usbaapl64. If you don’t see usbaapl64 here or if there isn’t a Drivers folder, look in “C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers”.

Step 8. On the “Install Disk” window, click “OK”.

Step 9. Click “Next” and after this, Windows will assist you with the driver update.

Now, you are ready to go. Open iTunes to check if it recognizes your iPhone

Method 2. Restart the Apple Mobile Device Service

This method is applicable when you see a pop-up notification during the connection of your iPhone to the computer. The notification is “This iPhone cannot be used because the Apple Mobile Device Service is not started” as shown below.

To fix this problem, follow these simple steps:

Step 1. First, close iTunes and also disconnect your device from your computer.

Step 2. Then press the “Windows key” and “R”, the two keys at the same to trigger a “Run” command. Type in this command “services.msc” and press “Enter”.

Step 3. Find and double click “Apple Mobile Device Service”.

Step 4. Navigate to “Startup type” and change type to “Automatic”.

Step 5. Go to “Service status” and Click “Stop” to stop the service.

Step 6. After the “Service status” has stopped, then click “Start” and click “OK”.

Step 7. Then restart your computer. Connect your device to computer and see.

Method 3. Enable Apple Mobile Device USB Driver

Step 1.Go to “Device Manager”.

Step 2.Drop down “Universal Serial Bus controllers” option as shown in the below image.

Step 3. Right click “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver” and scroll down to choose “Enable” as shown below.

Method 4. Update iPhone Driver

You can make use of this method when your device is listed under “Portable Device” as against “Universal Serial Bus controllers” displaying with a colored (yellow) exclamation mark as shown below.

To fix this anomaly, “Driver Easy” is highly recommended to be used. You can freely download this driver and use it for free. You only need simple steps to follow to use this “Driver Easy”.

Step 1. Click the green “Scan Now” button to scan for the available new drivers.

Step 2. Scroll down to the “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver” and click “Update” button next to it as shown below.

You are now set for your update. That is all that is required of you.

Fixing your iPhone not recognized by Windows issue has been clearly described by using different methods based on the different situations. However, it is advisable always to stay updated to avoid any form of issues your iPhone may have.
This is important because Apple always upgrade its version as new series of iPhone are released to the market. Ensure you follow each step as stated, and you will not have any problem with “iPhone not recognized by windows.”

Google+