In the technology world, there is a myth that devices created by California engineers from Apple work perfectly and never fail. Taught by time and experience, users know that this is far from the case, and even unique iPhones and iPads sometimes fail. This article will discuss the difficulties in the program iTunes and the problems of synchronization between mobile and desktop computers. Why doesn't iTunes see the iPad and iPhone? Can this be fixed? What measures should be taken? We answer these questions as detailed as possible.
Problems with non-updated software
All gadgets and Apple services are strictly tied to software and always maximally adapt only to the latest versions of “software”. Therefore, if you encounter a problem when iTunes does not see the iPad or iPhone, the first thing to do is update the software of your gadgets (iOS and macOS system) and iTunes to the latest version. The latest software versions can be found on the official website of the company.
The problem with cables and ports
Also, iTunes does not see iPad mini and other Apple devices if the USB cable connecting the computer and the mobile device is damaged. About this, the smartphone or tablet can continue to charge, but damage will not allow you to start synchronization, and iTunes will respond with an error. Exactly the same thing awaits you if the USB port does not work.
Certificate Submission System
Another issue that causes iTunes to not see the iPad or iPhone is the lack of a security certificate. When you first connect your smartphone or tablet to a computer, iTunes will request access to it using a special code or simply using a dialog box offering to give access to the gadget. If for any reason you give a refusal, then the next time you connect the device, this dialog box will not appear, and the synchronization process simply will not start. To fix the problem, you will need to reset the security certificate.
Removing a certificate on Mac
To perform this procedure on macOS computers:
- open file manager (Finder program);
- go to the submenu "Transition - Transition to the folder" (the same procedure can be performed by simultaneously pressing Command + Shift + G);
- in the appeared line enter / var / db / lockdown;
- delete all files (certificates) that are stored in this directory, empty the trash and restart the system.
Removing a certificate on Windows
The same procedure can be done on Windows. To do this, you must:
- open the "Control Panel";
- Find in it the subfolder "Folder Options";
- then find the column “Show hidden files and folders” and tick it;
- after that, go to the folder "Drive C - ProgramData - Apple - Lockdown", delete all the contents, empty the trash and restart the computer.
Reinstall iTunes on Mac
Often, users are faced with the fact that iTunes is simply not functioning properly. There are many reasons for this, but on Apple computers the only way to fix it is to reinstall the utility from scratch. Before you re-download and install iTunes on your computer, you need to completely remove it along with the drivers and supporting files.
In order to fully reinstall iTunes on a macOS computer, you must:
- disconnect all devices from the computer and close iTunes (completely by right-clicking on the program’s shortcut and clicking “Close”);
- open file manager (Finder program);
- go to the program directory and delete the iTunes folder from there;
- open the submenu "Transition - Transition to the folder";
- We pass to "Libraries - Extension";
- delete the file AppleMobileDeviceSupport.pkg;
- after that it is necessary to restart the computer, then starting it again, empty the basket and restart again;
- after that, go to the AppStore or the official Apple website, find the latest version of the iTunes client and install it on your computer.
Reinstalling the driver for mobile devices on Windows
If iTunes on Windows does not see the iPad or iPhone, perhaps the reason is the malfunctioning driver, which is responsible for connecting Apple devices to the USB port.
To restore the driver, do the following:
- disconnect the smartphone or tablet from the computer;
- connect it again and close the iTunes program, which will start automatically;
- then you need to hold down the Windows + R keys to open the command prompt;
- after that, enter% ProgrammFiles% / CommonFiles / Apple / Mobile Device Support / Drivers into the command line;
- Next, install the usbaap164.inf and usbbapl.inf libraries (other files with a similar name may be in the selected folder, so before you start the installation, you need to make sure that these are files with the “inf” permission, and make them easier to find, change the appearance of the external design of the folder using the options in the "View" submenu);
- disconnect the gadget from the computer and restart it.
If this procedure also did not help to rectify the situation, then you need to:
- go to the “Control Panel - Device Manager”;
- find the sub-item "USB device";
- expand the item and find the driver from Apple there;
- if there is no driver, or you see some device that is unfamiliar to you that is not marked in any way, then you need to connect the device using a new USB cable or try working on another computer (the reason may be a non-working USB port on the computer);
- if there is a driver, but an icon with an exclamation mark is displayed next to it, you should try restarting the computer or getting rid of software that restricts iTunes. It can be antiviruses and other tools to protect the operating system from unauthorized access.
If these methods did not help you with iTunes, then the only option is to change the main computer or contact Apple support, where you will be offered more advanced and sophisticated diagnostic methods.