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FIX: Windows 11 not recognizing iPhone
8 min. read
Updated onFebruary 12, 2024
updated onFebruary 12, 2024
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We often connect our iPhones to a computer, generally to transfer photos or in some cases, to troubleshoot errors. But, what do you do if Windows 11 is not recognizing your iPhone?
Not being able to connect both the devices poses a major hurdle to users, and you will find several forums on the web where users complain of the same. A common factor amongst all these forums is that nowhere will you find a credible and effective troubleshooting approach.
Therefore, we have dedicated this guide to help you understand why Windows 11 is not recognizing your iPhone, and walk you through the fixes for the problem.
Why is Windows 11 not recognizing my iPhone?
Since this situation involves two devices, problems with either can lead to Windows 11 not recognizing the iPhone. So, you will have to put in almost twice the effort. We have listed some of the common issues that cause the problem:
Now, that you have a basic understanding of the underlying causes, you are in a far better position to troubleshoot the error.
What do I do if Windows 11 is not recognizing my iPhone?
1. Check the connection between the devices
Your primary approach when dealing with connection issues should be to check if they are faulty. Make sure the cable is properly plugged in at both ends, in the Windows 11 system and the iPhone.
Even better, unplug and then firmly replug them.
Also, check for any damage to the cables or the ports. Check if the same cable can charge your iPhone. If it does, continue with the methods listed below, but if it doesn’t, try using another cable and it should now work.
2. Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and provide necessary permissions
Whenever you connect your iPhone to the computer, there are some permissions to be granted and an authentication process to complete. If the display is turned off, you are likely to miss the notification.
After following the steps listed above, Windows 11 should now be recognizing the iPhone. In case the prompt doesn’t pop up on your iPhone, head to the next method.
3. Restart both the Windows 11 PC and iPhone
In some cases, it could be a trivial bug or a background process that’s preventing Windows 11 from recognizing your iPhone.
You have the option to identify the process and terminate it, though a simple way out would be to restart both the iPhone and the PC.
Restart the PC
Restart your iPhone
➡ iPhone X, 11, 12, or 13
➡ iPhone SE (2nd generation), 8, 7, or 6
➡ iPhone SE (1st generation), 5, or earlier
Now, check if you can establish a connection between the iPhone and your Windows 11 computer.
4. Remove the non-critical peripherals
Another simple troubleshooting method is to remove all the peripherals, barring the critical ones. In simple words, remove everything except the keyboard and the mouse.
If you have speakers, earphones, an external hard drive, a printer, or maybe an external Bluetooth adapter, remove them all. Once done, restart your computer, and then check if the connection works.
In case a peripheral was conflicting with the functioning, Windows 11 should now recognize your iPhone, and a connection should be established right away.
5. Update drivers
An outdated driver is also one of the possible reasons why Windows 11 is not recognizing the iPhone in Windows 11. If that’s the case,updating the drivershould fix the problem.
The Device Manager method listed here is one of the simplest ways to update any installed driver, but this too has a drawback. It will only scan for the updates that have already been downloaded to the computer, and wouldn’t check the other available sources.
In case the update didn’t go through earlier, you can check for the latest version in Windows Update ormanually install the setup from the manufacturer’s websiteand install it.
If that sounds like too much trouble, you can always use a reliable third-party app. We recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater, a dedicated tool that will scan all available sources for the latest driver version, and keep the installed ones up-to-date.
⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater
6. Update iTunes
The steps listed above would work only if you have downloaded iTunes from the Microsoft Store. In case you used a standalone installer to get iTunes, click on theHelpmenu and selectCheck for Updates. If one is available, click onDownload iTuneson the pop-up.
After updating, check if Windows 11 is now recognizing your iPhone.
7. Repair/reset iTunes
Repairing an app identifies corrupt files and replaces them, along with verifying the Registry entries, and making the necessary changes, if required. The whole process doesn’t affect the configured app settings or data.
On the other hand, resetting an app is similar to reinstalling it, since the result is the same in both cases. However, resetting is a far simpler and quicker method. Do remember, though, the data and saved settings, if any, will be lost.
Once done with the reset and repair, Windows 11 would now recognize the iPhone.
How can I project my iPhone screen to a Windows 11 PC?
Several users have been looking around for ways to mirror their iPhone screen to a Windows device, and honestly, there are a lot of them available. But, most of these are not as effective.
To find the answer,check our curated guide for the best software to project iPhone screen to Windows 11as well as the previous iterations. Also, some of these offer free trials, which gives you the option to check out the various features before subscribing to the paid version.
That’s all there is to fixing issues when Windows 11 is not recognizing the iPhone. Once the error is eliminated, you can start transferring files between the two.
If the problem is still there, we have a great guide on what to do if thephone is not showing up on PC, so you might want to check it out.
Also,learn how to use Facetime in Windows 11to seamlessly make video calls from your PC.
Do not forget to check outhow to download iCloud on the latest iteration.
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
More about the topics:iPhone issues,Windows 11
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
