Note: If your device is working on its own and is not in recovery mode, this set of steps is not for you; do not manually place the device into recovery mode.
Your device may not be recognized while in recovery mode. This can happen during an update or restore of your device. Typically when your device is in recovery mode, it will show the "Connect to iTunes" logo on its display. If iTunes does not recognize the device when in this state, try the following:
- Open the Device Manager:
Windows XP: Click Start > Run. In the resulting dialog, type devmgmt.msc and press Return.
Windows Vista or Windows 7: Click Start. In the dialog, type devmgmt.msc and press Return on the keyboard. If Windows needs your permission to continue, click "Continue".
Windows 8: Move the cursor to the upper right corner, click the magnifying glass, type devmgmt.msc, and press Return.
- Click the plus ➕ icon (Windows XP and Vista) or the disclosure triangle () (for Windows 7 and 8) next to Imaging Devices, Other Devices, Portable Devices, and Universal Serial Bus Controllers to expand these sections.
- Check these sections for one or more entries called Apple Mobile Device (Recovery Mode). These entries may or may not have exclamation marks on them similar to the following: