Why does iTunes not detect the serial number of the iPhone? iTunes (computer) does not see iPhone. Solving the problem on Windows and Mac

When your iPhone is not detected on your computer, this can cause serious inconvenience. iOS is good, but not perfect: a system restore may be required due to memory consumption by some applications. iTunes also becomes necessary for quickly downloading videos, music, movies and saving data on your computer.

What should you do if you once connected your iPhone, but your computer or iTunes itself refuses to see it? We suggest using the recommendations that should help solve the problem of identifying an iPhone.

Checking the cable

On the latest iPhone models (since iPhone 5), manufacturers began to use the Lightning interface. The 8 pin connector is designed not only for a high-quality connection, but also has a certain system of protection against the use of non-original cables.

A small chip is built into the cord, which makes a decision whether to work with such a cable or not. Manufacturers of non-original accessories have learned to create cables with similar chips, but they work exclusively for charging. And it becomes impossible after a couple of months of use. Conclusion: the cable must be original (if the cord included in the package is torn, we buy it).

Read This cable or accessory is not certified...

Checking the operation of the USB port

The problem may also be in the computer or its hardware. The USB port could easily fail. Connect other devices and check their functionality. Open Device Manager. If, when you connect your iPhone, even an unknown device is not added there, you may have to repair your computer. It won't hurt to restart your computer and check everything once again.

Install the latest version of iTunes and check the system

If your iPhone is not detected in iTunes, we recommend updating the program. The latest version must be installed. Make sure that all current system updates have been correctly installed on your computer. Any failure in them can lead to problems with drivers and the USB interface itself. After installing iTunes, restart your computer just in case.

Checking iPhone settings

It is possible that you accidentally denied access to the iPhone for this computer. When connecting, you need to unlock your iPhone and select the “Trust” option. Then there should be no problems with synchronization due to smartphone settings.

Solving a problem with Apple Mobile Device

If you are sure that everything is in order with your iPhone, the computer has no problems with the USB interface, system and drivers, and the connection is made via the original Lightning cable, you need to reinstall the Apple Mobile Device service. Let's take a closer look at how this is done on Mac OS and Windows.

MacOS

Follow these steps:

Disconnect your iPhone from your Mac;
Open Finder, find iTunes in the programs folder, then move it to the trash. The program shortcut is there;
In the "Go to Folder" menu, you must enter /System/Libraries/Extensions, and then click the "Go" button;
The AppleMobileDevice.kext file should be moved to the trash;
In the "Go to folder" menu, enter /Libraries/Receipts/, go there;
Find the file AppleMobileDeviceSupport.pkg and place it in the trash.
Empty the trash;
Reboot the Mac;
Install the latest version of iTunes. Downloaded from the Apple website.

After this, the iPhone should be recognized by iTunes.

You don’t have to worry about whether the iPhone is genuine if the device is purchased at a hardware store or at one of the offices of cellular networks, such as MTS or Svyaznoy. But if you intend to order an iPhone via the Internet (for example, from a Chinese store) or buy a gadget “from hand”, you need to be careful and insist on preliminary verification of the authenticity of the gadget via the Internet.

This method is the most suitable, because to use it you don’t even need to open the box and take out the device itself. Follow the instructions:

Step 1. Find the serial number of the device on the packaging - it should be located on the back of the box between the IMEI and the part number (Part No.). The serial number consists of 11 or 12 characters (numbers and letters).

Source: cheerfuleboway.tumblr.com

If the iPhone is printed and activated, check the “serial numbers” on the packaging and in the device settings (path “ Settings» — « Basic» — « About this device»).

Readers often contact us with various questions about solving any problems related to mobile devices and software. One of the most popular: “ iTunes doesn't see iPhone, what should I do?".

In contact with

You can find a working way out of this situation on the Internet, but you have to make your way through mountains of various information. In this article, we decided to combine all possible solutions and figure out why, after all, “ iTunes doesn't see iPhone«.

iTunes often scares iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch users. The program seems confusing, complex and extremely inconvenient. It also throws out various pearls. Either the music is not synchronized correctly, or the applications have disappeared somewhere, or even iTunes cannot detect the iPhone (iPad or iPod Touch).

There is no need to despair (and switch to Android), there will always be solutions to the problem. If iTunes does not see the iPhone, check its functionality:

Software. Reinstall iTunes by downloading the latest version.
Cables. Try using a different cable.
Computer. iTunes does not see iPhone due to a malfunction of the Apple Mobile Device. Another computer may help resolve the problem.
USB ports. Often the problem lies in the USB port. Try using the connector on the back of the system unit.

If all standard methods do not help, then it’s time to take on the heavy artillery.

Doesn't see because he doesn't trust

iPhone or iPad are completely self-sufficient, stand-alone devices, but they still have to be connected to a computer from time to time to transfer large amounts of data, install software, etc. In this case, sometimes a device synchronization problem arises, which can often be solved using the methods described below.

ON THIS TOPIC:

We will talk about trusted computers, or more precisely, the operating systems installed on them. When connecting an iPhone or iPad to a new computer for the first time (or after reinstalling the OS on an old one), the user receives the request “Trust this computer?” and must answer yes to access settings and content on your mobile device.

If you reject the request, then a synchronization problem may arise in the future., and to solve it you will need to use the instructions below.

On Mac

So, to get a second request and “start trusting” your Mac computer, you need to select “ Transition —> Go to folder"(or use the keyboard shortcut " ⌘Cmd + ⇧Shift + G«),

and then go to the address /var/db/lockdown and delete all certificates in this directory.

On Windows XP, 7, 8, 10

In the case of Windows OS, you will also need to delete the contents of the Lockdown directory. To do this, you will need to enable the display of hidden folders and files ( Start —> Control Panel —> Folders settings),

and then go to the address C:\ProgramData\Apple\Lockdown(for Windows 7, 8, 10) or C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Apple\Lockdown

If deleting certificates from a Windows PC does not solve the problem, you will have to use a more complex method:

1 . Right-click on the shortcut " Computer", select " Properties" and find " device Manager«;

2 . In chapter " USB controllers"Right-click to call up the context menu of the item " Apple Mobile Device USB Driver" and click " Update drivers...«;

4 . In the window that appears, click “ Review" and go to the directory C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers, where we are interested in a file called " usbaapl“, which is what needs to be installed.

If none of the methods described above helped solve the problem, then it is likely that the cause does not lie in obtaining a trusted status for this computer. Try this:

iTunes does not see iPhone or other Apple device in Microsoft Windows XP

1 . Close iTunes after disconnecting your device;
2 . Go to Start -> Execute and enter in the window that appears services.msc or open Services In chapter Administration Control panels;
3 . Find an item Apple Mobile Device and in the next window click on Stop;
4 . After stopping in the same window, click on Launch;
5 . After restarting the service, iTunes will be ready to work with your device.

Not everyone can afford a brand new iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus. If you are one of them, but really want an iPhone (not necessarily the latest model), it makes sense to buy it on the secondary market, that is, “used”. How to do this without consequences in the form of hardware and software malfunctions, read under the cut.

Buying a used iPhone. Seller's choice

If this is your first time buying a used product online, know that there are many times more scammers on the secondary market than honest sellers. Therefore, be careful when choosing a seller. Advice: don't trust anyone!

The model of a decent and sensible seller of a used iPhone looks something like this:

Doesn't hide his contact phone number.
Will not refuse a personal meeting.
Will not refuse to check the status of the phone.
Will not give away your iPhone at a price below average on the secondary market. Although you can always bargain on the spot.

Full set

Buy a used iPhone in the factory configuration and, if possible, with a receipt from the store. The latter will be needed when contacting Apple support to regain control over, for example.

iPhone kit:

Smartphone.
Branded box with a barcode and information about the device (model, batch number, serial number and IMEI).
Charger.
USB cable.
Wired Apple EarPods headset with control buttons and microphone.
SIM card ejector.
Documentation.

It is not critical if the used iPhone does not come with a power supply, USB cable, headphones, a paper clip and instructions. It is important to have the original box (for support).

Check that the data in the iPhone settings matches the original packaging

Check if the information on the box matches, in the iPhone settings in the “General -> About this device” menu and on the back cover of the device. The following data must correspond:

Model. For example, ME305LL/A.
Serial number(not indicated on the back cover of the device).
IMEI. Compare the identifier indicated in the device information, on the box and on the SIM card tray.

If any of this data on the box, in the phone settings and on the SIM card tray differs, the device has been repaired. This can also be checked using the serial number and IMEI.

Video on how to find the serial number

How to check if an iPhone is authentic by serial number

On a special page of the official Apple website (Check Your Service and Support Coverage), enter the iPhone serial number in the appropriate field.

If the device is original, the system will recognize its model and display information about the warranty status. It is important that the “Valid Purchase Date” field is checked - this confirms that the device is original and purchased from Apple.

If more than a year has passed since the purchase of the device, Apple's international warranty no longer applies to it. Information about this is located in the lines: “Telephone Technical Support” and “Repairs and Service Coverage”.

If you need more information, using the same serial number you can determine: the phone model, the country for which it was manufactured, the identifier and model number, the main technical characteristics (processor clock speed, screen resolution, case color, memory size), year and month of manufacture, and also manufacturer.

An example of checking my iPhone 5s by serial number:

Serial number: F18LND37FF9R
Nice Name: iPhone 5s (GSM/North America)
Machine Model: iPhone6.1
Family Name: A1533
Model Number: ME296
Group1: iPhone
Group2:
Generation:
CPU speed: 1.3MHz
Screen size: 4 inches
Screen resolution: 1136×640 pixels
Colour: Space Gray
Production year: 2013
Production week: 45 (November)
Model introduced: 2013
Capacity: 16GB
Memory - flavour: xx
Factory: F1 (China, Zhengzhou - Foxconn).

This means that I have an iPhone 5s 16 GB, GSM model A1533, gray, produced at the Foxconn plant in Zhengzhou in November 2013.

You can also identify an iPhone restored by the manufacturer (Refurbished) by the serial number. For such devices, the serial number starts at “5K”.

To make it easier for you, I recorded a video on how to check the serial number of an iPhone:

How to check iPhone by IMEI

Comprehensive information about the iPhone (and not only) can be obtained using the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI - International Mobile Equipment Identity), for example.

The IMEI of an iPhone is engraved on its back cover and SIM card tray, indicated on the barcode label on the packaging and in “Settings -> General -> About this device”. In the “Phone” application, enter the combination “ #06# " and the IMEI of the iPhone will be displayed on the screen.

Short: If you have never owned an iPhone and you cannot determine its originality by appearance, check the iPhone by serial number on the official Apple website and check the information in the information about the device and on its packaging. It's enough.

For reference: If in the iPhone settings there is no data in the “Wi-Fi Address”, “Bluetooth” or “Modem Firmware” lines in the device information, then the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or modem modules, respectively, are not working.

Checking a used iPhone for mechanical damage

Visually inspect the iPhone and check:

Condition of the case. It is desirable that the device is free of chips, scratches and dents.
Controls(Home and Power buttons, volume rocker, vibration mode switch). The buttons should work softly and silently, and should not stick or fall through. The device should respond instantly to button presses.
Did you understand the iPhone? The earpiece (next to the front camera) should be covered with a mesh. The screw heads on the bottom side of the charging/sync connector must not be damaged.
Has it been renovated? The shades of the “Home” button and the protective glass should be the same. The charging/sync port and headphone jack must match the color of the iPhone. Press down on the screen, the original touchpad does not “float” (presses do not leave marks).
iPhone Neverlock (unlocked) or “locked”. Remove the SIM card tray; there should be no overlays for the SIM card (adapters for the Gevey or r-Sim hardware unlock). Insert your SIM card - connecting an unlocked iPhone to the cellular network is fast.
Touchpad. Unlock your iPhone, press and hold your finger on the screen until the application icons begin to “dance”, and slowly drag any icon across the screen. It should not “come off” from the finger.
Speaker and microphone. Call someone, you and you should be clearly heard (sometimes this also depends on the quality of the connection).
Wi-Fi module. Turn on Wi-Fi and connect to a wireless network, check your Internet access in Safari. When cold, the Wi-Fi module works properly - the breakdown appears after heating, so do not turn off Wi-Fi for at least another 5 minutes.
Camera and autofocus. Launch the Camera app, tap on the area of the screen to autofocus.
Proximity sensor. Call someone, during a conversation - cover the upper part of the screen to the right of the speaker with your finger - the screen should go dark.
Accelerometer. Launch any standard application (Messages, Contacts, Calendar, Photos), rotate the iPhone - the screen should rotate with the device.
Headphones. Plug your headset into the headphone jack, launch the Music app, and play. Check volume control, track switch and playback controls.
Contact with water. Shine a flashlight into the headphone jack, if you find a red marker in it (moisture indicator), it means the device has been in contact with water.
External speakers. Turn on music playback, the sound should be clear, without wheezing.
Remove the protective films, they hide scratches.

Checking iPhone lock using Apple ID

The originality, external condition and performance of a used iPhone are important, but even an original, fully functional and externally perfect device can be absolutely useless if it is blocked by Activation Lock. An iPhone with the “ ” function enabled cannot be