iPhone 16 not detected for data transfer via Surface Dock

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Level 1

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iPhone 16 not detected for data transfer via Surface Dock

I have an iPhone 16 and I’m trying to connect it to my Microsoft Surface Laptop.

When I connect the phone using a USB‑A to USB‑C cable through the Surface Dock, nothing happens — I don’t get the “Trust This Device” prompt on the iPhone, and the device isn’t detected for data transfer.

However, if I connect the phone directly to the laptop, it works as expected.

Is there a specific reason why the iPhone wouldn’t allow data transfer through the Surface Dock?

iPhone 16

Posted on Feb 2, 2026 8:16 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Servant of Cats

Level 8

35,969 points

Feb 2, 2026 9:01 AM in response to SaucyMeat

Are you using different cables for the dock connection than for the direct one?

If so, the problem might be that the cable you are using for the dock connection is a charging-only cable that does not have any of the data pins connected. That wouldn't be a matter of what the iPhone allowed, but of what the cable did not allow.

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Answer 2

LD150

Level 10

101,754 points

Feb 2, 2026 8:54 AM in response to SaucyMeat

7.5 watts is a tad lean for an iphone 16, and you need to use the USBC cord that came with the phone, not all USBC cables are data cables.

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Answer 3

KiltedTim

Level 10

226,362 points

Feb 2, 2026 8:23 AM in response to SaucyMeat

You would have to ask the manufacturer of the dock and possibly the laptop.

It may not provide sufficient power to the ports on the dock.

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Answer 4

SaucyMeat Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 2, 2026 8:27 AM in response to KiltedTim

Checked on Microsoft site and the surface dock configuration and stuff, the port is 7.5W, enough to charge and data transfer. Android phones work fine.

Not a big deal but was just curios to why the phone wouldn't allow data transfer on it.

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