# Fix ‘An iPhone has been Detected but it could not be Identified Error’ Issue in iTunes **URL:** https://www.compsmag.com/blogs/fix-an-iphone-has-been-detected-but-it-could-not-be-identified-error-issue-in-itunes/ **Author:** Ayushi Chauhan **Published:** 2022-04-14 **Updated:** 2022-04-14 **Categories:** Blogs **Tags:** Apple Guides, Blogs Daily, Computer Guides, guiderobert, Guides and Tutorials, guiding12, How To Guide, ios Guides, iphones guides, Software tips and tutorials, Tips, Tricks **Reading Time:** 6 min --- This guide is about Fix ‘An iPhone has been Detected but it could not be Identified Error’ Issue in iTunes. So read this free guide, Fix ‘An iPhone has been Detected but it could not be Identified Error’ Issue in iTunes step by step. If you have query related to same article you may contact us. ## Fix ‘An iPhone has been Detected but it could not be Identified Error’ Issue in iTunes - Guide When your iPhone or iOS device has a weak connection to Windows, it's more than a little frustrating. However, with a little troubleshooting, you can banish the detected but unidentified error forever. Not only have several readers written to ask for help with the error “An iPhone was detected but could not be identified”, it is a problem that we ourselves have suffered. We tried a variety of solutions, but all but one were missing. Using a different USB cable didn't fix anything, changing USB ports didn't fix anything, and updating or reinstalling individual components of the Apple/Windows experience (such as individual drivers) didn't fix anything. You can try them, but there's only one thing that worked for us. Before starting to troubleshoot Windows settings, it's a good idea to verify that the hardware connection is correct. First check your PC's USB port or laptop and then proceed to your iOS device's USB port. Both can collect dust and dirt and become quite useless at times. Check the USB cable for internal breaks and replace the cable with a new one if necessary. If you have other known issues installing or updating iOS on your PC, this could also be an issue. ## Fix 'An iPhone was detected but the error could not be identified' in iTunes ### Restart iPhone (temporary fix) Users from Apple's support communities say that turning the iPhone off and then on again might temporarily fix this error, but next time it won't work again and you'll need to turn it on/off again. If you are looking for a permanent solution, please read on. ### Connect iPhone with a genuine Apple USB cable One of the main reasons for iTunes not identifying your iPhone is that you are using an unofficial USB cable. So if you are not using the original USB cable provided by Apple, use Apple USB cable and see if the issue is resolved. ### End iTunes in Windows Task Manager and restart If you get the error An iPhone was detected but could not be identified in iTunes and cannot close the error message, you will need to close iTunes in the Windows task manager and restart iTunes. Also, remember to use Apple's original USB cable. On the Windows operating system, this procedure will be quite simple. Launch 'Task Manager' in Windows and close the application from there. Press 'Alt + Ctrl + Delete' and a screen with various options will appear up. Click on 'Task Manager' and a multi-tab panel will be launched. Click on the 'Processes' tab and find the 'iTunes' app in the list. Select the application and click on the 'End Task' option. ### Check for iTunes updates If you are still getting the error, please update the iTunes app on Windows. If you downloaded the app from the Microsoft Store, you don't need to manually check for updates. If any new versions are released, they will be installed automatically. But if you downloaded the app from Apple's website, then follow the steps below to update iTunes manually. Launch the iTunes application. At the top of the iTunes dashboard, click 'Help' and navigate to 'Check for Updates'. After that, just follow the onscreen instructions and install the latest version. ### Make sure Apple services are started If the iTunes issue is still there and it cannot detect your iPhone, then you can check if Apple Mobile Device service started. It is also known as AMDS. Restarting the AMDS may help you to recognize the device. Close the iTunes app and disconnect the iPhone. In Windows, continuously tap the 'Windows + R' keys together. The command will be launched and type 'services.msc' and click 'OK'. Then right-click on 'Apple Mobile Device Service' and go to 'Properties'. Now set the startup type and a popup menu will appear. Select 'Automatic'. Click on 'Stop Service'. The service will stop immediately. Then click on 'Start the service'. Then click 'OK'. ### Reinstall iTunes You can also try reinstalling the iTunes app on Windows. The steps are very simple. Check them out; First, download the latest version of iTunes for Windows on your PC. You can get it from the following link: https://www.apple.com/itunes/ Now navigate to 'Uninstall or change a program' under 'Control Panel' in Windows. Locate iTunes and uninstall the app. After successfully uninstalling the app, install the downloaded file. ### Uninstall other components of Apple iTunes Now, when you are uninstalling iTunes app from a Windows PC, removing the app is not enough. Some associated components also need to be removed. These components are: Apple Software Update Litter Mobile device support Good Morning Apple app support These iTunes components can be removed very easily from the 'Control Panel'. Use the following as guide; Simply navigate to the 'Control Panel' on a Windows system. Then click on 'Uninstall a program'. Now a panel will appear on the screen where all listed iTunes components will be visible. ### Reinstall Apple Mobile Device USB driver You can also try reinstalling Apple Mobile Device USB driver. The steps are very simple. After that, use the steps below to install the driver again. Navigate to 'Device Manager' and connect iPhone. Then click on 'Portable Devices' and expand it. Your Apple device will be listed there, as the 'Apple iPhone'. Right click on the device name and click 'Update Driver'. After that select 'Search automatically for updated driver software'. It will take a few minutes, but after the driver is successfully installed, you will find it under 'Universal Serial Device USB Driver'. ### update windows If you are still getting an iPhone was detected but unable to identify the error in iTunes, try updating your Windows OS. Updating Windows may fix the error. Right-click Windows Start button and select Settings. Select Update & Security and select Check for Updates. ## Final note I hope you like the guide Fix ‘An iPhone has been Detected but it could not be Identified Error’ Issue in iTunes. In case if you have any query regards this article you may ask us. Also, please share your love by sharing this article with your friends. --- *End of Article*