These are some basic troubleshooting steps for Windows users to try if iTunes will not recognize your iDevice. The directions are intended for Windows Vista and 7. If you have questions regarding XP, just ask.
Before doing any of this, you will want to back up the data on your computer and iDevice. If you haven't already, see
this thread for information on how to backup all iTunes and iDevice data on your computer.
Steps 1-6 are the most basic ones. Step 7 begins with iTunes/Windows troubleshooting.
1) Update iTunes.
http://www.apple.com/itunes/
2) Try your iDevice on another computer with the same cable.
- If this works, it probably means there's a hardware and/or software problem on the originalcomputer. Proceed to step 3.
- If it doesn't work, the problem could be with your iDevice or cable. Proceed to step 3.
3) Try another iDevice on the original computer with the same cable.
- If this works, the problem is likely within your iDevice. Probably best to take it to an Apple store at this point.
- If it doesn't work, the problem could be either your computer or cable. Proceed to step 4.
- If neither this step or step #2 worked, the issue could very well be your cable. Proceed to step 4.
- If this step and step #2 both worked, but your original iDevice and computer still don't play nice, something bizarre is going on. Skip to step 8.
4) Try your iDevice on the original computer with a different cable.
- Works? Mission accomplished.
- Still doesn't work? You probably have a computer problem. Proceed to step 5.
5) Try a couple other USB devices (Mice, Flash Drives, External Hard Drives, etc.).
- If they work fine, it's probably some kind of software problem within Windows of iTunes. Proceed to step 6.
- If they don't even work, your computer has serious issues, which are out of the scope of this thread.
6) Repeat steps 3&4 for each USB port on your computer. Just in case one of your USB ports is broken.
- Works? Mission accomplished.
- Still no joy? Head on to step 7.
7) Make sure "AppleMobileDeviceHelper.exe" is running.
A) Click on the windows button at the bottom-left of your screen.
B) In the search bar, type the following without quotes and hit enter: "services.msc"
C) Click on "Name" at the top of the left column to sort it alphabetically. "Apple Mobile Device" (AMD) should be near the top.
D) In the "Status" column, it should say "Started", and the "Startup Type" column should be "Automatic". If it does, skip to step 8.
E) If "Status" is wrong, right click anywhere on the AMD row, and select "Start". If it starts OK, try connecting your iDevice. Continue whether it works or not.
F) If "Startup Type" is wrong, right click on the AMD row, and select "Properties".
G) Select the "General" tab at the top of that window.
H) In the middle of that page, you'll see "Startup Type". Select "Automatic". Then click OK at the bottom of the window.
I) Restart your computer and try plugging in your iDevice again. If it works, great. Mission accomplished.
J) If it doesn't work, repeat steps 7A-7D to make sure the settings were saved. If they look correct, go on to step 8.
8) Check Device Manager for problems
A) Plug in your iDevice.
B) Click on the Windows button at the bottom-left of your screen.
C) Right-click on "Computer" in the right column, and select "Manage".
D) In the left column, click on "Device Manager" (under "System Tools").
E) Your iDevice (for example, "Apple iPhone") should be listed under "Portable Devices". If it isn't, skip to step 9. Also note if there are any yellow exclamationpoints over the icon. That means there's a problem. As if you didn't already know.
F) Right-Click on "Apple iPhone" (if your iDevice is an iPhone), select "Uninstall" (don't worry), and then select "OK" when it asks if you are sure. You are sure.
G) Unplug your iDevice, and plug it back in. Wait a minute.
H) If it works, restart your computer and try again. If it still works, mission accomplished. If not...
The above steps should take care of 95% of the problems out there. If it's still hosed for you, the last-resort option is to completely uninstall and reinstall iTunes. For directions to completely uninstall iTunes, see this Apple Support page:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1923
If I encounter more issues that lead to iDevices not being recognized in iTunes, I'll try to add them to this guide. Feel free to make any corrections or suggestions.
