iPhone 8 Plus Not Recognized by iTunes or Computer? Here’s How to Fix It

One of the biggest perks of owning an iPhone is having iTunes to manage your content, backups, and software updates — whether you’re on a Mac or Windows PC. But sometimes when you plug in your iPhone 8 Plus, iTunes doesn’t recognize it — or your computer won’t even detect the phone at all. If that’s what’s happening to you, don’t worry. Here’s why it happens and how to fix it.


Why Your iPhone 8 Plus Isn’t Recognized

There are really two possible causes:

  • A software glitch (either on your iPhone or computer)
  • A hardware issue (bad cable, broken port, or other physical damage)

Most of the time, it’s something simple you can fix without needing a repair.


How to Fix iPhone 8 Plus Not Being Recognized by iTunes

1. Restart Both Devices

A quick reboot clears temporary glitches on both your computer and iPhone.

  • Restart your computer the usual way.
  • Restart your iPhone 8 Plus: Press and hold the Side button until the slide to power off prompt appears. Turn it off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

Pro Tip:
Try plugging your iPhone into a different USB port after rebooting.


2. Use an Official Apple or Certified Lightning Cable

Damaged or third-party cables are a common reason for connection problems.

  • Always use the cable that came with your iPhone.
  • If possible, try another genuine Apple Lightning cable to see if that solves it.

3. Tap “Trust This Computer” on Your iPhone

When you plug your iPhone in, you should see a pop-up asking if you want to trust this computer.

  • Unlock your iPhone.
  • Tap Trust when prompted.

Without tapping Trust, your iPhone won’t connect properly.


4. Update iTunes and Your Computer’s Software

Outdated software often causes communication issues.

  • On Windows:
    Open iTunes > Click Help > Check for Updates.
  • On Mac:
    Open the App Store > Go to Updates tab.
  • Also, update your computer’s operating system and your iPhone (Settings > General > Software Update).

Then reboot everything again for good measure.


5. Update iPhone Drivers (Windows Only)

If you’re on Windows, outdated drivers could be the problem.

  • Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Device Manager.
  • Find Apple iPhone under “Unspecified” or “Portable Devices.”
  • Right-click and select Update Driver.
  • Choose Browse my computer > Navigate to:
    C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers

Install the latest driver if available.


Extra Fixes If Nothing Else Worked

Uninstall and Reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver (Windows Only)

  • Open Device Manager.
  • Under USB Controllers, find the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver.
  • Right-click > Uninstall.
  • Disconnect your iPhone.
  • Reconnect — Windows should reinstall the driver automatically.

Forget Your iPhone in Network Settings (If Using Hotspot Features)

  • Go to Manage Networks on your computer.
  • Find your iPhone > Forget it.
  • Reconnect by turning on your mobile hotspot and re-pairing.

This doesn’t usually fix iTunes issues, but if you’re using a Hotspot or tethering, it might help.


Uninstall Third-Party Security Software (Mac)

Security apps on Mac can sometimes block connections to iPhones.

  • Hold Option > Click Apple menu > System Information.
  • Go to USB section.
  • If your iPhone appears under USB, your Mac sees it but something (likely a firewall or antivirus) is blocking it.

Temporarily uninstall third-party security apps and see if your iPhone shows up properly.

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