Apple Devices for Windows app prevents entering iPad unlock code

Question

Apple Devices for Windows app prevents entering iPad unlock code

I run the latest version of Windows 11 on the computer that I use for my iPhone and IPad Pro backups. iTunes has stopped recognizing my iPad Pro when I connect it to my computer. No "Trust' prompt. I downloaded ad installed "Apple Devices on Windows" app. Now, when I connect my iPad Pro to my computer, both my computer and my iPad give me the on-screen prompt to "Trust" or "Don't Trust" the device and the computer, but the place on my iPad for entering its unlock code appears for only a fraction of a second, and won't allow me to enter even one digit. The unlock code screen then disappears and the "Trust" / "Don't Trust" prompts appear again on my iPad screen and computer screen, cycling endlessly.

So far, I am unimpressed. This "Apple Devices on Windows" app is worthless in its current state.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Apple Devices for Windows app won't give me time to enter iPad unlock code after clicking "Trust"

iPad Pro, iPadOS 18

Posted on Sep 3, 2025 10:34 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 4, 2025 02:17 AM in response to jefffromattica

If your iPad is not recognised by your computer, try using a different USB port. Many reports seen here suggest that where the process fails when using a host computer’s USB-C port, instead using a Type-A USB port may mitigate the problem.

This support page may help with troubleshooting connection issues:

If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

If your iPad is not operating as expected, try a forced-restart - as this will often clear an isolated software issue:

Force restart iPad (models with Face ID or with Touch ID in the top button)

If your iPad doesn’t have the Home button, do the following:

Press and quickly release the volume button nearest to the top button.
Press and quickly release the volume button farthest from the top button.
Press and hold the top button.
When the Apple logo appears, release the top button.

If the problem persists after performing the restart, it may be necessary to reset your iPad settings. While this reset will not cause any loss of data, as a precaution, it is always wise to ensure that you have a current iCloud or iTunes backup before performing the reset. Clearly, given your current difficulty with backup to your PC, backing up to iCloud might be advisable:

How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch - Apple Support

When you are happy to proceed, you can perform the reset from iPad settings:

Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset All Settings

If the problem still doesn’t clear, the next step is to reset the iPad to factory settings:

Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings - Apple Support

Otherwise, you would be best advised to seek assistance directly from Apple Support. You can contact the Support Team using the Support link at top-right or bottom-left of this page. Alternatively and perhaps easier, you can initiate and manage your support cases using the excellent Apple Support App. If not already installed on your iPad, the App can be downloaded from the App Store:

https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-support/id1130498044

You might also visit the Genius Bar at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - where the technicians will be able to test and assess your iPad - and you can explore your available options:

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

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Answer 2

Sep 4, 2025 03:01 AM in response to LotusPilot

These suggestions are logical, not surprising, fairly "rote," and not helpful. Since yesterday, I did a restart on my Dell Windows 11 computer, forced a restart of my iPad, and then re-launched "Apple Devices on Windows." Now, the latter app doesn't even prompt me (on my iPad or my computer) to "Trust" or "Don't Trust." There is no reaction whatsoever from either device when I plug the iPad into a USB port on my computer, and it makes no difference whether I use the dedicated USB-C port or one of the USB-A ports.

Bringing my iPad 78 miles to the nearest Genius Bar is not a practical solution because I cannot lug my massive XPS 8940 Dell Windows PC with me.

I am ****** if I am going to factory reset my iPad just so that I might have the chance of doing a current backup (my last backup was 2 months ago), given that I cannot back it up to my computer currently, and given that I'd have to purchase additional iCloud storage to do an iCloud backup.

On the whole, deeply unsatisfying.

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Answer 3

Rudegar

Level 10

178,974 points

Sep 4, 2025 04:29 AM in response to jefffromattica

if you are unsatisfying then telling us other users will likely not reach apples ears try

feed back

Product Feedback - Apple

or reach out to their official support channels

Get Support (apple.com)

And or

Contact - Official Apple Support

And or

Contact - How to Contact Us - Apple

if it was me then I would attempt to do it from another computer windows or mac or whatever

to verify nothing about the setup of your dell is somehow making the process more troublesome, as I would assume apple have tested the app so it malfunctioning would not be a general thing on all setups.

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