iPhone not recognized by computer even after factory reset

My iPhone suddenly stopped getting recognized by my computer a year ago. I would connect it and my computer would pop up a message saying that the last device I connected was not recognized. The iPhone won’t even charge. It’s like I connect it but it doesn’t even know it’s connected and somehow won’t get power. So far I’ve tried:

Reinstalling iTunes

Updating iPhone

Using different cables and computers

3rd party apps haven’t helped at all. I once downloaded CopyTrans driver installer and it did the trick. Then the problem appeared again and for some reason copy trans didn’t work.

Basically I've tried every method that exists online.

My last resort was factory resetting the iPhone. I did so today, after making a backup through iTunes via WiFi, but the phone still can’t get recognized by my pc or any others. As a result, I can’t restore my backup because it requires the phone to be connected via USB, but even if I do, it’s not recognized. The phone doesn’t appear in iTunes through WiFi either, meaning that I can’t do anything. I can’t restore my backup. Can someone please help me? I really need this to work, the backup and iTunes are very important. Thank you to anyone who might help!


Posted on Jul 19, 2019 12:17 PM

Reply
3 replies

Jul 19, 2019 12:20 PM in response to CheesyMoon

If you use a Windows PC

The steps differ depending on if you downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store or from Apple.

If you downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store

Follow these steps to reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB driver:

  1. Disconnect your device from your computer.
  2. Unlock your iOS device and go to the Home screen. Then reconnect your device. If iTunes opens, close it.
  3. Click and hold (or right-click) the Start button, then choose Device Manager.
  4. Locate and expand the Portable Devices section.
  5. Look for your connected device (such as Apple iPhone), then right-click on the device name and choose Update driver.
  6. Select "Search automatically for updated driver software."
  7. After the software installs, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and verify that no other updates are available.
  8. Open iTunes.

If you downloaded iTunes from Apple

Follow these steps to reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB driver:

  1. Disconnect your device from your computer.
  2. Unlock your iOS device and go to the Home screen. Then reconnect your device. If iTunes opens, close it.
  3. Press the Windows and R key on your keyboard to open the Run command.
  4. In the Run window, enter:
  5. %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers
  6. Click OK.
  7. Right-click on the usbaapl64.inf or usbaapl.inf file and choose Install.
  8. You might see other files that start with usbaapl64 or usbaapl. Make sure to install the file that ends in .inf. If you’re not sure which file to install, right-click a blank area in the File Explorer Window, click View, then click Details to find the correct file type. You want to install the Setup Information file.
  9. Disconnect your device from your computer, then restart your computer.
  10. Reconnect your device and open iTunes.

If your device still isn't recognized

Check Device Manager to see if the Apple Mobile Device USB driver is installed. Follow these steps to open Device Manager:

  1. Press the Windows and R key on your keyboard to open the Run command.
  2. In the Run window, enter devmgmt.msc, then click OK. Device Manager should open. 
  3. Locate and expand the Universal Serial Bus controllers section.
  4. Look for the Apple Mobile Device USB driver.

If you don't see the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver or you see Unknown Device:

  • Connect your device to your computer with a different USB cable.
  • Connect your device to a different computer. If you have the same issue on another computer, contact Apple Support.

If you see the Apple Mobile Device USB driver with an error symbol:

  • If you see , or  next to the Apple Mobile Device USB driver, follow these steps:
  1. Restart the Apple Mobile Device Service.
  2. Check for and resolve issues with third-party security software, then restart your computer.
  3. Try to install the usbaapl64.inf or usbaapl.inf file again.

 

If the issue persists, contact Apple Support.


Jul 19, 2019 12:19 PM in response to CheesyMoon

If iTunes doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod

If you connect your device to your computer with a USB cable and iTunes doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, get help.


When iTunes on your computer doesn't recognize your connected device, you might see an unknown error or a "0xE" error. If you do, follow these steps and try to connect your device again after each step:

  1. Make sure that your iOS device is unlocked and on the Home screen.
  2. Make sure that you have the latest version of iTunes that works with your computer.
  3. Check that you have the latest software on your Mac or Windows PC.
  4. Make sure that your device is turned on.
  5. If you see a Trust this Computer alert, unlock your device and tap Trust.
  6. Unplug all USB accessories from your computer except for your device. Try each USB port to see if one works. Then try a different Apple USB cable.*
  7. Restart your computer and iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
  8. Try connecting your device to another computer. If you have the same issue on another computer, contact Apple Support.

For more help, follow the steps below for your Mac or Windows PC.


* Learn how to connect iPad Pro (11-inch) or iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) to your computer.

If you use a Mac

  1. Connect your iOS device and make sure that it's unlocked and on the Home screen.
  2. On your Mac, hold down the Option key, click the Apple menu, and choose System Information or System Report.
  3. From the list on the left, select USB. 
  4. If you see your iPhone, iPad, or iPod under USB Device Tree, get the latest macOS or install the latest updates. Then uninstall third-party security software. If you don't see your device or still need help, contact Apple Support.


If iTunes doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod - Apple Support

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204095

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iPhone not recognized by computer even after factory reset

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.