8 Ways Fix iPhone Not Showing in Windows File Explorer
Table of Contents
8 Ways Fix iPhone Not Showing in Windows File Explorer. When the iPhone doesn’t appear in Windows File Explorer, the problem can be due to a variety of reasons, from minor technical glitches to corrupt drivers and others.
Fix iPhone Not Showing in Windows File Explorer
Like any other USB device, once you plug your iPhone into a Windows computer’s USB port, it will appear in the File Explorer sidebar menu.
If iPhone doesn’t appear in Windows File Explorer, you can’t transfer photos from iPhone to a computer or use iTunes to back up the iPhone to the computer.
You should be able to fix your iPhone not showing up in File Explorer by using the troubleshooting steps given below.
Try a different USB port
Disconnect iPhone from the current USB port and connect it to a different USB port. If the problem stems from a faulty USB port on your computer, this simple fix should work.
If you’re using a USB HUB, connect your iPhone directly to the USB port, not through a possibly faulty USB HUB.
Restart iPhone
Go to Settings > General > scroll down and tap on Shut Down. On the next screen, use the Slider to Power OFF iPhone.
Allow iPhone to completely switch OFF > Wait for 30 seconds and Restart iPhone by pressing the Power button.
After restarting, connect your iPhone back to your computer and see if it now appears in iTunes.
Disconnect the USB device and reboot
Remove iPhone and other plugged devices from your computer (Except Keyboard and Mouse) > Shut Down the Computer > Wait for 30 seconds and Restart the Computer.
After the computer restarts, open iTunes and connect your iPhone to the computer’s USB port.
Check the USB cable
Make sure the USB cable is not twisted, damaged, or faulty. To do this, connect your iPhone to a different cable or use a different USB cable.
Make sure the USB cable you are using is working properly. The problem could be due to a twisted, damaged USB cable or not working due to invisible internal damage.
Reset location and privacy
Disconnect your iPhone from your computer, then follow the steps below to reset the location and privacy settings on your device.
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > on the pop-up, select Reset Location & Privacy option.
After the Reset process is completed, plug the iPhone into Computer > Unlock iPhone and select the Trust option, as the “Trust This Computer” pop-up appears on the screen of your device.
Once you Trust the computer, iPhone should show up in iTunes.
Check for and install updates
Go to Settings > Updates & Security > select Windows Update on the left pane and click on Check for Updates button on the right pane.
Let Windows check for available updates and install them on your computer.
Update Apple Mobile Device Driver
Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manger. On the Device Manager screen, expand the Portable Devices entry, right-click on Apple iPhone and click on the Update Driver option.
On the next screen, select Search automatically for the updated driver software option.
After the Software is installed, open iTunes > reconnect iPhone to computer and see if it is now showing up in iTunes.
Update Apple Mobile USB Device Driver
Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manger. On the Device Manager screen, expand the Universal Serial Bus Devices entry, right-click on Apple Mobile Device USB and click on the Update Driver option.
On the next screen, select Search automatically for the updated driver software option.
After the Driver Software is installed, open iTunes > reconnect iPhone to computer and see if it is now showing up in iTunes.
More: How to Delete Duplicate Contacts on iPhone!
