TUTORIALS

How to Fix the “An iPhone Has Been Detected But It Could Not Be Identified” Error in iTunes?

07/20/2017

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If you find iTunes is too complicated to use, you could make a better choice - 3uTools.


When your iPhone or iOS device has a flaky connection with Windows, it’s more than a little bit frustrating. With a little troubleshooting, however, you can banish the detected-but-not-identified error for good.


We uninstalled iTunes and every related helper application in a specific order, then reinstalled them fresh—and it fixed everything. Yes, it’s a bit long and annoying, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet and start from scratch.


First, download the newest edition of iTunes for Windows — we’ll need it in a moment.


Second, head over to the “Uninstall or change a program” menu in Windows located at Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features (or you can just click Windows+R and type “appwiz.cpl”) a handy Control Panel shortcut, into the run dialog box.


Locate the entry for “iTunes” first. Right click on it and uninstall it.


How to Fix the “An iPhone Has Been Detected But It Could Not Be Identified” Error in iTunes?


After uninstalling iTunes first, proceed to uninstall the following entries, in the order presented:

  • Apple Software Update

  • Apple Mobile Device Support

  • Bonjour

  • Apple Application Support


Once you have removed iTunes plus all the helper applications, restart your computer. After restarting your computer, launch the iTunes installer you downloaded a moment ago. The installer will not only reinstall iTunes but all the applications we just removed. Restart your computer once more to ensure everything squared away and then plug your iOS device into your PC via the USB cable—a now, fingers crossed, error free experience.

Windows
Mac OS
iOS
Linux
3uTools
Win 64-bit For this device
V9.0 2025-11-11
Download
Win 32-bit For this device
V9.0 2025-11-11
Download
3uTools V3.18
2025-09-18
Please use the 3uTools PC client to install the iOS client:
1、 Install either the Windows or Mac version of 3uTools on your computer
2、 Open the PC client and connect your device to the computer via USB cable
3、 After the connection is successful, wait for the computer to automatically install the mobile app for the device, or locate “Install Mobile App” on the computer and manually click to install.
3uTools
deb file
v3.01 2025-11-20
Download
rpm file
v3.01 2025-11-20
Download
Windows
iOS
Android
3uAirPlayer
Win 64-bit For this device
V6.0.2 2025-11-19
Download
Win 32-bit For this device
V6.0.2 2025-11-19
Download
iOS Device Mirroring (No App Required)
1、 Install 3uAirplayer on the Windows PC
2、 Open Control Center and select Screen Mirroring
3、 From the list, choose your PC to start mirroring
4、 Or connect your iOS device to the PC via USB to begin mirroring
Scan to get "3uAirPlayer" App