iTunes cannot read the content of the iPhone...

Suddenly today I'm getting that error from iTunes. It worked fine a couple of days ago. I haven't installed or updated anything iOS or macOS related. I'm on Mojave (10.14.6, up-to-date) and my iPhone is running 16.3.1. Tried restarting both my iMac and iPhone, and switching cables with my iPad (which iTunes can still see with either cable). I haven't tried restoring the iPhone (which iTunes suggests). I may end up doing that, but it's kind of a last resort. iMazing can still see and read the phone just fine.

iMac

Posted on Mar 4, 2023 12:28 PM

Reply

Similar questions

8 replies

Mar 6, 2023 04:04 PM in response to blmatthews

Hi blmatthews,


We'll be glad to help you.


You can find steps to take, depending on the error code being seen, outlined here: Find an iTunes or Finder error code - Apple Support


If the iPhone is not being seen by the computer, these steps from If your computer doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support may help:


1. Look in the Finder or iTunes
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 with iTunes for Windows, look for your device in iTunes.
Learn more about viewing your device in the Finder or iTunes
 
2. Update the software on all devices
Update your iPhone or iPad
Update your Mac
Update your Windows PC
On your PC you might also need to update iTunes and update drivers.
 
3. Connect your device directly to your computer
Make sure that your device is unlocked and showing its Home Screen, then use a USB cable to connect it directly to your computer. Don't connect to a USB hub, display, or other device. 
If that doesn't help, disconnect your device and all other USB devices and accessories from your computer. Then reconnect only your device. 
 
4. 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.
About the 'Trust This Computer' alert
  
5. Allow the accessory to connect
When connecting 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
  
6. Restart your devices
Restart your iPhone
Restart your iPad
Restart your Mac
Restart your Windows PC
 
7. Try a different port, cable, or computer
The issue could be related to your computer, its USB port, or the USB cable connecting it to your device. If possible, try a different computer, USB port, or USB cable. Also check for any debris in the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone or iPad.
 
8. Contact us
If your computer still doesn't recognize your iPhone or iPad, contact Apple Support.


We hope this helps you.


Cheers.

Mar 9, 2023 06:48 AM in response to blmatthews

blmatthews,


Let's try to narrow this down and isolate it more by testing in safe mode and a new user account. Safe mode prevents certain software from opening and completes great checks on startup. More information on starting to safe mode and steps to take after starting there can be found in the link below. 


How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support


Please determine whether you're using a Mac with Apple silicon.


Apple silicon

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Turn on your Mac and continue to press and hold the power button until you see the startup options window.
3. Select your startup disk, then press and hold the Shift key while clicking “Continue in Safe Mode”.
4. Log in to your Mac. You may be asked to log in again.


Intel processor

1. Turn on or restart your Mac, then immediately press and hold the Shift key as your Mac starts up.
2. Release the key when you see the login window, then log in to your Mac. 
3. You may be asked to log in again. On either the first or second login window, you should see "Safe Boot" in the top right-hand corner of the window."


If the prompt continues to show after the steps from safe mode, create a new user account (administrator) to see if the behavior happens there. This will let us know if it is system-wide or something within your user account: Change Users & Groups settings on Mac


Please let us know the outcome after giving the above steps a try.


Cheers!

Apr 12, 2023 03:06 PM in response to blmatthews

Thanks for replying, blmatthews, and that additional info. Since you have updated to macOS Monterey, you would use Finder to manage and sync the iPhone: Use the Finder to sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with your Mac - Apple Support


If you are still having an issue, please contact Apple directly for further support: Get Support


Have a great day and thanks for using the Apple Support Communities!

Mar 21, 2023 04:22 PM in response to blmatthews


Hello blmatthews,


Thanks for that info. The issue might be related to your computer, its USB port, or the USB cable connecting it to your device. If possible, try a different computer, USB port, or USB cable. Also check for any debris in the charging port on the bottom of your iPhone or iPad. Make sure the cable are Apple Official cables too.


If you still can't find a resolution, please contact Apple Support to sign into this further with you.


Thanks.

Apr 12, 2023 02:21 PM in response to Eric--F

I connected it to an old laptop I have with a different (Apple) cable, with the same result. The only thing in common now is the phone itself, so I assume something's corrupted on the phone (that still lets the phone operate perfectly and iMazing view the phone).


For other reasons, I recently updated to Monterey. Unfortunately it does the same thing when viewing the phone in the Finder. As it appears to be the phone, I decided to try what Monterey suggests and restore the phone. Unfortunately clicking Restore iPhone... does nothing.

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

iTunes cannot read the content of the iPhone...

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.