iPhone X Not Recognized in iTunes After iOS 13 Update? Here’s How to Fix It

Trying to sync your iPhone X with iTunes after updating to iOS 13, only to find that iTunes won’t even recognize your device? You’re not alone. Many users experience this frustrating issue — usually due to software conflicts, outdated programs, or faulty drivers. Here’s how to troubleshoot and get your iPhone X back in sync with iTunes.

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1. Check Your Cable and USB Port

• Use an Apple-certified Lightning cable
• Plug into a different USB port
• Avoid using USB hubs — connect directly to the computer

✅ If possible, test the cable and port with another iPhone.

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2. Close and Restart iTunes

Apps left running for too long can glitch out. Try restarting iTunes:

• On Windows: Press Alt + Tab, highlight iTunes, press Delete
• On Mac: Press Option + Command + Esc, select iTunes, then Force Quit

Reopen iTunes and reconnect your iPhone.

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3. Reboot Your iPhone and Computer

A simple restart can clear software hiccups on both devices.

• On iPhone X:
  • Hold the Side button + Volume Down until “slide to power off” appears
  • Slide to turn off, then hold the Side button again to restart
• Restart your Mac or PC using normal procedures

Reconnect your iPhone and check iTunes.

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4. Disable Content & Privacy Restrictions on iPhone

Restrictions can block iTunes from accessing your device.

• Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions
• Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases
• Set options to Allow

Then try syncing again.

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5. Reset All Settings on iPhone

This won’t delete your data but will revert settings to default.

• Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings
• Enter your passcode if prompted
• Confirm the reset

After reboot, reconnect your iPhone to iTunes.

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6. Update iTunes to the Latest Version

Outdated versions of iTunes may not support newer iOS builds.

On Mac:

• Open App Store
• Click Updates
• Install any iTunes-related updates

On Windows:

• Open Apple Software Update
• Select iTunes and click Install

Restart your computer afterward.

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7. Temporarily Disable Firewall and Antivirus

Security software can block iTunes from connecting to your device.

On Windows:

• Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall
• Click Turn off firewall (temporary)

On Mac:

• Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Firewall
• Click the lock to make changes
• Choose Turn Off Firewall

Reconnect your iPhone and test. Re-enable firewall afterward.

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8. Manually Update or Reinstall Apple USB Drivers (Windows)

Faulty or missing drivers are a common culprit.

• Press Windows + R, type devmgmt.msc, and hit Enter
• Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers
• Right-click Apple Mobile Device USB Driver, select Update driver
• Or, go to: makefileCopyEditC:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers
• Right-click usbaapl64.inf or usbaapl.inf and choose Install

Restart your PC and reconnect your iPhone.

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Still Not Working? Try These Options

• Use another computer to rule out system-specific issues
• Try alternative iOS management tools:
  • iMazing
  • Dr.Fone
  • Tenorshare iCareFone

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Contact Support

If none of the steps above work:

• Reach out to Apple Support for Mac help
• Contact Microsoft Support for Windows USB driver issues