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caleuche Author

Level 1

8 points

iTunes doesn't "see" iPad

I have a new Macbook Pro 2.66 / 8 GB, 15" and an iPad and an iPhone. The problem is that every now and then - about once a day or so, iTunes doesn't see the iPad or iPhone when they are plugged in. The device starts charging but there is no indication that a sync is occuring.

Following the instructions here: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1747 I reinstall iTunes and replace the AppleMobileDevice kexts and then things are fine, but after another day or so the problem occurs again. I have not been able to determine what might be causing that. Any idea?

Macbook Pro 2.66 i7, 8 GB, 15", Mac OS X (10.6.3), iMovie 09, Aperture 3, Fuji Finepix HS10, iPad 64 Wifi, iPhone 3GS 32

Posted on Apr 29, 2010 11:31 AM

97 replies

Dec 4, 2011 10:14 AM in response to caleuche

hi!

i finally went back to apple since my unit still wasn't syncing and they gave me a new ipad2 and have not had the problem since. this is the only surefire way to get the problem fixed.

Dec 9, 2011 8:34 PM in response to Powers Foss

thank you Powers!!! worked like a charm..

wend_p

Level 1

0 points

Jun 11, 2012 7:20 PM in response to lrichea

I have had this problem for the last 1.5 years, no matter which latest update of iTunes installed. I was always reinstalling the program, which I left on my desktop as a permanent feature. Checking back I never found any solutions until this one; and yay finally a solution that has worked. Thanks for posting it Irichea.

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3540?viewlocale=en_US

maisry

Level 1

8 points

Jul 25, 2012 12:39 PM in response to wend_p

Message posted twice.

maisry

Level 1

8 points

Jul 25, 2012 12:37 PM in response to caleuche

I'm hoping that by replying to the original post, this answer will show up near the top of the thread instead of on page 7. This answer saved me from restoring my iPad to original settings.

User wend_p posted this link:

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3540?viewlocale=en_US

I only had to do the first part of the instructions to get my iPad to be recognized - oops, I have not tried rebooting the computer to see if the fix stays - but at least I know what to do. Here's the info from the above link if you're in a hurry!

Install all software updates. If you have an update available for an SDK (Software Development Kit), be sure these updates are also installed. Do this by clicking the Apple () menu, choosing Software Update, and following the on-screen instructions. If you need to download iTunes manually, you can download it here.
Disconnect the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and quit iTunes.
In Finder, click the Go menu and then choose Go to Folder. Enter the following location into the text field that appears:
/System/Library/LaunchDaemons
Click Go.
Locate the file "com.apple.usbmuxd.plist~orig"and drag it to the Trash. (Do not move the similarly named "com.apple.usbmuxd.plist"file to the Trash.)
Restart your Mac, open iTunes, and connect your device. If your device shows up in iTunes, restart your Mac one more time and confirm the issue is still resolved.

NOW, I am going to BACKUP my iPad in case I ever do have to "Restore to original settings."

Mar 18, 2013 3:13 AM in response to Pappasbike

I don't believe it! After hours of searching through help blogs and restoring, deleting, re-installing blah blah blah. I came across this suggestion. Guess what, it worked !!!!!!

So even though you wrote this nearly 3 years ago Pappasbike, you will be happy to know your simple solution is still helping people.

Drive you crazy computers hey !!!

Cheers Keefers

Jun 2, 2013 12:04 AM in response to Pappasbike

My crazy story and soultion in case anyone has the same circumstances. Skip down to bold if you don't want to read it all.

I have spent 3 days and probably 15 hours (no joke) trying to fix the issue of my computer (PC) not "seeing" my iPhone 5 OR iPad 4. I went through every troubleshoot, every forum, all the solutions that worked for everyone else, nothing worked. No matter what I tried, I could not get the iPhone or iPad to show under "devices" and I presume it is because the apple mobile device drivers were not installed. I did a COMPLETE removal and re-install of iTunes 5 times because that is the only way to obtain the drivers as far as I could tell, but the drivers NEVER installed.

I went to an Apple store today and was told by an apple genius "you have done everything I would do, We can not help you - the only solution, buy a new computer!"

Of course on the checklist was faulty USB cables. But that was highly unlikely because one was new and one almost new. And then that cause was ruled out because they both work perfectly in charging both my iPad and iPhone. The apple genius said, if they work to charge the devices, the USB cables are not faulty, it's your computer.

Solution for me: Well if you are at your wits end, don't rule out faulty USB cables EVEN IF THEY WORK TO CHARGE USING A CHARGER. After 3 days and 15 hours, I tried a third USB cable and Windows immediately said "installing drivers", and it works.

I hope this helps one person because I was losing my mind.

BTW, the Apple genius said "why do you want to connect your iPad to your computer anyway?" Was that a serious question?!?

iTunes doesn't "see" iPad