iPhone 8 Not Recognized by iTunes on Windows? Here’s How to Fix It

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Trying to connect your iPhone 8 to a Windows computer only to find iTunes doesn’t recognize it — or worse, nothing happens at all? Whether you’re trying to back up, update, or restore your device, this common issue can stem from a glitch in iTunes, a faulty USB connection, or outdated drivers. Here’s how to fix it.

Why iTunes or Windows Won’t Recognize Your iPhone 8

Several things can interfere with proper device detection:

  • Faulty or non-OEM USB cable
  • Outdated or missing Apple drivers
  • Corrupted iTunes installation
  • Antivirus/firewall interference
  • Outdated Windows OS or iTunes version
  • Software bugs or minor iOS glitches

How to Fix iPhone 8 Not Detected by iTunes on Windows

1. Disconnect and Reconnect the iPhone

Start simple:

  • Unplug the iPhone
  • Wait 30 seconds
  • Reconnect it using the original Apple Lightning cable
  • Make sure both ends are securely plugged in

2. Restart Both Devices

  • Restart your iPhone 8: Hold the Side button, slide to power off, then turn it back on.
  • Restart your PC: Close all apps and reboot. Then plug your iPhone in again.

3. Unlock iPhone and Trust the Computer

  • Make sure your iPhone is unlocked
  • When prompted with “Trust This Computer?”, tap Trust
  • If the prompt doesn’t appear, reconnect the device or try another port

4. Try a Different USB Port and Cable

  • Use another USB port directly on the computer (avoid USB hubs)
  • If you have another Lightning cable, try that too

5. Update iTunes and Windows

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues:

  • In iTunes, click Help > Check for Updates
  • In Windows, go to Settings > Windows Update

Install any pending updates and restart your PC.

6. Manually Install Apple Mobile Device USB Driver

If your iPhone shows up as a camera or is not detected:

  1. Press Windows + X > choose Device Manager
  2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
  3. Look for Apple Mobile Device USB Driver
  4. If missing, or showing errors:
    • Navigate to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers
    • Right-click the usbaapl64.inf file and click Install

Then unplug your iPhone, restart your PC, and plug it back in.

7. Disable Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Security software might block access to iTunes or your iPhone:

  • Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall
  • Plug your iPhone back in and check if it’s recognized
  • Re-enable protection afterward

8. Reset Location & Privacy Settings on iPhone

If the trust dialog doesn’t appear, resetting location/privacy settings may help:

  • Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset
  • Tap Reset Location & Privacy
  • Reconnect and tap Trust when prompted

9. Uninstall and Reinstall iTunes

If iTunes still doesn’t detect your iPhone:

  • Uninstall iTunes and all Apple components (Mobile Device Support, Bonjour, etc.)
  • Reboot your PC
  • Download and install the latest iTunes version from Apple’s website

10. Update in Recovery Mode (Advanced)

If iTunes still doesn’t recognize your device:

  • Connect your iPhone to PC
  • Quickly press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold Side button until the recovery screen appears
  • iTunes should now detect your iPhone in Recovery Mode
  • Choose Update (not Restore) to reinstall iOS without erasing data

If You Still Can’t Connect

Try your iPhone on another Windows or Mac computer. If it still doesn’t work:

  • Contact Apple Support — the issue may be hardware-related
  • Or contact Microsoft Support if you suspect your PC is the culprit

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