Windows 10: iPhone USB tethering disconnects if I close iTunes and doesn't connect until I open iTunes...

I'm using an iPhone SE Gen2 iOS 17.6.1 and a Windows 10 22H2 operating system. I turned on the iPhone personal hotspot for USB and Bluetooth connection and plugged it via USB cable into my Windows. Windows doesn't automatically connect until I open the iTunes application and replug the iPhone. Once it connects, it disconnects if I close the iTunes application.Is there a way to tether my iPhone to my Windows laptop without opening iTunes and keeping it open the entire time? iTunes always causes my computer to lag when it starts up, and I would rather not use it if I don't have to.Searching this

:)

 

Connecting my iphone

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

Connecting your iPhone to your new Microsoft Surface Laptop should be a straightforward process. If your laptop is mistakenly recognizing your iPhone as an Android device, here are some steps to resolve the issue:

Step 1: Install iTunes

1. Download iTunes:
   
   • Go to the Apple iTunes download page and download the latest version of iTunes for Windows.
     
2. Install iTunes:
   
   • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install iTunes on your Surface Laptop.
     
3. Restart Your Computer:
   
   • After installing iTunes, restart your Surface Laptop to ensure that all drivers and services are correctly loaded.
     

Step 2: Connect Your iPhone

1. Connect via USB:
   
   • Use the official Apple USB cable to connect your iPhone to your Surface Laptop.
     
2. Trust This Computer:
   
   • On your iPhone, you should see a prompt asking if you trust this computer. Tap Trust and enter your passcode if prompted.
     
3. Open iTunes:
   
   • Open iTunes on your Surface Laptop. It should recognize your iPhone correctly.
     

Step 3: Check Device Manager

1. Open Device Manager:
   
   • Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
     
2. Locate Your iPhone:
   
   • In the Device Manager, find Portable Devices. Your iPhone should be listed here as Apple iPhone.
     
3. Update Driver:
   
   • If it’s listed incorrectly (e.g., as an Android device), right-click on it and select Update driver. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
     

Step 4: Reinstall Apple Mobile Device USB Driver

1. Manually Install Driver:
   
   • If the automatic update does not work, you can manually reinstall the Apple Mobile Device USB driver:
     
     • Disconnect your iPhone.
       
     • Close iTunes.
       
     • Reconnect your iPhone.
       
2. Open Device Manager Again:
   
   • In Device Manager, right-click on the incorrectly listed device and choose Update driver.
     
   • Select Browse my computer for driver software.
     
   • Navigate to C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\Drivers.
     
   • Select usbaapl64.inf or usbaapl.inf (depending on your system architecture) and click Open.
     

Step 5: Use the "Your Phone" App

1. Open "Your Phone" App:
   
   • Windows 11 includes the Your Phone app, which allows you to connect and manage your phone. Open Your Phone from the Start menu.
     
2. Set Up Your Phone:
   
   • Follow the prompts to set up your device. Make sure you select iPhone during the setup process.
     
3. Link Your iPhone:
   
   • Follow the instructions to link your iPhone. This may require downloading the Your Phone Companion app from the Apple App Store and signing in with your Microsoft account.
     

Step 6: Troubleshoot USB Connections

1. Try Different USB Ports:
   
   • Try connecting your iPhone to different USB ports on your Surface Laptop to see if it makes a difference.
     
2. Check USB Cable:
   
   • Ensure that you are using a genuine Apple USB cable. Sometimes third-party cables can cause connectivity issues.
     

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

iPhone iTunes sync via Windows 10

Thank you. Worked for me. Only additional step was that I had to disconnect iPhone from USB then reconnect. Then the iPhone icon showed up on iTunes

 

iTunes Connecting to iPhone

I have an iphone 6 plus. I also have this HP Envy Laptop. I downloaded iTunes, several times, however, when I connect my phone, iTunes won't open simultaneously, like usual, so my phone is not connecting to my itunes on the computer. How can I fix this?