How to Fix iPhone is Disabled Connect to iTunes?

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The iPhone is the flagship smartphone of Apple Inc. Defining style, tech-savvy and futuristic aesthetics, the iPhone is a major player in the smartphone revolution, with more than 15% of all smartphones worldwide being Apple iPhones.

Initially released in 2007 by the co-founder of Apple – Steve Jobs, the iPhone uses Apple’s patented iOS operating system. The latest iPhones, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S work on version 9.2 of the iOS operating system. Any day, the iPhone is a status enhancer.

But sometimes, it really drops big in the performance aspect. Sometimes, it fails to connect and sometimes it just plain shuts down and doesn’t want to work again. For those of you having the problem, here’s our guide on how to fix the iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes.

How to Fix iPhone is Disabled Connect to iTunes.

how-to-fix-iPhone-is-disabled-connect-to-iTunes

So, there are several ways to tackle this. We’ve decided to list this guide in order to ease solving the problem. So, without further ado, here’s how to remedy iPhone disabled connect to iTunes

  1. Outdated iTunes: The most commonly cited problem, it may come as a surprise that a lot of people use outdated versions of iTunes on their PCs and need to update them in order to sync with the newer versions of the iPhone.This is the primary reason for iPhone not showing up in iTunes. Also, if you have a fully updated version, try uninstalling and reinstalling iTunes.
  2. Malfunctioning iPhone Software: This is a really basic problem and is the most easily remedied. Simply restart your iPhone and reconnect it to the PC. It should detect now.
  3. iPhone Driver Not Installed/Corrupt/Outdated: If your iPhone isn’t connecting to the PC itself and you sometimes get a message like “USB device not recognized” or “iTunes was unable to find your device”, it may well be a problem with the driver in your PC. To correct this:
    • Go to the Windows Control Panel.
    • Go to Hardware and Sound>> Devices and Printers >> Unspecified. Here, look for Apple Mobile Device USB Driver
    • Right-click the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver and then select Properties from the menu drop-down list.
    • Select the “Hardware” tab at the top of the Properties dialog box and click properties again (it’s located on the lower right-hand side)
    • On the window that opens, under the “Driver” tab menu, the update driver button will be grey and unselectable. So, you need to select and click the “Change Settings” button located near the lower-left corner and allow yourself access.
    • Now you can click the “Driver” tab menu near the top. Now, you can see the “Update Driver” button.
    • Click “Update Driver”.
    • Select and click “Browse my computer for driver software”.
    • For Windows, it should be located in the folder: C:Program FilesCommon FilesAppleMobile Device SupportDrivers.
    • Click Next and let the driver re-install.
    • iTunes should open automatically if your iPhone is connected already.
how-to-fix-iPhone-is-disabled-connect-to-iTunes

If you’re using a Mac, however, this procedure is a little different:

  • Hold down the options key.
  • Click the Apple Menu.
  • Choose System report/information
  • Select USB from the list on the left
  • Attempt to find your iPhone, iPad or iPod from the USB Device Tree; if you can’t find it, the driver has been corrupted and you need to Fix your OS X.
  1. iPhone Needs to Be Rolled Back to the Last Known Working Version: There are chances that your iPhone firmware is corrupt and it needs to be put in recovery mode. In this case, it’s best that you have a backup of your data on iCloud or iTunes. To do this:
    1. Update your iTunes: Start by updating your iTunes, if you didn’t already
    2. Disconnect your iPhone: Disconnect your iPhone from the USB port of the PC.
    3. Switch on iTunes: Switch on iTunes (duh!)
    4. Put your Phone on recovery mode: Hold the Home button and the power button down together for about 20 seconds and it should restart.
    5. Connect to the PC: Connect your iPhone to the PC while keeping the home button pressed
    6. Wait for iTunes to detect the iPhone: Wait for iTunes to detect the iPhone. A popup notification should display with the text “iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery” or something similar.
    7. Go to the options menu and choose the recovery option: Go to the options menu and choose the recovery option you prefer. This includes restoring data or rolling back to a previously backed up point or to reset it to its base factory settings.
  2. If all else fails – hard reset: If all the above options don’t work, the last option you have before you is to take both your PC and iPhone to the Apple iStore to hard reset your phone. To do this, all you have to do is hold down the Home button and the wake/sleep button together for about 30 seconds till the Apple logo appears. Then just wait for it to boot and try connecting to your PC again.
  3. Last stand at the iStore – If all the attempts you’ve made have been futile, it’s time to retreat to the mother ship. Take your device to the iStore and get someone at the Genius Bar to solve your problem.
how-to-fix-iPhone-is-disabled-connect-to-iTunes

As a HUGE admirer of the Apple Franchise and a fan of the iPhone, I had a great time writing this article for you. If your iTunes doesn’t recognize iPhone, then it’s a pretty distressful situation; so, I hope you were able to save it with ease and in time.

Also, FYI – these tips are applicable to most other Apple products like the iPod and iPad. The differences are minimal. iTunes is a really vital part of the Apple tech-ecosystem, so it’s only logical that different Apple products connect to it. So, if you have a problem with any of the other Apple wireless devices, this guide is applicable to them as well.

Share your views about troubleshooting this problem with our readers in the comments section below and help them get over how to fix the iPhone is disabled connect to iTunes.

Diksha

A graduate of the IIMC, Diksha enjoys testing out new tech products and services. Her goal is to help others make more informed purchases of tech products and services. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, watching movies, and listening to music. An ardent reader loves to be surrounded by technology.

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