If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad
When your device is turned on and connected to your computer, it should appear in the Finder, in iTunes, or in the Apple Devices app. If you don't see it, follow these steps.
Look in the Finder, in iTunes, or in the Apple Devices app
On a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, look for your device in the sidebar of any window in the Finder.*
On a Mac with an earlier version of macOS, look for your device in iTunes.
On a PC, look for your device in iTunes or in the Apple Devices app.
Learn more about viewing your device in the Finder or iTunes or in the Apple Devices app.
Check whether your device charges
Your device should chime or vibrate when you connect it to your computer, but debris can build up in the charging port at the bottom of your iPhone or iPad and make it difficult to connect. If your iPhone or iPad does not charge when connected to your computer, connect your device directly without a hub or adapter if possible. If that doesn't work, try another USB port, another cable, or another computer.
Update the software on all your devices
On your PC you might also need to update iTunes, update Apple Devices, and update drivers.
Restart your devices
Allow your device to connect in Windows or macOS
When you connect your device to a Windows PC, Device Manager can confirm whether your computer is connected to your iPhone or iPad and update your driver if needed.
When you connect your device to a Mac laptop computer with Apple silicon, your Mac might ask whether you want to allow this accessory to connect. If so, allow it to connect.
Learn about allowing accessories to connect
Trust your computer, if asked
If you see a “Trust this Computer?” alert on your device when you plug it into your computer, tap Trust. If you don’t see the alert or tapped incorrectly and the computer and iPhone or iPad may not trust one another, reset your Location & Privacy settings.
About the 'Trust This Computer' alert
Check for software conflicts
Some third-party software might affect whether your iPhone or iPad can connect with your computer.
On a Mac, check your VPN or third-party security software for connectivity issues
On a PC, resolve issues between Apple software for Windows and third-party security software
If your computer still doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad, you might need service. Get service
* This feature depends on a setting: From the menu bar in the Finder, choose Finder > Settings (or Preferences). Click Sidebar at the top of the settings window, then make sure that “CDs, DVDs and iOS Devices” is selected. If you don't see a sidebar in Finder windows, choose View > Show Sidebar from the menu bar, or press Control-Command-S.
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