• Keep your iPhone unlocked. Tap on Allow and Trust when you see pop-ups on your iPhone to authenticate the connection with your PC.
  • Ensure you use the original cable to connect your iPhone to your Windows PC.
  • We recommend installing iTunes on your Windows PC if you’re trying to sync and transfer files to your iPhone.

Basic Fixes

  • Install iTunes: Install iTunes from Microsoft Store to access and sync your iPhone on your PC.
  • Unlock iPhone: You must unlock your iPhone to confirm your identity. Only then can the PC display the phone content in the File Explorer app.
  • Use original accessories: Connect your iPhone to your PC using the original or an MFi-certified cable. Further, check the cable for damage.
  • Check USB ports: If your preferred USB is damaged, disconnect your iPhone from the current port and attach it to another one.
  • Restart PC and iPhone: You can restart both your iPhone and Windows PC and try again. This can help eliminate temporary bugs and glitches.

Fix 1: Allow Your Computer to Access Photos and Videos

When you connect your iPhone to a Windows PC, iOS asks you to give permission. You may notice a pop-up on your iPhone. Select Allow so your PC can access photos and videos on your iPhone. If you accidentally select Don’t Allow, reconnect your iPhone.

If you are connecting your iPhone to the Windows 11 PC for the first time, it may ask you to trust the currently connected computer. Tap Trust and see if your iPhone shows up in the File Explorer.

Trust PC - 1

Fix 2: Restart File Explorer

Restart Windows Explorer if your iPhone still doesn’t appear. Sometimes, file explorer may fail to respond and detect external devices.

Step 1: Open Task Manager on your PC, click on the Windows Explorer process, and select Restart .

Step 2: Open the File Explorer app and check if your iPhone shows up.

restart file exploer - 2

Fix 3: Reinstall iPhone Drivers

Corrupt iPhone drivers on PC can be the major culprit behind iPhone not showing up in File Explorer. You can use the Device Manager menu to reinstall drivers.

Step 1: Open the Device Manager app from the start menu. Expand Portable Devices .

Expand portable devices - 3

Step 2: Right-click on your iPhone and select Uninstall Device .

Restart your PC, and the Windows system will install the required drivers during the reboot process. Connect your iPhone and see if your PC detects it.

Uninstall device on iPhone Drivers - 4

If nothing works, try resetting your iPhone and connecting it to the PC.

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