11 Ways to Fix ‘iPhone Cannot Connect to iTunes’

Last updated on October 30th, 2023 at 07:24 am

iTune is the most valuable Apple tool, which is used to connect an iPhone with a Windows PC or Mac. so that we can update the latest versions of our iPhones, transfer valuable files, and have many more opportunities. Sometimes, whenever we try to connect our iPhone with iTunes, it throws an error that says, “iPhone Cannot Connect to iTunes.” There are multiple reasons for this error. That can be hardware-related or software-related. In this article, you will find some of the easiest and best ways to fix this error.

11 Solutions to the “iPhone Cannot Connect to iTunes” Error

There can be various reasons for this error, and so you will find multiple methods to fix this error. Keep reading and apply the methods in order to get the solutions.

Related Software: How to Recover Deleted or Lost iTunes

1. Restart your Windows PC or Mac device

Remember, just a simple restart can save your system’s serious errors. It is thought to be first aid.

The problem of iTunes being unable to connect to this iPhone can be resolved by restarting your Mac or Windows PC. Just after the restart is complete, reattach your iPhone to iTunes using the USB cord. This frequently resolves the problem of iTunes not identifying the iOS device on the PC.

2. iTunes should be updated

Check that you are using the most recent version of iTunes. It improves the app’s speed and resolves issues such as iTunes not connecting to the iPhone. Launch iTunes on your Windows PC to update it. Navigate to the top-level menu and select Help > Check for Updates.

To update iTunes on a Macbook, first update macOS. On the Mac desktop, click the Apple symbol. Select and then navigate to System Settings > Software Update.

3. Connect to a good network connection or WIFI

Ascertain that you have a consistent Internet signal with adequate data transmission speed for both your iPhone and PC.

Turn on your mobile data if you are using it. Check to see whether the iPhone won’t connect to iTunes. The problem has been resolved after connecting your iPhone to a strong internet connection.

4. Uninstall and reinstall iTunes

If iTunes can’t recognize your iPhone, it will throw an error. You need to uninstall the iTunes app (also, remove its preferences) and then reinstall it properly. Here is the guide to reinstalling iTunes:

  • Remove iTunes by following the steps. Start > Settings > Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > iTunes Uninstall should be selected.
  • Remove all relevant applications from the Control Panel in the order listed—
  • Apple Software Updates and Apple Mobile Device Support. Hello and welcome to Apple Application Support for 32-bit and Apple Application Support for 64-bit.
  • Reboot your computer.
  • Download and install the most recent version of iTunes from the Microsoft Store or Apple’s website.

5. Use a USB cable that suits Apple devices

Use the original USB cord that came with your iPhone or iPad. The use of a third-party USB cable may cause connectivity issues.

Also, ensure that the USB port is operational. To rule out the USB cable issue, try a new cable and USB port.

6. Update your iPhone or iOS to the latest version

To check for available updates on your iOS device, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update. Then select Install the application. The update procedure will begin when your iPhone restarts.

Attach your iOS device to your PC and open iTunes. The iPhone’s inability to connect to iTunes on a computer should be resolved right away.

7. Update the USB driver

There can be issues with outdated USB drivers. Because of a lack of driver updates, the iPhone occasionally fails to connect with the PC and, as a result, cannot connect to iTunes.

So, you must make sure that your drivers are up-to-date. If not, then you need to update to the most recent version and restart your PC. After that, there is a chance that the issue will be fixed.

8. Disable parental control

Because of the restrictive settings or parental controls that you have enabled on your system, your iPhone may not appear in iTunes at times. Disable the limitations before attempting to visit iTunes.

Go to Settings, then Screen Time, and then find and go to Content & Privacy Restrictions. There you need to disable the restriction option.

9. When prompted, trust the computer

Did you get a signal saying “Trust this Computer” on your iPhone after connecting it to a PC or Mac? Unplug and reattach your iPhone. In the pop-up box, click the Trust option.

This should resolve the issue when the iPhone cannot access iTunes on a Mac or PC.

10. Date and time

You may resolve the issue by adjusting the date and time settings. Below I have described the method of using those settings.

  • Go over to Settings, then General, and then Date & Time.
  • Check that Set Automatically is turned on.
  • Exit the App Store and iTunes from the multitasking switcher and reopen them.

11. Perform a factory reset on your iPhone

If none of the preceding techniques worked, you might try factory resetting your iPhone. This step will delete all of the data on your iPhone.

Before attempting to factory reset your iPhone, remember to backup your data to iCloud or iTunes. Following that, you may Recover Data from iTunes.