IPhone – Problem backing up the iPhone to the Mac, the iPhone icon does not appear in iTunes

backupimaciphoneitunes

I have an 2010 iMac running High Sierra. I have iTunes version 12.8.2.3 and iOS version 12.3.1. I want to backup my iPhone to my computer using iTunes.

In the past I could connect my iPhone to my computer and when I started iTunes the iPhone icon would appear on the left side on the iTunes screen. I would select the iPhone and then back it up to either my computer or to iCloud.

Now, however, the iPhone does not appear in iTunes. How do I backup my iPhone to my computer?

Best Answer

First try a soft reset on the iPhone.

Restart your iPhone 8 or earlier or iPod touch

  1. Press and hold the Top (or Side) button until the power off slider appears.
  2. Drag the slider to turn your device completely off.*
  3. After your device turns off, press and hold the Top (or Side) button again until you see the Apple logo.

* With iOS 11 or later, you can turn off your device by going to Settings > General> Shut Down.

Source: Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Note that restarting the computer may also be necessary if the soft reset doesn't fix the issue.

If a soft reset and restarting the computer doesn't fix it, then you may have to do a hard reset on the device. If so, have a look at: How to erase your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Related Question