Why won't my iPhone sync or even show up via iTunes?

[iMore Question]

I bought a new iphone 4s for my daughter yesterday, but when I plug it into my computer I can't get it to sync with itunes. It won't even show up under itunes. Can someone assist?

 

[Just_Me_D]

Follow the steps outlined via the following link.

iOS: Syncing your data with iTunes

 

[linsiris]

Hello there,

Here are a couple of recommendations:
- Make sure you have the latest iTunes update. If not, then install it.
- Is the 4s new? or did you buy it from someone else?
- Is the phone on? (because if it's off or the battery is drained you have to wait a little before it turns on again)
- Make sure the cable works (try with a different one or another computer).

Let us know if any of the above help.

 

[Evelyn Jenkins]

ok. I am downloading the latest itunes now. I will keep you posted.

 

[linsiris]

So much for a response in 5 minutes

He actually replied 2 minutes later :rotfl:

 

[Evelyn Jenkins]

downloading latest itunes now. I will let you know. It is a new 4s and the cable works on other phones so its not the cable

 

[Evelyn Jenkins]

I know. I deleted post. It didn't come through for a while so who knows, but I appreciate the help. Just aggravated. AT&T is no help at all and Apple says to bring it to store which is almost an hour away

 

[linsiris]

I know. I deleted post. It didn't come through for a while so who knows, but I appreciate the help. Just aggravated. AT&T is no help at all and Apple says to bring it to store which is almost an hour away

So it didn't work after updating iTunes and everything? there are still a couple of things you could do to avoid the trip back to the store, but truth is that if you did everything well and the device still is not detected, take it back because that shouldn't be happening with a brand new device.

Last thing: did you try with a different computer/different USB port? oh and btw you didn't mention if the device turns on perfectly.

 

[Evelyn Jenkins]

No go. Updated itunes. I don't see iphone in the upper right corner. Tried hiding side bar and still don't see it

 

[Evelyn Jenkins]

Phone seems to work fine. AT&T won't take the phone back or exchange it. They say I have to go to apple which again is almost an hour away. I have owned it for only about 18 hours and have to drive an hour away.

 

[Evelyn Jenkins]

The computer sees the phone as it shows up under My Computer. Its also charging just fine. I don't have another computer with itunes, but when I plug in my iphone it shows up immediately on itunes

 

[Just_Me_D]

Phone seems to work fine. AT&T won't take the phone back or exchange it. They say I have to go to apple which again is almost an hour away. I have owned it for only about 18 hours and have to drive an hour away.

1. What kind of computer do you have and what operating system is it running?
2. Do you have a different charging cable to use just in case the one you are currently using is defective, especially if iTunes isn't detecting the device.

 

[Just_Me_D]

The computer sees the phone as it shows up under My Computer. Its also charging just fine. I don't have another computer with itunes, but when I plug in my iphone it shows up immediately on itunes

It is possible that her charging port is defective somehow, but I can't say for certain. Try rebooting the device (simultaneously press and hold both the power button and home button until you see the Apple logo and then release both buttons.) Afterwards, see if iTunes will detect your daughter's iPhone.

 

[Evelyn Jenkins]

Dell computer using Windows 7. Tried another cable and itunes still doesn't see it

 

[Just_Me_D]

Dell computer using Windows 7. Tried another cable and itunes still doesn't see it

This maybe overkill, but hey, it's worth a try.

iOS: Device not recognized in iTunes for Windows

 

[Evelyn Jenkins]

Still not working. I forgot to mention that everytime I plug it in the phone asks if I trust the computer, but when syncing a phone that usually doesn't come up. Its like the phone does see itunes and vice versa

 

[Just_Me_D]

It is useless to have you put your daughter's iPhone in recovery mode or DFU mode since iTunes cannot even detect it. Having said that, if all of the above suggestions do not remedy the problem, you're going to have to either make a genius bar appointment with the Apple Store that's an hour away or call them to see if they will quickly ship you another device. You can contact Apple via the following link:

https://www.apple.com/contact/

 

[Just_Me_D]

Still not working. I forgot to mention that everytime I plug it in the phone asks if I trust the computer, but when syncing a phone that usually doesn't come up. Its like the phone does see itunes and vice versa

If it's your computer then go ahead an trust it. iOS: 'Trust This Computer' alert

 

[Just_Me_D]

Still not working. I forgot to mention that everytime I plug it in the phone asks if I trust the computer, but when syncing a phone that usually doesn't come up. Its like the phone does see itunes and vice versa

Did you select "Trust this computer", and if so, did iTunes finally detect the device?

 

[Evelyn Jenkins]

I reinstalled the driver just in case and when I plugged the iphone in it said installing driver then it saw apple device, but no go on itunes seeing it still.