iTunes won't recognize my iPhone on my computer, please help!

Howdy jazzyjaz15,

Thanks for the detailed explanation on the troubleshooting you've completed to this point. I know it's important to be able to have your computer recognize your iPhone - you're in the right place for help.

There are a few different ways to approach this. Since you highlighted already reinstalling iTunes and its components, you may know that removing your iTunes software won't remove iTunes content you've saved on your computer. Try these steps in order to ensure we're on the same page. First, disconnect any connected Apple devices and fully remove iTunes:

Remove iTunes and its related components from the Control Panel

Use the Control Panel to uninstall iTunes and related software components in the following order:

1. iTunes
2. Apple Software Update
3. Apple Mobile Device Support
4. Bonjour
5. Apple Application Support 32-bit
6. Apple Application Support 64-bit

On some systems, iTunes might install two versions of Apple Application Support. This is expected. If both are present, be sure to uninstall both versions.

Remove and reinstall iTunes and related software components for Windows 7 and later

It's a good idea to restart your computer after completing the above steps. Then, take a look to ensure the Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS) isn't appearing on your computer. The Restart the Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS) on Windows article will give us the steps on where to look, but what we're actually checking for here is to ensure the service isn't seen:

1. Close iTunes and disconnect any iPhone, iPad, or iPod that's currently connected.
2. Access the Run command by simultaneously pressing the Windows logo key and the R key on your computer's keyboard.
3. Type services.msc and click Ok. The services console should open.

Since we've removed iTunes at this point, we'd like to confirm that the Apple Mobile Device Service does not appear as pictured above.

At this point, you'd want to attempt to install iTunes once more. Use this page to make sure you're getting a working version of iTunes: iTunes - Download iTunes Now - Apple

Once reinstalled, iTunes will still have your content saved such as music and movies. At this point, we will have removed iTunes fully and installed it once more.

If you run into any trouble, please be sure to include the version of Windows you're using in your reply.

Take care!

jazzyjaz15 wrote:

I kind of got "iTunes and its components" mixed up in my post; my bad! I actually did the steps you listed prior to posting my problem yesterday. After I did it and it didn't work, I came here to post about it. At the moment i'm trying to see if I can do it again, but now I can't uninstall iTunes, how weird! I can open iTunes just fine.This is the error message I get:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17588/fix-problems-that-block-programs- from-being-installed-or-removed

Follow that link and you will be able to uninstall anything that you are running into issues uninstalling directly through your control panel options.

Afterwards,

the next step I have found through helping numerous people through this issue that the following article is the best means to resolve this.

Remove and reinstall iTunes and related software components for Windows 7 and later - Apple Support

Specifically, all steps must be completed in their exact order. Steps 5-13 under 'Make sure that iTunes and its related components are completely uninstalled' are also essential in making sure you run into no further issues of having the appropriate drivers installed. Remember to delete all previous copies of the iTunes Installer file from your computer and to download a fresh copy of iTunes through http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

jazzyjaz15 wrote:

I was able to uninstall everything fine with the microsoft fix, thank you. However, after I reinstalled iTunes it did not fix my problem. When I connect my phone and wait a few minutes, I get this error.

Yes, I understand. The steps that I listed, 5-13, would assure that the previously existing Mobile Device Driver was freshly installed. After uninstalling, did you go through the Program Files/Common Files/Apple and delete the files mentioned? You will want to do the same in the Program Files x86 as well. If this wasn't done, you will need to uninstall again by following those steps exactly, or stuff gets left behind. The goal is to remove all program files relating to this application so a fresh, known-good copy can be installed.

jazzyjaz15 wrote:

I surely did go through 5-13 after uninstalling!

Then if you are seeing the Apple Mobile Device Support component in your Control Panel under your uninstaller wizard, I'd suggest Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support. They can setup a screenshare with you and see what thorn is caught in what toe.