Sync iPhone 12 on El Capitan

In Finder use the menu item Go > Go to Folder..., copy the following text, paste it into the dialog box and press enter:

/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework/Versions/Current/Resources

Unlock your device and connect it to USB. Double click on MobileDeviceUpdater in the folder that has opened. It should notify you of a software update. Install it and iTunes should hopefully recognize your device.

tt2

Are you running iTunes 12.8.2.3 on El Capitan or better? If so try rebooting your computer and device then try again. You can also try reinstalling iTunes 12.8.2.3 while your device is connected to the computer. Otherwise see my longer advice on this topic...

For iOS 14 you need iTunes 12.8.2.3 or better running on OS X 10.11.6 or better. See How to upgrade to OS X El Capitan - Apple Support if required.

Assuming a suitable version of iTunes is in place then in Finder use the menu item Go > Go to Folder..., copy the following text, paste it into the dialog box and press enter:

/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework/Versions/Current/Resources

Unlock your device and connect it to USB. Double click on MobileDeviceUpdater in the folder that has opened. It should notify you of a software update. Install it and iTunes should hopefully recognize your device.

tt2

See About the 'Trust This Computer' alert on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support and reset your trust settings, then try again, trusting the computer if you get a prompt when you connect to USB.

tt2

The simple update to itunes didn't work, but MobileDeviceUpdater did.

Thanks!!!

Hi there. I am having the same issue as with my old MacAir. When I double clicked on the MobileDeviceUpdater, I did not receive any notification of a software update. Can you please let me know the steps you followed?

Thanks for the quick response. I finally received the message to update the software but iTunes is still not recognizing my iPhone. I even reinstalled iTunes but no luck. And I’ve tried the MobileDeviceUpdater a few times now.

Followed all of the suggested steps but still was unable to see notes from I Phone 12 on MAC with OS X El Capitan 10.11.6. Checking my phone I saw that I created the note on my I phone not on ICloud, so I saved the note from the I Phone to ICloud and this did the trick.

Thanks for your help.

El Capitan, 10.11.6 and itunes 12.6.20. I can't update itunes either. Just realized there is an update to itunes 12.8.2. Maybe I should do the update and see what happens after following your directions. But I just updated to el capitan from mavericks not even a week ago. I would assume the newest version of itunes would automatically be installed. I guess not?

Hello Bernhard,

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

We understand that you are having issues with your iPhone not being recognized by iTunes. After verifying that your Mac Book Pro Mid 2009 running OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 running iTunes 12.8.2.3 should support your iPhone, we would recommend taking a look at the following support article to sort out what may be going on:

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

Best regards.

It FINALLY worked after a few more times of trying. Thank you so much. I great appreciate it.

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2

This does not work for me. Same problem. Permissions not granted to access this device on itunes.

There is no MobileDeviceUpdater in the folder using "go."

What versions of macOS and iTunes are you running?

tt2

No, you need to update to iTunes 12.8.2.3 separately. Once done your device will either be recognized automatically or you can use my earlier advice.

tt2