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Fix: iPhone Doesn’t Show Up in Windows File Explorer
A list of simple and direct fixes to get your iPhone showing up again
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Connecting iPhone to Windows PC is effortless now more than ever. However, some users are complaining thatiPhone doesn’t show upin File Explorer for some reason.
This restricts your access to the files on your phone. If you also face this issue, the solutions in this guide will help you fix it for good.
Why is my iPhone not showing in File Explorer?
The iPhone doesn’t show up in File Explorer because of varying factors. Below are some of the potential causes:
How do I get my iPhone to show up in File Explorer?
Below are the basic troubleshooting steps to apply before proceeding to the detailed fixes in this section:
Should these fail, you can now explore the fixes below:
1. Update PC
An outdated PC can be the reason iPhone not showing up in File Explorer on Windows 11, 10, and 7. You need to update and restart your PC to solve the problem.
2. Switch the active driver in Device Manager
Some users have reported that using the MTP default driver option for the Apple mobile device USB driver fixed this issue for them. So, you should apply the fix too.
3. Take full control of iTunes folder
The iTunes folder holds the content of some of your saved content on the iTunes app. According to some users, lack of full control over this app can cause the iPhone not showing up on Windows 11 or 11 issue.
Hence, you need to take full control of the folder.
4. Create the Camera Roll folder
While this might seem like a weird solution, it has surprisingly worked for so many users. So, you should try it too.
5. Uninstall and reinstall the Apple driver
If you still can’t fix the iPhone doesn’t show up in File Explorer issue on your PC, you need to uninstall and reinstall the Apple mobile device USB driver. This should clear up the potential glitches that might be causing the issue.
We have reached the end of this guide on fixing an iPhone if it is not showing in the Windows File Explorer. You should now be able to fix the issue effortlessly, provided you follow the steps in this guide.
If youcan’t access iPhone photos on your PC, check our detailed guide to rectify it.
Feel free to let us know if you could fix this issue in the comments below.
More about the topics:File Explorer,iPhone issues
Ola-Hassan Bolaji
Windows Hardware Expert
A Computer Engineering graduate, he has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers.
He finds joy in simplifying complex topics into simple solutions for PC users. The quality of his work and providing step-wise tested and proven solutions to PC issues are all that matter to him.
Away from computers, he is either reading or watching football!
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Ola-Hassan Bolaji
Windows Hardware Expert
He’s a Computer Engineering graduate who has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers & operating systems.
