When you might’t connect to your music, these solutions can help
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iTunes is Apple’s entertainment hub, storing all your music, movies, TV shows, and more.
Stevica Mrdja / Getty Images
With macOS Catalina,Apple Musicreplaced iTunes.
These troubleshooting steps apply to systems with older iTunes versions as well as newer systems with Apple Music.
Try each troubleshooting step to see if it solves the problem.
If it doesn’t, move on to the next suggestion.
verify iTunes is installed on the computer.
If you don’t have iTunes, the program can’t recognize the unit.
It’s easy toinstall iTunes on a Windows PCor Mac.
Check the USB cable.
A faulty USB cable could cause the iPhone-to-iTunes connection issue.
double-check the USB cable is in good condition.
If it’s frayed or cut, use a different USB cable and see if this solves the problem.
Use agenuine Apple USB cable.
USB cables made by other companies may not trigger a connection between the devices.
Clean the iPhone’s port.
Sometimes, debris buildup causes an iPhone port to fail.
Use a dry, anti-static brush or toothbrush to clean it out gently.
Then, connect again and see if this fixes the issue.
Check the USB port on the computer.
Start by unplugging all USB devices from the computer.
Move the iPhone’s cable to another port and reconnect.
It might be a connection issue between the USB gadget and the computer.
A small software glitch could cause a faulty connection.
Restart the equipment and connect again.
A mild software bug or malfunction may cause iTunes to malfunction.
Turn off the computer and let it sit for a few minutes before turning it back on again.
check that the iOS unit is unlocked and on the Home screen.
Connect the equipment, immediately unlock it, and ensure it’s on the Home screen.
Then connect your iPhone to iTunes.
After you unlock the iPhone, leave it unlocked for a few minutes before trying to connect.
Download the latest version of iTunes.
An old version of iTunes may not recognize your iPhone.
Update iTunes and then try linking the iPhone again.
Update operating system software.
verify to tap Trust This Computer.
Did you accidentally tapDon’t Trust?
There’s a fix.
Go toSettings>General>Reset>Reset Location & Privacy.
Once you connect your iPhone, you’ll see the pop-up again.
Check the System Information.
This only applies if you use a Mac.
Connect the iPhone and check the System Information, which shows active devices.
If your iPhone is displayed, but you might’t connect, you might be experiencing a software issue.
Disable or uninstall security software.
See if any program causes the problem.
Third-party antivirus software can block external USB devices, such as the cable connecting an iPhone to a computer.
This helps protect computer data in the event an unknown USB connects to the rig.
Reinstall the Apple Mobile equipment USB driver.
This applies only to Windows PCs.
This driver tells the PC what to do with Apple devices.
When it malfunctions, it doesn’t read the unit correctly.
Reinstall the driver and see if this solves the problem.
Uninstall and reinstall iTunes.
A malfunction deep within iTunes can sometimes be resolved by uninstalling and reinstalling the software.
You don’t lose your music and other content by uninstalling iTunes.
However, if you’re concerned, create an iTunes backup before you move forward.
Reach out to Apple Support.
you’re free to alsoset up an appointment at the Genius Barof your local Apple Store.
There may be a physical issue, such as a faulty USB cable or USB port on the computer.
Debris may clog the iPhone port, or there could be a software problem.
Then in iTunes, select your phone >Backup>This computer>Back Up Now.
Tounlock with iTunes, turn off your gear then boot into recovery mode.
On your machine, selectRestore.
