iPad no longer shows as a device in the left column of iTunes

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Level 1

8 points

iPad no longer shows as a device in the left column of iTunes

This makes it really tough to sync...I am unable to use wifi synching. I just want to be able to sync like I used to with the USB cable plugged directly into the iMac.

Here's what I've done to attempt to fix it:

--restarted iPad

--restarted iMac

--confirmed latest version of iTunes

--unplugged and replugged in USB cables (after testing cables); note, it's plugged directly into the iMac

It still doesn't show in devices. Interestingly enough, neither does my iPod Touch (a different USB cable, also plugged into the iMac).

Has something changed in the way things are done in iOS 5 and I have to change a setting to make the devices visible in iTunes?

iPad 2, iOS 5

Posted on Oct 21, 2011 7:13 PM

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Answer 1

Ukalady Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 21, 2011 7:32 PM in response to Ukalady

Okay, I trashed iTunes, re-installed from a clean .dmg file and now the devices show.

Unfortunately, I'm now getting the oh-too-common non-syncing issue (an "apply changes" gets the spinning gear as it tries to start synching and then I eventually get the "could not be synced because the sync session failed to start.") This holds true for both devices.

Sigh...

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Answer 2

Demo

Level 10

166,494 points

Oct 21, 2011 7:35 PM in response to Ukalady

Nothing has changed that would affect the way the iPad is recognized in iTunes. Here is the link to Apple's support article on this issue.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1591

You probably have done all of these steps except for....

Mac OS X v10.6.8 or earlier only: Reinstall the Apple Mobile Device Service.

Here is another troubleshooting article that might help.

http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3540

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Answer 3

Ukalady Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 22, 2011 9:47 PM in response to Ukalady

Update: Upon restart today, the devices had "disappeared" again.

Thanks, Demo, for the second troubleshooting article linked above (http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3540). I went through it and did the first set of steps (1-6) and my devices are now there.

Unfortunately, the iPod Touch (not this forum, I know) still hangs on syncing at "Step 6 of 6: Waiting for items to copy" and the barber pole slides on interminably...

Everything has synced (I check it on the iPod) but it never gets beyond that message in iTunes. I believe others are having similar problems. If it's not one thing, it's another...I'll be happy when the bugs get ironed out of iOS 5 a bit more.

But with Demo's great help, at least I can "see" my devices again. Mahalo!

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