iPad doesn’t appear in iTunes
Occasionally, iPad users may encounter a problem where the device is not recognized in iTunes. Here are some troubleshooting step to help resolve the issue.
iPad not recognized in iTunes
If this is the first time you have used the iPad with the computer that doesn’t recognize the device, verify that it meets the system requirements.
- Mac OS X version 10.5.8 or later
- Windows 7; Windows Vista; or Windows XP Home or Professional with Service Pack 3 or later
- USB 2.0 port
- The latest version of iTunes
If you have the necessary requirements then proceed to the next step.
Check your USB connection
You can a try different USB port, if you have one available or plug a different USB device into the USB port to verify it is working.
Whenever possible, connect your iPad to a USB port that is built into the computer instead of the keyboard or an external USB hub.
Make sure the iPad is charged
If your iPad is very low on power or if the battery is fully depleted, it can take up to 10 minutes to appear in iTunes. If the charge is extremely depleted, the screen may be blank for the first few minutes of charging.
After the device is charged, check to see if the iPad is recognized in iTunes. If not, then proceed to the next step.
Restart the iPad
To restart your iPad;
- Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button until a red slider appears.
- Slide your finger across the slider to turn off the iPad.
- Give it a minute or so for the iPad to shut down.
- Turn the iPad back on by pressing and holding the Sleep/Wake button until the Apple logo appears.
If your iPads screen is blank and doesn’t respond after being charged, you can reset the iPad.
To reset your iPad;
Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button and the Home button at the same time for at least 10 seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
Reinstall iTunes
Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes but even if you do completely removing and reinstalling iTunes is what most often resolves this issue. I have saved it for last since it’s the most time consuming step.
Mac OS X– Remove iTunes from your Applications folder. Then reinstall the latest version of iTunes software from here.
For more information on removing and reinstalling iTunes for Windows, select your operating system.
After you have removed and reinstalled iTunes, restart your computer and plug your iPad into your computer.
If your iPad is still not being recognized by iTunes, you must be using Windows. Just kidding, but here is a support document from Apple that will provide more tips for Windows users.