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up, update, or restore your device, this common issue can stem from a glitch in iTunes, a faulty USB connection, or outdated drivers.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- Outdated or missing Apple drivers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- Outdated Windows OS or iTunes version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Outdated software can cause compatibility issues: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:
- Press Windows + X > choose Device Manager
- Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
- Look for Apple Mobile Device USB Driver
- 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
- Navigate to
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