If you’re trying to connect your iPhone to a Windows PC but it’s not being recognized, you may need the latest Apple iPhone USB driver. This driver is essential for seamless communication between your iPhone and Windows 10/11 PC, ensuring smooth file transfers, iTunes synchronization, and software updates.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to download, install, and troubleshoot the Apple iPhone USB driver to fix connection issues.
What is the Apple iPhone USB Driver?
The Apple Mobile Device USB Driver is a software component that allows Windows computers to recognize and communicate with iPhones, iPads, and iPods via USB. This driver is typically included with iTunes, but in some cases, it may need to be manually installed or updated.
Why is the USB Driver Important?
- Enables file transfer between iPhone and PC
- Allows iTunes to detect and sync your iPhone
- Essential for performing iOS updates and backups via iTunes
- Fixes common “iPhone not recognized” issues in Windows
Why Do You Need the Latest Apple iPhone USB Driver?
Keeping your USB driver up to date ensures:
- Improved Compatibility – Works with the latest iOS and Windows updates
- Bug Fixes – Resolves connectivity issues and driver errors
- Better Performance – Enables faster data transfer and device recognition
- Security Updates – Protects against vulnerabilities in outdated drivers
Method 1: Download via iTunes (Official & Recommended)
The easiest way to install the Apple iPhone USB driver is by installing iTunes, which automatically includes the necessary drivers.
- Download iTunes from the official Apple website or the Microsoft Store.
- Install iTunes and restart your PC.
- Connect your iPhone via USB and wait for Windows to detect the device.
Method 2: Manually Install the USB Driver via Device Manager
If your iPhone is still not detected, manually install the USB driver.
- Connect your iPhone to the PC via USB.
- Open Device Manager (Press
Win + X→ Select Device Manager). - Locate Portable Devices > Apple iPhone (or check under Universal Serial Bus Controllers).
- Right-click Apple iPhone → Select Update Driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers, and let Windows update the driver.
Method 3: Download Apple Mobile Device USB Driver Manually
If iTunes does not install the driver correctly, you can manually install it:
- Download AppleMobileDeviceSupport64.zip
- Right-click
AppleMobileDeviceSupport64.msi→ Select Install - Restart your PC and reconnect your iPhone
Troubleshooting: Fix Apple iPhone USB Driver Issues on Windows 10/11
If your iPhone is not recognized, try these solutions:
1. Restart Devices & Check the Cable
- Restart your iPhone and PC
- Use an original Apple USB cable (third-party cables may not work)
2. Reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver
- Open Device Manager → Find Apple iPhone
- Right-click → Select Uninstall device
- Disconnect your iPhone → Restart your PC → Reconnect your iPhone to reinstall the driver
3. Enable Apple Mobile Device Service
- Press
Win + R→ Typeservices.msc→ Press Enter - Find Apple Mobile Device Service → Right-click → Select Start or Restart
4. Update Windows & iOS
Ensure Windows 10/11 and iPhone iOS are updated for better compatibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to install the iPhone USB driver separately?
No, the driver is automatically installed when you install iTunes.
2. Why is my iPhone not showing up in Windows Explorer?
Your USB driver may be outdated. Update or reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver via Device Manager.
3. Can I download the Apple USB driver without iTunes?
Yes, you can manually install it from C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers.
4. What if my iPhone is still not detected after installing the driver?
Try a different USB port, update Windows, or restart the Apple Mobile Device Service.
Conclusion
The Apple iPhone USB driver is crucial for connecting your iPhone to a Windows 10/11 PC. Installing the latest driver version ensures smooth file transfers, iTunes synchronization, and firmware updates.
To avoid connection issues, always:
- Use the latest iTunes version
- Keep your Windows and iPhone updated
- Manually install or update the driver if needed
If you found this guide helpful, share it with others who might need help fixing iPhone connectivity issues on Windows.
Related Post
- SPD USB Driver
- MTK USB Driver
- Motorola USB Driver
Apple mobile device USB driver is a crucial component required to create a smooth connection and workflow between your Apple device and Windows. Usually, Windows and Apple are not known to be the most compatible devices. However, if you happen to own an iPhone, iPad, or an iPod and you have a Windows PC, you will require the necessary drivers to create a connection,
The computer automatically reads the Apple device when installed with the most recent version of Apple drivers. However, if the Apple Mobile Device USB driver for Windows is missing, corrupt, or outdated, the system fails to read iPhone, iPad, and other Apple devices.
Hence, it is better to download and update the drivers . To help with that, we have curated this tutorial that explains the best ways to update the iPhone USB driver.
What is Apple mobile device USB driver
This driver helps the Windows PC recognize connected iPhones. When it is missing or outdated, errors like Apple device is not recognized, and others are encountered.
6 Best Ways to Download/Update Apple Mobile Device USB Driver Windows
Downloading drivers for Apple devices is not that complicated, provided you know which is the best method. Below, we mention the best ways to update the driver.
Method 1: Manually Through Device Manager
Windows provides a built-in facility (Device Manager) to help update drivers. Using Device Manager, you can update the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver on Windows 7/10/11.
To use it, follow the steps below:
1. Press Windows + X > select Device Manager from the context menu.
2. Navigate to Universal Serial Bus devices. Double-click it and locate the Apple Mobile USB Device driver.
3. Right-click the Apple Mobile Device USB Device > select Update Driver.
4. Select, Search automatically for drivers.
5. Windows will now look for Apple Mobile USB Device driver updates. Please wait for it to download and install the latest driver update. If you get the message, “The best drivers for your device are already installed.” You will need to check for available Windows Updates.
6. Restart the PC to apply changes after updating and installing the driver. In case the changes aren’t properly installed, you can do it by following the steps below:
Method 2 – Reinstall Apple Mobile USB Device Driver
1. Press Windows + X
2. Double-click Universal Serial Bus devices
3. Right-click on the Apple Mobile Device USB Device > Uninstall
4. Checkmark the box next to Delete the driver software for this device > Ok.
5. Go to Device Manager > click Action tab > Scan for hardware changes.
6. Wait for the scanning to complete and install the Apple Mobile USB device driver.
Method 3 – Updating Using Advanced Driver Updater (Recommended)
Above, we explained manual ways to update the driver. As you may agree, manual steps are time-consuming and require some technical knowledge. Also, manually updating drivers involves risk & is not easy. Therefore, if you want an easy way to download the Apple Mobile Device USB driver, we recommend using Advanced Driver Updater. This professional tool helps update all types of outdated drivers.
You can use either the Free or Registered version to update drivers. The free version sets a limit for updating one driver at a time, while the registered version allows updating all at once. To use this amazing tool, follow the steps below:
1. Install Advanced Driver Updater by clicking the button below
2. Run the tool and click Start Scan Now, allowing Advanced Driver Updater to scan the system.
3. Let the scanning complete.
4. When done, to update the driver, click the Update driver next to the Apple Mobile Device USB driver (if using the trial version). However, if you use the registered version, click Update All.
5. Wait for the driver update to be downloaded and installed.
6. Restart the PC to save changes. Now, connect the Apple device, and it should be detected.
Method 4 – Reinstall Apple Mobile Device USB Driver Through .inf File
1. Disconnect your device from your PC.
2. Unlock your iOS and iPadOS device and go to the Home screen.
3. Reconnect the device to the PC and exit iTunes when prompted.
4. Press Windows + R to open the Run window. Here copy and paste – %ProgramFiles%\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers and press the Enter key.
5. If you are working on a 32-bit Windows OS, right-click usbappl64.inf > Install. However, if you are 64-bit, Windows users right-click usbappl.inf > Install.
Tip : To find a file, Windows 8/7 users need to right-click on the space in File Explorer > select Details and look for the file type.
6. Disconnect the device > restart the PC and reconnect the device. You should no longer face the issue.
Method 5 – Install iTunes
Reinstalling iTunes is another way to fix the missing Apple Mobile Device USB driver. This will reinstall the driver and fix the issue. Download iTunes Here
Method 6 – Restart Apple Mobile Device Service (AMDS)
When connecting your Apple device, if you encounter “This [device] cannot be used because the Apple Mobile Device Service is not started” or you see a yellow exclamation mark next to Apple Mobile Device USB, try restarting AMDS to fix it.
1.Exit iTunes and disconnect the Apple device.
2. Press Windows + R and open Run window.
3. Types services.msc and press the Enter key.
4. Look for Apple Mobile Device Service—Double-click on it.
5. Click the General tab, set the Startup type to Automatic, and click Stop.
6. Restart the service and click Ok.
7. Reboot the PC and connect the device. You should be fine.
That’s it; you can update the Apple Mobile USB device driver using these simple steps. You can use either of the steps to update your driver on Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7. However, try Advanced Driver Updater if you want the fastest and easiest way to update the USB driver. With minimum or no effort, the tool helps update all outdated drivers.
However, if you know of any other effective way to update the Apple Mobile USB device driver update, share it in the comments box. For any product-related issue, you can send an email to support@systweak.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended-
Fixed – USB Drive Not Showing Up – Windows 11/10
If you wish to proceed with the methods to Apple Mobile Device USB driver download, update, and install on Windows 10/11, you can go through the solutions provided and explained in this guide.
Any operating system, whether macOS, Linux, or Windows, is a standalone system that behaves like a combination of multiple services, programs, and software. These services and programs work in harmony to deliver usability. One such program is the Windows device driver.
A driver is a set of instructional files that straighten out the device’s communication procedures with the system and vice versa. This driver defines how the system will receive the user’s commands, how the device will respond to or process these commands, and lastly, how to present the final operation.
The Apple Mobile Device USB driver is a driver that allows a smooth and feasible connection of the iOS or Apple iPhones to the Windows PC. If you have been facing problems while connecting the iOS device to Windows or wish to connect, you need to proceed with the Apple Mobile Device USB driver update and install.
This article will list and describe some of the best ways to install the USB driver with ease.
How to Download and Update the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver?
In the coming sections of this guide, we will have a look at some of the best ways to execute the Apple Mobile Device USB driver download and update for Windows 10/11. Multiple methods are explained below to help you install the driver with ease. You can opt for any of the methods to get the driver, but you should check out all the solutions before selecting the perfect one.
Method 1: Update the Driver with Device Manager
Device Manager is a Windows-integrated tool that offers complete control of connected devices to users. The same can also help you execute the Apple Mobile Device USB driver update for Windows 11/10 and other operating systems. Follow the steps below to proceed:
- Right-click on the Windows button and select Device Manager from the context menu.
- Double-click on Universal Serial Bus Controllers to proceed.
- Right-click on the Apple Mobile Device USB device and click on the Update Driver button.
- Now, allow the system to Search Automatically for Driver Updates.
- Follow the steps that appear on the screen, subsequently, to install the driver.
- Restart the system at the end.
This is one way to update the Apple Mobile Device USB driver for Windows 11/10. You can opt for the next one if you don’t like this one.
Also know: USB Joystick Driver Download for Windows 11 & 10
Method 2: Update the Windows OS
Updating your operating system is a reliable way to execute the Apple Mobile Device USB driver download and install. The developers at Microsoft Windows offer regular device driver updates along with the original OS updates. You can take the help of the steps offered below to install the driver via the OS update utility:
- Right-click on the Windows button and open the System Settings.
- Click on the Update & Security button.
- Wait for the utility to load and click on the Check for Updates button.
- Lastly, Download and Install the available OS, additional, optional, and other updates as available.
This sums up the two solutions to download the Apple Mobile Device USB driver for Windows 10/11. Let’s have a look at the third solution below.
Method 3: Download the Driver from the Microsoft Update Catalog
Microsoft Update Catalog is Microsoft’s official website that offers updates, patches, drivers, and more files related to the Windows operating system. The same website can be used to execute the Apple Mobile Device USB driver download as well. You can use the steps below to download and install the required driver:
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog page.
- In the search bar, type Apple Mobile Device and hit the Enter key.
- Use the Download button to save the driver file.
- When the file download is complete, run the file to install the driver.
Also know: How to Set Up USB Game Controllers in Windows 11/10
Apple Mobile Device USB Driver Install: Concluded
This sums up the methods available to download and install the Apple Mobile Device USB driver. Updating the device driver is an amazing way that not only helps you enhance the productivity and usage of a device, but also enhances the overall performance of the system when you update all kinds of device drivers.
The methods offered above are very easy to use, even for a beginner. Additionally, these solutions only enhance your system and Android Mobile Device’s performance without affecting your data or personal files in any way.
The solutions to download and update the Apple Mobile Device USB driver for Windows 10/11 above can be complicated for a few. If you have any questions related to the blog or its methods, you can ask them using the comments section below. You can also offer your feedback and suggestions related to this article in the same section.
Lastly, if you liked this guide on how to perform the Apple Mobile Device USB driver download and update on Windows 11/10, you can subscribe to our newsletter and follow our social media pages to stay up to date with new blog updates.
Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links.
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team. Read more
Downloading and installing the Apple Mobile Device USB driver on Windows 11 will ensure a seamless connection between your phone and computer.
First, connect the iPhone to PC using the iTunes App Store app, or using a third-party file transfer app, and connecting via a USB cable. You need to download and install the drivers for your Apple computer and phone. You can find them on the Apple website. Next. you will need a USB cable.
Also, make sure that your iPhone and the PC are updated and that the cable is compatible with your Apple device.
How to download Apple Mobile Device USB driver for Windows 11?
1. Download from the manufacturer’s site
Apple has an official site where you can find most of its products and services for download. However, not all drivers are always available, and you may have to switch to third-party sites in case it’s missing from the official website.
One such site is Driverscape which allows you to download Apple’s mobile device USB driver. There will be several options to select from depending on your version of Windows. For instance, you can download the Apple mobile device USB driver Windows 11 64-bit or 32-bit.
To add an extra layer of protection, ensure that you have installed a comprehensive antivirus solution on your PC. This will ensure that all downloads are scanned before they are installed on your computer to prevent any virus infections.
2. Use Device Manager
- Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
- Navigate to Universal Serial Bus devices and click to expand.
- Locate your Apple driver, right-click on it and select Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
3. Reinstall the driver
- Hit the Windows key, type Device Manager in the search bar, and click Open.
- Navigate to Universal Serial Bus devices and click to expand.
- Locate your Apple driver, right-click on it and select Uninstall.
- Confirm Uninstall in the next confirmation box that appears and restart your PC.
- The drivers will automatically be reinstalled.
This is a fairly easy method, especially for those users who have no idea what driver to select from when presented with a list.
- Recent Windows 11 update lets you disable profanity filter in voice typing
- Microsoft wants Windows 10 users to upgrade to Windows 11 or Copilot + PCs
- Windows 11 KB5055627 update makes File Explorer more fluid
4. Use a driver updater utility
The easiest way to install the Apple USB driver on Windows is to use a driver updater utility. It’s by far the simplest, most low-effort method of them all.
A reliable tool such as PC Helpsoft Driver Updater is going to automatically search into its trustworthy database for compatible drivers. All you have to do is make sure your Apple USB is connected to your PC.
The software will identify it and add the latest compatible driver on your PC. All you have to do is confirm you want to install it.
PC Helpsoft Driver Updater
Get the latest updates for your PC’s drivers with one of the most reliable tools.
By now, you already know how to update drivers on your PC and why it’s important to do so.
There’s so much more you can do with Apple devices such as view Apple photos on Windows PCs. While you’re still here, don’t forget to check out our recommendation for iOS emulators so that you too can enjoy all the mind-blowing features of an iPhone on a Windows device.
We also have dedicated guides on how to transfer files between your iPhone and PC, and how to make a backup of your iPhone on PC without using iTunes.
Let us know which method you used to download the USB drivers and the reason behind your selection in the comment section below.
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products.
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
Apple Mobile Drivers Installer 🍎
USB Tethering not working? Device only recognized as media? Forget those! 👻
Download / Installation
-
Open PowerShell (or Windows Terminal with PowerShell) as administrator.
-
Paste the following and press enter:
iex (Invoke-RestMethod -Uri 'https://raw.githubusercontent.com/NelloKudo/Apple-Mobile-Drivers-Installer/main/AppleDrivInstaller.ps1') -
A good minute and we’re done, drivers installed!
Why is this a thing? Where does it download drivers from?
The whole reason behind me creating this script is Windows STILL not including Apple’s drivers
by default, making their installation a burden for every Apple user which needs to do all of this just to use their devices:
- Download iTunes and iCloud
- Enable Windows Update
- Wait for all the updates to finish and hope for Windows to eventually pull Apple drivers when needed
Since Googling doesn’t help with the issue, as all forum posts return strange ways to download such drivers (with most of those being super-outdated)
I just went for the easy way: a script that installs the same drivers Windows Update would, but in an extremely faster way.
This’d make life easier for everyone who’d just want to use their phone as hotspot and not install every hunch of Apple software just to have some internet.
Making the script download iTunes and use its MobileSupport .msi file is still needed though, as I can’t probably just upload Apple’s programs like nothing… xd
The script pulls drivers from Microsoft’s Update Catalog, which you can pretty much browse yourself to look for Apple’s stuff.
It just installs the right ones from that catalog for them to actually work out of the box on Windows.
Last but not least, administrator is obviously only needed in order to install drivers. All it does is installing the .inf files
included in such updates, which you could pretty much do yourself by right-clicking those.
Can I install the script on an offline machine?
The script itself requires an internet connection in order to download drivers from Microsoft, so it’s not gonna work on such machines.
Anyways, that makes no problem: you can just move them out and install them yourself this way!
- Download iTunes from here
- Extract it (using WinRAR/7zip) and install AppleMobileDeviceSupport64.msi
- Download the .cab updates from the following links: Apple USB Drivers — Apple Tether USB Drivers
- Extract the .cab files
- Right click the .inf files in the same folder and select Install