You can’t sync an iPod that won’t show up in iTunes! That means there’s no easy way to add new music, import photos, or make a backup. And iPods aren’t the only problem: several users report their iPad or iPhone doesn’t show up in iTunes either!
You’re probably asking how to fix it — and you’ve come to the right place to find out.
If iTunes doesn’t give a damn when you plug in your iPod, iPad, or iPhone, we’ve put together everything you need to know to fix it. This complete guide will have you syncing your devices again in no time.
Well…I guess the actual sync time depends on how much stuff you’re trying to put on there. But you get what I’m trying to say!
Contents
- 1 Quick Tips
- 2 How do you view an iPod, iPad or iPhone in iTunes?
- 3 Why won’t my iPod, iPad, or iPhone show up in iTunes?
- 4 How do I get my iPod, iPad, or iPhone to show up in iTunes?
- 4.1 1. Close iTunes and restart everything
- 4.2 2. Update the software for everything, including iTunes
- 4.3 3. Test the connection between your device and computer
- 4.4 4. Turn off Wi-Fi
- 4.5 5. Check the date and time on your computer
- 4.6 6. Disable third-party security software on your computer
- 4.7 7. Reset the Hosts file on your computer
- 4.8 8. PC users should try these PC-only troubleshooting steps
- 4.9 9. Remove and reinstall iTunes on your Mac or PC
- 4.10 10. Contact Apple Support
Quick Tips
Use these quick tips if you know what you’re doing and don’t have time to read the full post. Otherwise, work through the instructions below:
- Restart your computer, as well as your iPod, iPad, or iPhone.
- Update all the software on your devices: iOS, macOS, Windows, and iTunes.
- Try a different cable and different USB ports, also try a different computer.
- Turn off Wi-Fi on your computer — this is a weird one, but it’s worked in the past.
- Make sure the time and date on your computer are correct.
- Disable third-party security software and make sure Windows Firewall isn’t blocking iTunes.
- From the Windows Device Manager, update iTunes drivers and restart the Apple Mobile Device Service.
- Remove and reinstall iTunes on your PC, or reinstall macOS on your Mac.
- Contact Apple Support for more one-to-one assistance.
Related:
- It’s the end of iTunes as we know it (and we feel fine)
- No More iTunes. How to use Finder in macOS Catalina to Sync and Restore iPhone
- iPhone won’t update via iTunes? Your Smart Battery Case may be to blame
- iTunes not recognizing iPhone XR or iPhone XS on Windows?
- Device could not be synced because the ‘sync session failed to start’
- iPad keeps disconnecting from computer, how-to fix
- iPad won’t charge or won’t show up in iTunes
How do you view an iPod, iPad or iPhone in iTunes?
Let’s start by breaking down what’s supposed to happen when you connect your device to iTunes. That way we can make sure we’re all on the same page and no-one’s forgetting a simple step in the process.
Feel free to skip ahead to the next section if you’re certain you already know how to connect your iPod, iPad, or iPhone to iTunes properly.
- Ensure your computer is running the latest version of iTunes.
- Make sure your iPod, iPad, or iPhone is powered on and unlocked.
- Press the home button or swipe up from the bottom to get to the Home screen.
- Use the lightning-to-USB cable that came with your device to connect it to your computer.
- If prompted, agree to Trust This Computer on your iDevice.
- Open iTunes on your computer if it doesn’t open automatically.
- Look for a device icon in the upper-left corner of iTunes.
Presumably, you’re reading this because the steps above didn’t work. You connected your iPod, iPad, or iPhone to iTunes properly but it still doesn’t show up.
Why could that be?
Why won’t my iPod, iPad, or iPhone show up in iTunes?
Well, this is a really common problem because there are so many potential causes for it. There could be a software or a hardware problem, and it could be with your computer, iDevice, or the cable that connects them.
Rather than asking why your device won’t show up in iTunes, a better question is how to fix it. We’ve laid out the best troubleshooting steps below and put them in the most logical order to follow.
What if my iPod, iPad, or iPhone is obsolete?
Apple offers software and hardware support for a minimum of seven years after they stop manufacturing a device. If your iPod, iPad, or iPhone is older than that, it’s classed as obsolete and may no longer be supported by Apple.
Visit this page on Apple’s website to see a list of all their obsolete products.
That means the latest versions of iTunes might not support your device anymore. Hopefully you got a good seven years out of it already. But it might not be the end of the road yet.
Follow the troubleshooting steps below to see if there’s anything else that’s stopping your device from connecting to iTunes. Or try to find and download an older version of iTunes online.
How do I get my iPod, iPad, or iPhone to show up in iTunes?
These instructions work for all iDevices: iPod, iPad, or iPhone. We’ve included instructions for Mac and PC — with some bonus steps for PC users to follow.
Before you get started, make a backup of your computer and iDevice. We know you can’t backup your iPod, iPad, or iPhone to iTunes, but try making an iCloud backup instead. Or back up to someone else’s computer — if you can.
And finally, there’s one more thing to note: You don’t need to complete every step in this guide. We’ve included all the best troubleshooting suggestions on the web, but if step two gets iTunes working, you don’t need to follow all the way to the end!
Just please let us know in the comments at the bottom which step fixes iTunes for you. That way we can keep this post updated for future readers.
Okay, let’s get started!
1. Close iTunes and restart everything
The first step whenever you get a problem with your tech is to close everything down and turn it off and on again. So that’s exactly what we’re going to do here as well.
It sounds simple, but rebooting your devices can fix any number of potential software problems. Including when your iPod, iPad, or iPhone won’t show up on iTunes.
- Close down iTunes on your computer.
- On a Mac: press command+Q or command+option+escape if it isn’t responding.
- On a PC: press alt+F4 or ctrl+alt+delete if it isn’t responding.
- Shut down your Mac or PC.
- On a Mac: from the menu bar, go to Apple > Shut Down…
- On a PC: from the Start menu, go to Power > Shut down.
- Shut down your iPod, iPad, or iPhone.
- On an iOS device: Hold the Sleep/Wake button and either Volume button, then slide to power off.
- On an iPod: Hold the Menu and Center buttons until you see an Apple logo.
- Wait at least 30 seconds before you power on your devices and try to sync again.
2. Update the software for everything, including iTunes
There are at least three different pieces of software involved in syncing your device to iTunes:
- iTunes.
- The operating software on your computer (macOS or Windows).
- And the operating software on your device (iOS, unless you have an older iPod).
Any of these pieces of software could be causing problems because it’s out of date. Follow each of the relevant guides below to find and download available updates for your devices, then try connecting to iTunes again.
How to update macOS and iTunes on a Mac:
- From the menu bar, go to Apple > About This Mac > Software Update…
- Wait for your Mac to check for new updates to iTunes or macOS.
- Download and install any updates it finds.
How to update Windows on a PC:
- From the Start menu, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Wait for your PC to check for new updates to Windows.
- Download and install any updates it finds.
How to update iTunes on a PC:
- Launch iTunes on your PC.
- From the menu bar, go to Help > Check for Updates.
- If there is no Check for Updates option: Open the Microsoft Store.
- Go to More > Downloads and updates > Get updates.
- Download and install any updates it finds.
How to update iOS on an iPod touch, iPad, or iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- Wait for your device to check for new updates to iOS.
- Download and install any updates it finds.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible to update an older iPod without connecting to iTunes.
3. Test the connection between your device and computer
If there’s a physical problem with your USB cable or ports it makes sense why your iPod, iPad, or iPhone won’t show up in iTunes. This problem could range from broken connector pins to liquid damage inside your device.
The easiest way to find out if there is a hardware problem is to try different hardware: a different cable, USB port, or device.
Follow the tips below to narrow down or rule out physical problems with your gear:
- Use a different lightning-to-USB cable, and make sure it is MFi-licensed.
- Connect to a USB port directly on your computer, not through a USB hub.
- Unplug all USB accessories from your computer and try connecting to iTunes from each of the ports on your computer.
- Inspect the lightning port on your iPod, iPad, or iPhone for debris and lint, clear it out using compressed air.
- Try connecting a different iDevice to your computer using the same cable and USB port.
- Try connecting your iDevice to iTunes using a different computer.
If your iPod, iPad, or iPhone shows up in iTunes after trying any of these suggestions you can work out the cause of the problem. Replace whichever piece of tech was different when it worked, or book your iDevice or computer in for a repair.
4. Turn off Wi-Fi
Oddly, some users have found that turning off Wi-Fi on their computer allowed iTunes to recognize their iPods, iPads, or iPhones again. Make sure to turn off Wi-Fi before connecting your device to iTunes.
How to turn off Wi-Fi on a Mac:
- From the menu bar, go to Apple > System Preferences… > Network.
- Click the Wi-Fi option in the sidebar.
- Click Turn Wi-Fi Off.
How to turn off Wi-Fi on a PC:
- From the Start menu, go to Settings > Network & Internet.
- Click the Wi-Fi option in the sidebar.
- Slide the Wi-Fi button off.
This strange suggestion isn’t a perfect solution — What if you want to use Wi-Fi while syncing to iTunes? — but it can be a quick temporary fix.
5. Check the date and time on your computer
If the date or time on your computer is incorrect it can cause synchronization problems with iTunes, and may be the reason your iPod, iPad, or iPhone won’t show up.
Use the instructions below to set the date and time on your computer to the correct time zone.
How to change the date and time on a Mac:
- From the menu bar, go to Apple > System Preferences… > Date & Time.
- Click the padlock and enter your administrator password to unlock the settings.
- Go to the Time Zone tab and check the box to Set time zone automatically using current location.
How to change the date and time on a PC:
- From the Start menu, go to Settings > Time & language > Date & time.
- Choose to set your time zone automatically.
6. Disable third-party security software on your computer
Security software on your computer that wasn’t made by Apple might interfere with iTunes. This includes antivirus, adware, and firmware software you may have installed.
We don’t suggest you turn this software off permanently, but try disabling it temporarily and testing iTunes again.
Search online or visit the developer’s website to find out how to disable your security software. This may involve downloading a cleanup program.
Or try booting your computer into Safe Mode to automatically disable security software and third-party drivers. If this fixes iTunes, it isn’t as definite that the security software is the problem, but it definitely an issue with software on your computer.
If you find that disabling your security software fixes iTunes, contact the developers to find out what you can do. They need to make sure their product works with iTunes.
How to boot into Safe Mode on a Mac:
- From the menu bar, go to Apple > Shut Down…
- Confirm you want to Shut Down your Mac and wait for it to power off fully.
- Press the power button and immediately hold the shift key.
- Release the shift key when you see a login window.
How to boot into Safe Mode on a PC:
- From the Start menu, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Choose Advanced Setup > Restart now.
- When your PC restarts, go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
- This time you’ll see a list of options when your PC restarts, press F4 to start in Safe Mode.
7. Reset the Hosts file on your computer
The Hosts file is used by Windows or macOS to connect user-friendly names to numerical IP addresses. It’s a fairly simple text file that lists hostnames and IP addresses with white space between them.
Your iPod, iPad, or iPhone won’t show up in iTunes if something has corrupted the Hosts file on your computer. Fortunately, it’s easy to reset, as we’ve written about before.
How to reset the Hosts file on a Mac:
- Open Terminal from the Utilities folder or using Spotlight.
- Type the following command, then press return:
sudo nano /private/etc/hosts - Enter your Mac login password and press return again. (You won’t see any text in Terminal as you type.)
- Use the arrow buttons to navigate to the line containing gs.apple.com.
- Type # followed by a space at the beginning of the line.
- Press control+O to save and press return when asked for a filename.
- Press control+X to close the editor then restart your Mac.
Check out this support article on Apple’s website for more help resetting the Hosts file.
How to reset the Hosts file on a PC:
- Open the Notepad app on your PC.
- Copy and paste the following text into Notepad:
# Copyright (c) 1993-2006 Microsoft Corp.
#
# This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows.
#
# This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each
# entry should be kept on an individual line. The IP address should
# be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name.
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one
# space.
#
# Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual
# lines or following the machine name denoted by a '#' symbol.
#
# For example:
#
# 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server
# 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host
# localhost name resolution is handle within DNS itself.
# 127.0.0.1 localhost
# ::1 localhost - Go to File > Save as.
- Type “hosts” as the filename and save it to your Desktop.
- Open Cortana and search for the following:
%WinDir%\System32\Drivers\Etc - Rename the existing Hosts file as Hosts.old, then move your new Hosts file from the Desktop to this folder.
- Enter your administrator password if prompted and select Continue.
8. PC users should try these PC-only troubleshooting steps
iTunes is baked into the operating software for Mac computers. At least it is for the time being. But Windows PC users need to download it as a third-party application. That means it’s more prone to errors.
Check out the steps below for specific PC troubleshooting instructions. Or if you’re on a Mac, click here to skip to the next step.
Check your Windows Firewall isn’t blocking iTunes
There are two components for iTunes that might get blocked by your Windows Firewall: iTunes and Bonjour. When this happens, your iPod, iPad, or iPhone won’t show up in iTunes because the firewall won’t allow it.
How to add iTunes and Bonjour as allowed apps for Windows Firewall:
- Use Cortana to search for: firewall.cpl
- Open the top result to access Windows Firewall.
- Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall > Change settings.
- Allow iTunes for private and public networks.
- Allow Bonjour for private networks only.
- If either iTunes or Bonjour isn’t listed go to Allow another app > Browse.
- Open iTunes or mDNSResponder from the iTunes and Bonjour program folders respectively.
Update the iTunes drivers on your PC
The way you update iTunes drivers depends on where you originally downloaded iTunes from. You might have got it through the Microsoft Store or from Apple’s website.
Follow the steps below to find out which, then go to the relevant update instructions.
How to find out where you downloaded iTunes from:
- Open iTunes and open the Help option from the menu bar.
- If there’s an option to Check for Updates, you downloaded it from Apple’s website.
- If there’s no option to Check for Updates, you downloaded it from the Microsoft Store.
How to update iTunes drivers if you got it from the Microsoft store:
- Unlock your iDevice and connect it to your computer.
- Close iTunes if it opens automatically.
- Right-click the Start icon and select Device Manager.
- Find your connected iDevice: Apple iPod, for example.
- Right-click the iDevice and choose Update driver > Search automatically for updated driver software.
- Disconnect your iDevice and restart the PC.
How to update iTunes drivers if you got it from Apple’s Website:
- Unlock your iDevice and connect it to your computer.
- Close iTunes if it opens automatically.
- Press Windows+R and type the following:
%ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers - Right-click usbaapl64.inf or usbaapl.inf and select Install. (Make sure it’s the right file type by viewing details.)
- Disconnect your iDevice and restart the PC.
Stop and restart the Apple Mobile Device Service
The Apple Mobile Device Service is the process responsible for recognizing an Apple device when it’s connected to your PC. It normally runs in the background, but you might need to restart it if your iPod, iPad, or iPhone doesn’t show up in iTunes.
How to restart the Apple Mobile Device Service:
- Close iTunes and disconnect your iDevice.
- Press Windows+R and type the following:
services.msc - This opens the Services console, right-click on Apple Mobile Device Service and select Properties.
- Under the Startup type drop-down menu, select Automatic.
- Click Stop the service.
- Once it has stopped, click Start the service.
- Click OK and restart your PC.
9. Remove and reinstall iTunes on your Mac or PC
Perhaps your iPod, iPad, or iPhone doesn’t show up in iTunes because the software is corrupt. This can happen if a preference is damaged or a process has malfunctioned in the background. The easiest solution is to remove and reinstall iTunes altogether.
On a Mac, iTunes is a part of the operating software. That means you can’t remove or uninstall it. But you can reinstall macOS, which offers the same result.
This shouldn’t affect the data on your Mac, but we still suggest you make a backup first.
How to reinstall macOS and iTunes on a Mac:
- From the menu bar, go to Apple > Shut Down.
- Confirm you want to Shut Down and wait for your Mac to power off.
- Press the power button to restart your Mac, then hold command+R.
- Release both buttons when you see an Apple logo or a spinning globe.
- Enter your firmware password if prompted.
- Select Reinstall macOS from the macOS Utilities window.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and wait for reinstallation to complete.
How to remove and reinstall iTunes on a PC:
There are various components that make up iTunes on a PC, and they change slightly depending on whether you downloaded it from Apple’s website or the Microsoft Store. As a result, the instructions are a little bit longer and more complicated.
Don’t worry, it’s still simple enough to do! But we suggest you follow this comprehensive guide on Apple’s website.
10. Contact Apple Support
If your iPod, iPad, or iPhone still doesn’t show up in iTunes it’s time to call in the big guns. Speak to Apple themselves for one-to-one support in troubleshooting the error.
Apple’s trained advisors should be able to support you whether using iTunes on a Mac or on a PC. Visit Apple’s Get Support website to start an online or over-the-phone chat.
Be sure to tell them what steps you’ve already tried. Link them to this article if it helps! And please let us know what they say in the comments below so we can keep this post updated for future readers.