Solved: Mac Doesn’t Recognize my iPhone

Summary: Is your Mac not recognizing the iPhone? Learn the 9 ways to fix iPhone not showing up on Mac. You can apply these methods for all iPhone models not recognized by macOS Ventura, Monterey, Catalina, Big Sur, High Sierra and below versions.

You may want to backup iPhone data or transfer favorite photos, music, or videos to Mac. But sometimes your Mac computer doesn’t detect the iPhone when you try to connect it. There are so many complaints such as iPhone not showing up in Finder in Ventura, Monterey, Catalina or Macbook not recognizing iPhone 14. Some also reported an unknown error or a 0xE error when trying to connect iPhone to Mac computer. The situation is frustrating as it prevents you to sync iPhone to macOS and access iPhone data on Mac.

No worries. There are methods, which can fix the issue and let you again access your iPhone on Mac. But, first you should be aware why Mac fails to recognize your iPhone as this helps in troubleshooting the problem.

Why your iPhone not detected by Mac computer?

Mac does not detect your iPhone due to many reasons, such as

• iPhone is not ‘on’ when connected to Mac.
• iPhone is damaged.
• The USB cable or USB port is not working.
• Software updates are pending including iOS, iTunes, and macOS.
• Third-party software conflict wherein 2 programs arecompeting for the same memory, peripheral device etc., on your Mac.
• Firewall or Antivirus software is preventing Mac to recognize iPhone.
• Mac settings don’t allow to view iPhone in Finder.

1. Check your iPhone

Before you connect your iPhone to Mac, make sure the iOS device is unlocked and on the Home screen.

2. Fix USB connection

When Mac computer doesn’t recognize iPhone, first check your USB connection. The USB cable or the port can be faulty. Try to connect iPhone to Mac using another Apple USB 2.0 cable. If that doesn’t work try with the different port. Plus, disconnect other USB devices from Mac except your iPhone.

3. Restart your iPhone

Restarting the iOS device would resolve any issue between your iPhone programs and iTunes. To restart hold volume/side/ top button depending on your iPhone model. Slide the red power off slider on your iPhone. Wait for your iPhone to turn off. After a few seconds, again restart iPhone. Now Mac should recognize your iPhone.

4. Restart your Mac

Restarting Mac clears the cache and memory of your system giving it a fresh start. It also installs pending updates.

5. Update your macOS

When iPhone is not showing up on Mac Finder but you can see it under USB Device Tree, update the macOS to the latest version. Make sure there are no pending software installs.

To check the USB Device Tree on Mac follow the below steps:

• Click on Apple icon followed by About This Mac.
• Click the System Report button.
• Under Hardware, select USB.

_{Figure: USB Device Tree}

• On the right pane, you will see USB Device Tree. If you see your iPhone in the list, then update to the latest macOS.

6. Update iTunes

Older versions of iTunes can create conflict with normal Mac functions. Hence, Apple recommends installing the latest iTunes updates.

To install the latest iTunes, open iTunes. From the menu bar choose Help > Check for Updates and follow the prompts to install the latest version.

Now, check if your Mac recognizes the iPhone or not.

7. Disable antivirus on Mac

One of the reason cited for iPhone not detected by Mac is anti-virus or firewall protection on your system. So disable the antivirus or firewall and then try to connect your iPhone to Mac.

8. Enable iOS device in Mac Preferences

When iPhone is not showing on Mac Finder, check if your Mac Preferences allows to view iOS devices in Finder. To enable iOS device in Finder follow the below steps:

• Go to Finder > Preferences.
• Click on the Sidebar button in Finder Preferences box.
• Check in CDs, DVDs and iOS Devices.

Click here

_{Figure: Finder Preferences}

This should fix iPhone not showing up in Finder on Mac.

9. Connect iPhone to a different Mac machine

Try by connecting your iPhone to another Mac. If you receive a message asking to ‘Trust this computer’, click on ‘Trust’ to access your iPhone data on the new computer. Make sure to backup iPhone to avoid data loss situation.

Tip: Have you lost or accidentally deleted Camera Roll, Contacts, Photos Stream, Voice Memos, or more while transferring iPhone data to Mac? No need to worry. Restore the deleted photos, videos, messages, contacts, etc., with the help of an efficient Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone for Mac.

FAQ

1. Can I connect iPhone with Mac wirelessly?

You can sync your Mac and iPhone over the same Wi-Fi network.

1. Connect your iPhone to Mac using a USB cable.
2. Open Finder on Mac and select your iPhone in the sidebar.
3. Click on the General tab.
4. Check in Show this iPhone when on Wi-Fi.
5. Click Apply.

2. How to fix my iPhone cannot connect to iTunes?

If iPhone is not showing up in iTunes, restart your devices and ensure macOS, iTunes, and iOS are updated. To know more methods, read How fix iPhone unable to connect to iTunes problem.

3. How to connect iPhone to the latest MacBook Pro 2021 that doesn’t have USB A port?

The new MacBook has USB Type-C port. You can use USB-C to Lightning cable to connect iPhone XR, SE, 11, and above to the new MacBook. If you have iPhone X or below use USB-A to Lightning cable.

4. Can I use the methods to fix iPhone 14 not recognized by macOS Ventura?

Yes, you can apply the above methods to fix any iPhone not detected by macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, or below.

5. Will I lose any data when syncing iPhone and Mac?

No, you won’t lose data by syncing iPhone to Mac. Syncing helps to access your iPhone data on Mac anytime from anywhere. However, if you accidentally delete iPhone data, use an iPhone Data Recovery software to restore it.

Wrapping Up

Syncing iOS device to macOS has so many advantages but if Mac is not recognizing your iPhone, you cannot transfer, back up, or access iPhone data on Mac. This post has shared 9 methods to fix the syncing issue of Mac and iPhone. One of them should resolve Mac not detecting your iPhone.

How to Recover Data from Broken iPhone Screen

Summary: Struggling to recover data after your iPhone’s screen broke? Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone can help restore data efficiently from an iPhone with a broken screen.

Your iPhone is the most cherished personal gadget as it has become more innovative and influential due to its many valuable features. Moreover, information such as notes, contacts, iMessage, calendar entries, text messages, WhatsApp/Kik messages, pictures, and videos are readily available, making it even more lovable. This is why we need to know how to recover data from broken iPhone screens.

These days, though there are plenty of best ways to back up your data, users often overlook the importance of Backup. It happened with _Jacky Jainco; w_hile taking a DSLR-like photo on his iPhone 14 Pro Max, he accidentally dropped his iPhone and, consequently, broke it.

The real problem was not the broken iPhone but to recover data from iPhone as it was not synced with iTunes and iCloud Backup. As a result, he couldn’t access his files, more importantly, his pictures.

You might have dropped your iPhone several times, and luckily, the excellent cover has saved it on all occasions. However, any drop could cause potential damage putting your data at stake; therefore, leverage iTunes or iCloud backup to recover data from the damaged iPhone screen.

Bringing Back Your Data From Backup

You can restore your files from either iTunes or iCloud Backup. In addition, replacement screens are available; you can have an appointment with the genius bar, get your damaged iPhone fixed, and then recover your data. Also, when backup files are inaccessible, turn to an iPhone data recovery software for an easy solution.

Sorting backup files is unmanageable as they tend to be large, running into GBs. Moreover, the process can be tedious, especially when you have to sort all files, even when you need to recover only a specific file. So it is when iPhone Data Recovery Software  by Stellar is fruitful. The software lets you recover deleted files from encrypted iTunes backup files or recover data from an iPhone that would not turn on. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone supports broken iPhone data recovery from series of iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XR, XS, X, 8 Plus, 8, 7 Plus, 7, 6S Plus, 6S, 6 Plus, 6, 5S, 5C, 5, 4S, and 4.

You can recover a specific file without the pain of going through all backup files as the software lists all the files in an organized structure, thus, saving your precious time and effort.  

Watch how to recover photos from a broken iPhone:

Recover your data from iTunes Backup

Here’s how to recover your iTunes backup using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

1. Select the ‘Recover from iTunes Backup’ option.

2. List of your iTunes backup files appears. Select the relevant iTunes backup

3. In the middle pane, select the files you wish to recover and click the ‘Save’ button.

Recover your data from iCloud Backup

Another effective way to recover data from broken iPhones is through iCloud Backup. For any reason, let’s suppose you cannot access your iCloud backup files; then, using the ‘Recover from iCloud Backup’ feature, you can restore all your essential files. The simple steps are as follows:

1. Click ‘Recover from iCloud Backup.’
2. Sign in to your iCloud account to view the list of available backup files.
3. In the left pane, click on the supported file list categories to view files under them.
4. Select the files that you wish to restore and click ‘Save.’

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone recovers the deleted photos, contacts, messages, etc., from the backup files and restores them to the device.

That’s Not All

Apart from recovering data from damaged iPhones, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone facilitates the option to import the recovered files to your new or fixed iPhone.

To import your recovered files, follow these steps:

1. First, connect your iPhone to the system, run the software, and click the ‘Import file to iPhone’ option.
2. Click ‘Browse’ and select the files you wish to import to your iPhone.
3. Click ‘OK’ to preview the selected files.
4. Click ‘Transfer to iPhone’ to transfer recovered files to your iPhone.

To Sum Up

When your iPhone is damaged, try the basics, i.e., restart it; if that works, back up as much data as possible. You can also restore your files from iTunes or iCloud Backup if there are any. Else, make an appointment with the genius bar and get your iPhone fixed. They might also help you recover data from the damaged iPhone, which comes with an asterisk. Therefore, turn to Stellar Data Recovery and save time and energy for efficient recovery of your data.

How to Fix iPhone Stuck at ‘attempting data recovery’ Loop

Summary: If your iPhone gets stuck at ‘attempting data recovery’ loop screen while updating iOS, learn how to fix iPhone failed iOS update error and efficiently recover lost data using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

Since the release of iOS 16, there are frequent complaints about flood updates leading to the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop. Moreover, users are concerned about data loss in such situations.

Users globally reported that their iPhone gets stuck in the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop while trying to install iOS updates. The issue occurs when they update to iOS 16 versions by using iTunes. It leaves the update in the lurch and erases some or all data from their iPhone.

iOS updates breathe new life into your device. However, the truth is that Apple’s every update brings some bug or new problem, like this one.

Read this post further if your iPhone screen gets stuck at the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop during an iOS update.

It shares how to fix iPhone ‘attempting data recovery’ failed problem and recover lost iPhone data in any case.

You can apply the methods on iPhone 14, 13, 12, SE, 11, XS, XR, X, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4 series. They are relevant to iOS 16 and below versions.

Common causes of ‘attempting data recovery’ loop on iPhone

The attempting to data recovery failed problem usually occurs when iOS is updated with iTunes. The ‘attempting data recovery’ screen takes a long time and is often followed by a prompt ‘press home button to restore.’

Some of these occurrences were reported in the following scenarios:

• Users unplugged the iPhone from a PC or Mac during the update
• Downgrading from iOS 16 to 15 or below
• Updating iOS after jailbreak

How to fix iPhone stuck at the ‘Attempting Data Recovery’ loop

1. Force Restart iPhone
2. Put iPhone into Recovery Mode

Method 1: Force Restart iPhone

It’s essential to know that a force restart differs from a normal Restart. A force restart is advised when iPhone is not in its normal working condition. It is either hanged or stuck at the Apple logo or another screen in Recovery Mode or Restore Mode. It cuts the power and turns on the iPhone again. Force restart usually fixes many iPhone issues.

Steps to Force Restart iPhone 8 and earlier:

• Press and fast release the Volume Up button
• Press and fast release the Volume Down button
• Press and hold the Side button (power) until the Apple logo appears

Steps to Force Restart iPhone X and later:

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button
• Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.

Method 2: Put iPhone into Recovery Mode

If Force Restart doesn’t help, try this method. Recovery Mode helps in cases of failed iOS updates. Thus, whenever the iOS updates, the iPhone gets stuck at the ‘attempting data recovery,’ op put the device on Recovery Mode.

[Caution]: Recovery Mode erases the iPhone data, which can be restored with the help of iTunes backup. So, make sure that the iTunes version is the latest.

Steps to put iPhone on Recovery Mode:

1. Connect iPhone to computer
2. Open iTunes
3. Force restart iPhone (with steps mentioned above)
4. A dialog box appears. Select Update

5. After the Update process completes, set up your iPhone.

Fixed ‘attempting data recovery’ failed problem. Further, how to restore data on iPhone

Recovery Mode, though fixes iPhone’s ‘attempting data recovery’ issue but at the same time erases all information from the device. You can restore iPhone data from iTunes backup or iCloud backup.

In case, iTunes/iCloud backups are not able to restore iPhone or you discover that some of the data is still missing after restoring the device, choose Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone .

The software is also helpful when you don’t want to recover all the data from iTunes or iCloud unnecessarily. Instead, it. It lets you recover precisely what you want, by allowing you to choose specific files like photos, videos, WhatsApp chats, or memos, Calendar, etc., and restoring them on the device.

Additionally, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone also restores the data lost and deleted after jailbreak, water damage, a Black screen of death, iPhone stuck at Apple logo , screen damage iPhone, factory reset, etc. It supports recovery from iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, SE, 11, XS, XR, X, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4 series.

Steps to Restore Data on iPhone with Stellar Data Recovery of iPhone

• Download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on PC/ Mac
• Connect iPhone to the computer
• Select iTunes from the software screen
• Follow the simple on-screen instructions

Wrapping Up

Users look forward to iOS updates. However, the experience can get irritating, when iPhone software updates fail. For example, iPhone ‘attempting data recovery’ loop is a common problem faced after attempts to upgrade to the latest iOS 16.

Force restart of the device often resolves the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop issue. If this doesn’t work, further try to get your iPhone on Recovery Mode. Later restore data via iTunes or Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. The software approach is straightforward and lets you select and restore the informathat you want.

How to Restore iPhone without Backup

Summary: Have you lost your iPhone data after an iOS upgrade or accidental deletion, etc.? Learn how iPhone data recovery software helps restore your iPhone without backup.

Digital devices are at a constant risk of inadvertent data loss, this data might be critical and iPhones are no exception. As a result, understanding different approaches you can take to bounce back from iPhone data loss is crucial when there’s no recent backup.

Data loss in iPhone occurs when you accidentally delete some important data, or your device is lost or stolen or physically damaged resulting in an inability to access or use your data. The best way to prevent it is to take routine backups of your iPhone data using iCloud or iTunes.

However, many users fail to maintain regular iPhone backups and lose crucial data when dealing with a fatal error. In such cases, you can utilize the multiple practices mentioned in this guideline to restore all your iPhone data without backup and save the day.

What Causes Data Loss on iPhones?

In the world of smartphones, there are many ways to lose data. Sometimes, it happens by accident; other times, it emerges as a result of malicious activity. Some of the most common causes of data loss on iPhones include:

• Human Error: Sometimes, data loss occurs when someone accidentally deletes important data. Either they were not paying attention or were distracted by something else that lead accidental data loss.
• Malware Activity: Malware is a program designed to harm your phone or information. Although iOS is relatively immune to cyber-attacks, it’s still advised to stay away from suspicious websites and emails to keep your iPhone and its data safe.
• Software Corruption: Software corruption occurs when a program, including an OS, fails to run properly due to internal errors like virus or malware attack, failed software updates, etc.

Although there are many other causes for data loss in iPhones, the top three mentioned above are the most common.

Can iPhone Data be Restored without Backup?

It may be possible to restore iPhone data without backup, but its success depends on certain factors. Deleting the iPhone data or factory resetting the iPhone doesn’t mean that your data is completely removed from the device. That data is still there on your device but has been moved to an unallocated folder.

To restore this deleted or lost iPhone data, immediately stop using your device to avoid overwriting. Then there is a possibility that you may be able to retrieve your iPhone data.

How Can I Restore iPhone without Backup?

The only way to restore lost data on your iPhone without a backup is by utilizing third-party recovery software. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone is an award-winning recovery software that can restore deleted or lost files from your iPhone/iPad/iPod touch. It offers many amazing features to help you get back your photos, videos, audio files, documents, and other essential data in no time.

This software is powerful and easy-to-use when retrieving lost data, and you can operate it even if you have no technical background. Follow the steps below to discover how to utilize Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone and restore your lost data.

• Connect your iOS-operated device to a computer
• Download and install Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your computer.
• Click on the Start menu, type Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone, and press Enter.
• As the software launches, enter the Activation Key you received with your purchase.
• Then select the type of data you wish to recover and click Next.

• Wait for the scanning process to finish.

• Browse the recovered files and press Recover to save them on a storage device.

• After following the instructions, the lost files are accessible on the storage device you selected.

How Do I Prevent Data Loss on iPhones?

An iPhone backup is the best way to prevent data loss; it’s a copy of your data on a storage media or any Cloud server other than your iPhone.

There are several ways to create a backup of your iPhone; the safest choices are iTunes and iCloud. Follow the instructions below to create a backup immediately.

Back up iPhone using iTunes

Follow these steps to utilize iTunes:

• Download and install iTunes on your computer.
• Connect your device to the computer.
• Once you’re in the Device Summary page, click on Back Up Now.
• Wait for the process to finish.

Back up iPhone using iCloud

Follow these steps to utilize iCloud:

• Unlock your phone and open Settings.
• Tap on your name at the top of the screen.
• Select iCloud on the following page.
• Turn on iCloud Backup.
• Tap Back Up Now.
• Wait for the process to finish.

You can use this iCloud backup to restore iPhone data when needed. To know more, read: How to Restore iPhone from iCloud backup .

Bottom Line

Data loss in iPhone can occur due to various reasons including accidental deletion, software malfunction, etc.

The best way to prevent such scenarios is by taking regular backups of your iPhone. So, in an emergency, you can restore all your data from the backups you created earlier.

If you need help keeping healthy backups or utilizing recovery software to restore your information, seek a professional assistant to provide more instructions.

FAQ

1. Is Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone free?

You can download a free demo of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone and test all the features. However, you must activate the product if you wish to recover files.

2. What version of iOS does Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone support?

The software supports the latest iOS and all the previous versions.

3. Does Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone require iTunes to be installed?

Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone utilizes iTunes system drivers to identify your devices.

4. How to recover deleted photos, videos & music files from your iPhone?

Users may lose their photos/videos/ music files due to accidental file deletion, system resets, failed updates, etc. However, by using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone, you can recover lost media from Camera Roll, Photo Stream, WhatsApp, Kik, Viber, Tango, and other apps.

5. How to recover deleted voice memos from your iPhone?

You can restore deleted voice memos from the Recently Deleted folder, iCloud or iTunes backup, and iPhone data recovery software.

6. How to recover deleted contacts from your iPhone?

Losing contacts is frustrating, leaving users in agony to re-enter the lost information manually. However, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone offers professional scans to retrieve lost or missing contacts and save them in CF, CSV, or HTML formats.

7. How to Retrieve Call History on iPhone?

Call logs may become inaccessible because of an app crash, iOS update, hardware damage, etc. Use backup or Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to restore the lost or deleted iPhone call history .

8. How to retrieve deleted text messages on your iPhone?

Messages may contain valuable information, and losing them can cause immense stress. Use the best iPhone data recovery tool like Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to recover lost text messages and iMessages from your iPhone or iPad.

9. How to recover deleted notes from your iPhone?

If you lose access to your notes for some reason, you can use Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to run deep scans and retrieve deleted Notes and attachments .

10. How to restore iPhone from iTunes backup?

Although you can restore an iTunes backup from your computer, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone also lets you retrieve only the preferred files from your iTunes files.