How to Fix iPhone not Showing Up in Windows Explorer

It is not rare when iPhone users want to transfer data to computer and connect their device to Windows PC, and their iPhone does not show up in their Windows Explorer.  This problem generally happens in all Windows version, such as 10, 7, and 8. If you are also going through this same situation, then you will certainly know how much it is frustrating when you don’t see your iPhone in your Windows Explorer. There can be many reasons behind it, for instance, USB cable you are using for connection may be damaged.

Thankfully, there are several ways to resolve “Windows 10 not seeing iPhone” problem. You can give them a try to show your iPhone in Windows Explorer. How to fix iPhone not showing up in Windows Explorer as below:

Tip 1: Use an Apple Official Cable

The first thing you can try to resolve the problem is to check whether the USB cable you are using is working properly or not. If it is damaged, then you will probably end up facing this problem. Also, you have to make sure you use an Apple official cable. Older iPhone models used USB cables, but now Apple invented lightning cables for newer iPhone models. Try to use an Apple official cable, and maybe the problem gets solved for you. If it does not work, then try to use a different USB port on your system, and ensure both ends are completed inserted into your iPhone and computer.

Tip 2: Install Windows Updates

Another reason why you are going through the problem is missing two following Windows update files. To resolve the problem, download the files on your system from:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3010081

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3099229

Once you download them, follow the instructions to install them. You will able to see your iPhone on your Windows Explorer or This PC.

Tip 3: Update Apple Mobile Device USB Driver

You need to make sure that you have the latest Apple Mobile Device USB Driver on your computer. One of the major reasons why you are facing this problem is outdated drivers.

Here are the steps on how you can update it:

Step 1: To begin the process, connect your iPhone to the computer using an Apple official cable. After that, right-click on the “Start” button of your Windows PC. And next, choose “Device Manager”.

Step 2: After that, move to “Universal Serial Bus controllers” section. Here, right-click on the “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver” and choose “Update Driver Software”.

Step 3: Next, choose “Search Atomically” and let Windows update if it is available. And enable Wi-Fi on your iDevice, and let it update.

Once you are done with the above steps, restart your computer and iPhone. Again, try to connect your iPhone to the computer and see the problem is gone or not. If not, then move forward towards the below tips.

Tip 4: Change Active Driver in Device Manager

Another thing you can try is to change the active driver in the device manager. Besides an outdated driver, a damaged driver can also cause your iPhone not to show up on Windows Explorer.

Step 1: Go to the Device Manager on your computer and after that, expand “Universal Serial Bus Controllers” and then, double-click on the “Apple Mobile Device USB Driver”.

Step 2: After that, click on “Update Driver” under the Driver section.

Step 3: Next, tap “Browse my computer for driver software”>”Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer”. Then, tap on “MTP USB Device” and then, click on “Next”.

Step 4: So, if you get any notification, then your iDevice will show up as a mapped driver. Restart your computer if necessary.

Tip 5: Ensure You Have Full Access to iTunes Folder

Well, how to connect iPhone to Windows 7 PC? You can’t access your iPhone on your Windows PC if you don’t have installed and access to iTunes folder. Below are the steps on how to resolve this problem:

Step 1: Tap on the Windows log key and E together on your keyboard. Next, choose the Music folder and then, right-click on iTunes and then, choose “Properties”.

Step 2: Next, untick the option “Read Only (Only applies to files in the folder)”. Thereafter, click on “Apply” and “Ok” to save changes and exit.

Step 3: If the problem does not go, then move to iTunes properties again. Here, move to the “Security” section and click on the “Edit” button.

Step 4: Here, tick “Full Control” option and then, click on the “Apply” button to save and exit.

The Bottom Line

That’s how you can fix “iPhone not showing up in Windows Explorer” problem with the help of the above tips. Give them a try, and hopefully, the problem gets solved for you. If you have any more doubts, feel free to ask in the below comment section.