iTunes 12.12.7.1 not recognising iPhone 7 (so cannot backup, sync, etc.)

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iTunes 12.12.7.1 not recognising iPhone 7 (so cannot backup, sync, etc.)

Hi all,

Starting a few days ago when plugging in my iPhone to my Windows 11 laptop, iTunes no longer recognises the device. I'm unable to backup the phone to my laptop, or sync new music, books, etc. but I can't seem to see much having changed in my laptop software/hardware.

When plugging in the iPhone, windows recognises this as a device and I can see my photos stored in their DCIM folders. It's just iTunes would normally show the phone icon/menu in the top left and that's no longer the case. See attached screenshot.

I've tried updating/uninstalling the Apple Mobile Device USB drivers, windows 11/iTunes are both up to date, both laptop & iPhone have been restarted. My laptop only has two USB ports, and I've tried both with the two USB:Lightning cables I own. I have also reset the Location/Privacy settings on my iPhone to ensure the "trust" prompt comes up when plugging into laptop.

The only thing I won't do in this instance is update my iPhone software. It's in a pretty outdated state and ultimately I'm aware I need a new phone at this stage. Just want to make sure I can adequately backup my existing model regularly before I upgrade model/iOS in the future.

Windows 11

iTunes 12.12.7.1

iPhone 7, iOS 14.8.1

Thanks for any support!

Windows

Posted on Mar 20, 2023 7:39 AM

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Answer 1

bryanr14

Community Specialist

Mar 21, 2023 3:25 PM in response to Rylon

Hi Rylon,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. There are additional steps that may help in your situation with iTunes to recognize your iPhone when connected. Let's ensure that each of these steps were followed:

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.

Following these steps may help and is outlined in this helpful article: If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If you continue to experience the same behavior, we recommend to contact Apple Support. They can review this further. Here's the link to contact them: Apple - Get Support

Kind regards.

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iTunes 12.12.7.1 not recognising iPhone 7 (so cannot backup, sync, etc.)

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