iPhone Atlas has a good post up outlining a potential fix if your computer is failing to recognize your iPhone (or iPod Touch). The fix involves a restart of the Apple Mobile Device service on Windows PCs, or a removal and reinstall of these components on a Mac.
An Apple Support troubleshooting assistant document suggests the same fix on the Mac OSX side.
It is interesting that the (potential) Windows fix is much less of a pain – a simple service restart vs. a reinstall of iTunes.
Full platform-specific steps for trying to resolve this issue after the break …
Mac OS X
Delete the following files:
- /System/Library/AppleMobileDevice.kext
- /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/DeviceLink.framework
- /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework
- /Library/Receipts/AppleMobileDeviceSupport.pkg
- Then re-install the latest version of iTunes.
Windows XP
- Quit iTunes and disconnect the iPhone
- Go to the Start menu, then the Control Panel and open Administrative Tools, then Services.
- Select “Apple Mobile Device” then “Stop the service.”
- After it is stopped, click “Start the service.”
- Connect the iPhone again, launch iTunes and check for recognition.
Windows Vista
- Quit iTunes and disconnect the iPhone
- Go to “Start,” then search for “Services”
- In Programs, click “Services”.
- Select “Apple Mobile Device” then “Stop the service.”
- After it is stopped, click “Start the service.”
- Connect the iPhone again, launch iTunes and check for recognition.
I’ve not tried these steps as yet since I have not encountered this issue – but it’s nice to see a potential quick fix for it.
Via: iPhone Atlas
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
EXACTLY what I needed! The OS X instructions worked perfectly! Thanks!
Tried the XP steps, and my phone still is not recognized. I get the notification when you plug it in, but don't get the corresponding notification you typically get whenever you plug in a flash drive or camera, etc.
yo, i got da same problem, let me know if u know how to fix it—-thnx
just thought i'd add this: there are 2 cables for the iphone, one is a charge only cable and will not sync your iphone and it will not allow you iphone to be seen on your computer. After much heartache trying to figure why my phone wouldn't show on my computer or itunes i saw the little sticker on my cable that said charge cable only!! just fyi
Hey for some reason i dont have the applemobiledevice thing
rm -rf /System/Library/Extensions/AppleMobileDevice.kext/
Many thanks. My Iphone works now. I cant thank you enough.
Pesky Computer, sent 3 hours searching for an answer.
Jamie
Many of us have had this problem. I searched and finally found the primary solution. If your Windows system does not recognize your Iphone after reinstalling Itunes, the problem is the USB driver. It must be updated. This is done in the Device Manager. I have attached the thread from Apple to assist you in doing so. If you can't locate the Apple USB driver with the other USB drivers just select whichever directory (usually cameras) is showing your Iphone. Make sure the Iphone is connected to your computer. Right click on the Iphone and choose "update driver". Manually update driver from the Apple driver directory usually located at: C:Program FilesCommon FilesAppleMobile Device SupportDrivers
The article below shows the details in how to perform this function. After weeks of frustration, this was able to correct the problem in minutes.
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1538
Thank you so much. Manually updating the driver completely fixed my problem. I prefer this method to everyone else with this problem
cant fix my prob. did what you sais. just cant get it to work!
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