Iphone won't sync with my older computer

Hello Digibum,

If you're using 10.13, then you'd need to follow these steps to sync your iPhone with your computer: Use iTunes to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod with your computer

Sync or remove content using iTunes

1. Open iTunes and connect your device to your computer with a USB cable.

2. Click the device icon in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window. Learn what to do if you don't see the icon. 

3. From the list under Settings on the left side of the iTunes window, click the type of content that you want to sync or remove.* To turn syncing on for a content type, select the checkbox next to Sync.

4. Select the checkbox next to each item that you want to sync.

5. Click the Apply button in the lower-right corner of the window. If syncing doesn't start automatically, click the Sync button.

* You can only sync your device with one iTunes library at a time. If you see a message that your device is synced with another iTunes library, your device was previously connected to another computer. If you click "Erase and Sync" in that message, all content of the selected type on your device will be erased and replaced with content from this computer.

In case these steps don't resolve the issue, what happens exactly when you attempt these steps? Any errors along the way? If so, what are these errors? As it will help us to provide you with a solution.

Wishing you well, take care.

Hello Digibum,

Thanks for that information. The macOS that you're running may give a clue as to what's happening. To help us have a closer look, can you tell us which macOS you're running by using this article? Find out which macOS your Mac is using - Apple Support

Cheers!

Hi Digibum,

Thanks for letting us know. If your device isn't being recognized by your computer, please go through the suggestions outlined in the following link, which may help with that issue: If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad

"1. Look in the Finder or iTunes

On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, look for your device in the sidebar of any window in the Finder.*

On a Mac with an earlier version of macOS, look for your device in iTunes.

On a PC with iTunes for Windows, look for your device in iTunes.

Learn more about viewing your device in the Finder or iTunes

2. Update the software on all devices

Update your iPhone or iPad

Update your Mac

Update your Windows PC

On your PC you might also need to update iTunes and update drivers.

3. Connect your device directly to your computer

Make sure that your device is unlocked and showing its Home Screen, then use a USB cable to connect it directly to your computer. Don't connect to a USB hub, display, or other device. 

If that doesn't help, disconnect your device and all other USB devices and accessories from your computer. Then reconnect only your device. 

4. Trust your computer, if asked

If you see a “Trust this Computer?” alert on your device when you plug it into your computer, tap Trust.

About the 'Trust This Computer' alert

5. Allow the accessory to connect

When connecting your device to a Mac laptop computer with Apple silicon, your Mac might ask whether you want to allow this accessory to connect. If so, allow it to connect.

Learn about allowing accessories to connect

6. Restart your devices

Restart your iPhone

Restart your iPad

Restart your Mac

Restart your Windows PC

7. Try a different port, cable, or computer

The issue could be related to your computer, its USB port, or the USB cable connecting it to your device. If possible, try a different computer, USB port, or USB cable. Also check for any debris in the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone or iPad.

8. Contact us

If your computer still doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad, contact Apple Support."

Take care.