connect iphone to windows 11 pc

My iPhone 12 is not not discovered on my windows 11 PC by Apple Devices app nor by iTunes. It is recognized by Bluetooth. It doesn't show up in the File Explorer. All of the Apple Support advice has been followed -- updating apps, turning on Accessories under iPhone settings, etc.


iPhone 12, iOS 18

Posted on Mar 22, 2025 09:11 PM

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5 replies

Mar 22, 2025 09:29 PM in response to Looseleaf11-11

It sounds like you've already tried many of the standard troubleshooting steps. Here are some additional solutions to get your iPhone 12 recognized by your Windows 11 PC:


1. Check USB Connection:

  • Ensure you're using an original Apple USB cable that supports both data transfer and charging.
  • Try connecting to a different USB port on your PC. Avoid using USB hubs or adapters.


2. Trust This Computer:

  • Unlock your iPhone and reconnect it to your PC.
  • If prompted, tap Trust This Computer on your iPhone and enter your passcode.


3. Reset Location & Privacy Settings:

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings ➡️ General ➡️ Transfer or Reset iPhone ➡️ Reset ➡️ Reset Location & Privacy.
  • Reconnect your iPhone and tap Trust when prompted.


4. Update Apple Mobile Device USB Driver:

  • Open Device Manager on your PC.
  • Look for Apple Mobile Device USB Driver under Universal Serial Bus controllers or Portable Devices.
  • If it's missing or has a warning icon, right-click and select Update Driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.


5. Restart Apple Mobile Device Service:

  • Press Windows + R, type `services.msc`, and press Enter.
  • Locate Apple Mobile Device Service, right-click, and select Restart.
  • Reconnect your iPhone.


6. Reinstall iTunes:


7. Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts:

  • Disable any antivirus or firewall temporarily to see if they're blocking the connection.


8. Test on Another PC:

- Connect your iPhone to another computer to rule out hardware issues with your iPhone or cable.


If that does not help, then contact 👉 Official Apple Support OR you can always get your iPhone examined at the Apple Store 👉 Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options or at an Authorized Service Center for further diagnosis and evaluation.


More detailed information on this subject here 👉 If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support


Axel F.





Mar 23, 2025 10:40 AM in response to Axel Foley

Thanks for the info, Alex.

Very long story short, I found an unused USB port on the back of my computer and connected to that. Now the iPhone is recognized and all is well (for now, anyway... using computers, phones, apps, and so forth will always be fraught).

Btw, a 2-hour session with Apple Support netted nothing usable. I tried the USB port change only after I discovered there was one unused port back there. Cannot explain the difference between the USB port back there and the USB ports in front, except that there are some in back and some in front.

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connect iphone to windows 11 pc

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