If your computer doesn’t recognise your iPhone or iPad

When your device is turned on and connected to your computer, it should appear in the Finder, iTunes or the Apple Devices app.

Look in the Finder, iTunes or Apple Devices

Check your USB cable and connection

  • Your iPhone or iPad should chime or vibrate when you connect it to your computer. If it doesn't, unplug the USB cable from your iPhone or iPad and check for debris in your device’s charging port.

  • Connect your device directly to your computer, without using a hub or adapter.

  • Try another USB cable. The cable must support both data and charging.

  • Try another USB port or computer.

Update the software on all of your devices

On your Windows PC, you might also need to update iTunes, update Apple Devices and update drivers.

Allow your accessory to connect, if asked

If you see an “Allow accessory to connect?” alert on your Mac when you plug your iPhone or iPad into your Mac, click Allow. Find out more about allowing accessories to connect.

Trust your computer, if asked

If you see a "Trust this Computer?" alert on your iPhone or iPad when you plug it into your computer, tap Trust. If you don’t see the alert, or you accidentally tapped Don’t Trust, reset Location & Privacy settings as described in About the 'Trust This Computer’ alert.

If you need help

If your computer still can’t recognise your iPhone or iPad, you may need a service. Get a service.

* This feature depends on a setting: from the menu bar in the Finder, choose Finder > Settings (or Preferences). Click Sidebar at the top of the settings window, then make sure "CDs, DVDs and iOS Devices" is selected. If you can't see a sidebar in Finder windows, choose View > Show Sidebar from the menu bar or press Control-Command-S.

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