When you connect your iPhone to iTunes on Windows PC or Mac, you expect to see it pop up instantly. However, many people face the frustrating situation where their iPhone plugged in but not showing up on iTunes. This can cause serious inconveniences like being unable to view playlists, restore backups, or access music and albums through iTunes. If you're stuck in this situation, don't worry—this guide will help you quickly get the iPhone icon to show up again in iTunes.

• Part 1. Why Is My iPhone Not Showing Up in iTunes?
• Part 2. What to Do if iTunes Not Detecting iPhone
  • Method 1. Trust Computer on iPhone
  • Method 2. Check the USB Connection
  • Method 3. Delete Apple Devices App
  • Method 4. Check Security Restrictions
  • Method 5. Update the iTunes Version
  • Method 6. Update the Computer Version
• Part 3. How to Fix iPhone Not Showing Up in iTunes
• Part 4. Other Fixes to iPhone Not Visible in iTunes
  • Method 1. Restart iPhone and PC
  • Method 2. Reset All iPhone Settings
  • Method 3. Reinstall iTunes on PC
• Part 5. FAQs about iPhone Not Showing Up in iTunes
• Part 6. Conclusion

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Part 1. Why Is My iPhone Not Showing Up in iTunes?

The problem of an iPhone not appearing in iTunes is typically due to issues with the connection, the iPhone, iTunes, or the computer system itself. Let's explore when and why this happens:

1. If you forget to trust your computer, your iPhone may charge on PC but not showing up in iTunes.

2. After updating your iPhone, an outdated iTunes version might prevent it from recognizing the device.

3. iTunes won't recognize iPhone after installing Apple Devices app because this app replaces Apple mobile device support.

4. System bugs in Windows 11 or recent macOS updates can interfere with your iPhone appearing in iTunes.

5. Improperly set security restrictions or permissions can prevent iTunes from accessing your iPhone's data.

6. Corrupt or incomplete iTunes or iPhone files may result in connected devices not appearing within the application.

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Part 2. What to Do if iTunes Not Detecting iPhone

Here are some comprehensive and easy troubleshooting steps you can use to fix the iPhone icon not showing up in iTunes. They are simple to follow and can help you quickly get your device recognized again.

Method 1. Trust Computer on iPhone

Trusting the computer is crucial because it allows your iPhone to establish a secure connection. If you don't trust it, iTunes won't detect your device. Simply connect your iPhone, and when the "Trust This Computer?" alert pops up, select Trust and enter your screen passcode to continue.

Method 2. Check the USB Connection

A damaged cable or dirty port can prevent your iPhone from being recognized. To ensure a proper connection, it's important to clear any dust from the ports and inspect both your iPhone's port and the USB cable for damage. If there are no problems with them, then switch to the next method.

Method 3. Delete Apple Devices App

Removing the Apple Devices app can help especially iPhone not showing up in iTunes on Windows 11, where the app conflicts with iTunes detection. Here's how to uninstall it and restore the missing connection to allow your iPhone to show up properly in iTunes.

Step 1. Click the search icon and then type the Apple Devices in the search box.

Step 2. Continue to click the Apps tab on the top if you see it in the search result list.

Step 3. Then select the Uninstall option in the right section and click Uninstall again to confirm.

Method 4. Check Security Restrictions

Security settings or software on your PC or Mac can block iTunes from accessing connected devices. Adjusting the restrictions ensures that your system allows iTunes to recognize and communicate with your iPhone normally. Here's how to adjust the security restrictions on PC.

Step 1. Hit the Windows button on the keyboard to open the system menu.

Step 2. Search for Control Panel, then click on the System and Security section to access it.

Step 3. Under that section, select Windows Defender Firewall, then choose Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off and disable it temporarily.

Method 5. Update the iTunes Version

As we mentioned before, an outdated iTunes can miss critical support for newer iPhone models. Updating to the latest version ensures compatibility and improves device detection, helping fix the iPhone not appearing in iTunes issue. There are detailed instructions for you.

Step 1. Fire up iTunes.

Step 2. Then you need to click the Help section on the top left edge in iTunes.

Step 3. Next, pick Check for Updates and then the Download iTunes button.

Method 6. Update the Computer Version

After updating iTunes to the latest version, it's noted that an outdated Windows or macOS version can also cause detection failures. If your iPhone does not show up in iTunes, updating the system can install needed compatibility fixes for device detection.

Update Windows System:

Step 1. Hit both the Windows and I keys on the keyboard at the same time.

Step 2. Once the Settings window opens, select the Windows Update option.

Step 3. Select the Check for Updates button to ensure the Windows computer is latest.

Update macOS System:

Step 1. Click the Apple logo on the top.

Step 2. After that, choose System Preferences from the dropdown list.

Step 3. Pick Software Update and then Update Now to update the Mac system and Finder.

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Part 3. How to Fix iPhone Not Showing Up in iTunes

iPhone icon still not showing up or even not detected? If you find yourself in this situation, or if your iPhone in Recovery Mode not showing up on iTunes, MagFone iOS System Recovery is your best solution. The issue might stem from your computer or underlying problems with your iPhone system, and MagFone can repair both effectively. It can not only resolve iOS system glitches but also fix iTunes bugs that prevent device detection. Additionally, if your iPhone is stuck on the recovery mode screen, MagFone can help you exit it safely without data loss. Next is how to use this tool in four steps.

Step 1 Plug in iPhone and Launch MagFone

Start by running the MagFone software on your computer and connecting your iPhone using a USB cable. Once connected, choose the iOS System Repair option in the MagFone interface, then click Start and opt for the Standard Repair option.

Step 2 Force iPhone into Recovery Mode

Ensure your iPhone is powered off before proceeding. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the MagFone software to put your device into Recovery Mode. If you encounter issues, you can switch your iPhone to DFU mode to continue.

Step 3 Pick the Correct Firmware Package

After your iPhone is detected, check that the device information displayed on the screen is accurate. If needed, manually update the details, then click the Download button to fetch the appropriate firmware package for your iPhone.

Step 4 Fix iPhone Not Showing Up in iTunes

Once the firmware package is downloaded, hit the Repair button to start resolving the issue. MagFone will automatically address any system or iTunes bugs preventing proper detection of your iPhone, and it will safely guide your device out of Recovery Mode if necessary.

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Part 4. Other Fixes to iPhone Not Visible in iTunes

In addition to the previous methods, there are still other available fixes that can help when your iPhone is not showing up in iTunes. These additional tips can further boost your chances of getting your device recognized.

Method 1. Restart iPhone and PC

Rebooting your iPhone can resolve temporary glitches that prevent the connection with iTunes, the same to your PC. A simple reboot refreshes system processes, which can help re-establish device recognition without the need for complex troubleshooting.

Method 2. Reset All iPhone Settings

Resetting all settings on your iPhone can resolve misconfigurations that block iTunes recognition. It restores system settings to default while keeping your data safe, allowing a fresh reconnection attempt.

Step 1. Enter Settings.

Step 2. Go on to pick General, then the Transfer or Reset iPhone button.

Step 3. Proceed to hit the Reset tab, next, the Reset All Settings choice.

Method 3. Reinstall iTunes on PC

A damaged iTunes installation might prevent your iPhone from being recognized. Reinstalling iTunes gives you a fresh, clean setup that can repair missing files or bugs, helping the app detect your device properly. However, you cannot reinstall Finder on macOS because it's a core system application, deeply integrated into the operating system. Next is how to reinstall iTunes on a Windows PC.

Step 1. Hit the Windows key to wake up the Settings menu on PC.

Step 2. Navigate to the Apps section and choose the Installed apps option.

Step 3. Search for iTunes, click on More, and choose Uninstall to delete it.

Step 4. Go to Microsoft Store to download and install iTunes back on.

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Part 5. FAQs about iPhone Not Showing Up in iTunes

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Part 6. Conclusion

A red screen on an iPhone may stem from various causes, including settings or software malfunctions. Identifying the issue is key to fixing it without losing data. In some cases, a system reset, update, or professional help might be needed for a permanent solution.