Share this article
Improve this guide
What to do if iPhone disconnects from your Windows 10/11 PC
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Users will often back up their iPhones and iPads to Windows 10 PCs with iTunes. However, some users have stated that an “iPhone disconnecting”errorarises when they try to back up their Apple devices.
The full error message states:iTunes could not back up the iPhone because the iPhone disconnected.
Consequently, the users can’t back up their mobiles and tablets. Check out some of these potential resolutions for fixing the Windows 10 “iPhone disconnecting”error.
10 solutions to fix iPhone disconnecting error
1. Connect the iPhone With an Alternative USB Cable
First, check the USB cable that’s connecting the mobile with the PC. Try connecting the iPhone with analternative USB cableif you have one. Ideally, the USB cable will be an MFi-certified one.
2. Connect the iPhone With an Alternative USB Slot
There might be something up with the USB slot the iPhone is plugged into. So, try connecting the phone with an alternative USB port. The phone might back up fine when connected with an alternative USB slot.
3. Unplug Other USB Devices
Other USB devices plugged in might generate USB connection errors. So, unplug any additional flash drives, external hard drives, gamepads, USB hubs, etc. Then connect the iPhone with one of the vacant USB ports.
4. Reset the iPhone’s Network Settings
Some users have confirmed that resetting their iPhones’ network settings fixed the “iPhone disconnected” error message. Users will still retain their data after resetting the network. To reset network settings on an iPhone, tapSettings,General, andReseton the mobile. Then users can select aReset Network Settingsoption.
5. Erase the Lockdown Folder
The “iPhone disconnected”errorcan arise due to corrupted Lockdown folder permissions. Thus, resetting the Lockdown folder, by deleting it, is another potential fix for the issue. Follow the guidelines below to erase the Lockdown folder in Windows 10.
6. Delete iTunes’ Backup File
TheiTunes softwaresaves a backup file each time users sync their iPhones with iTunes. The “iPhone disconnected”errormight arise when that backup file is corrupted. So, try deleting that backup file as follows.
7. Edit the iTunes Backup Folder’s Title
There might also be corrupted backup files within the Backup folder. If so, changing that folder’s title might fix the issue. This is how users can edit iTunes’ Backup folder title.
8. Turn Off Third-Party Antivirus Software
Third-party antivirus software can blockiTunes connecting with mobiles. So, try turningthird-party antivirus utilitiesoff by right-clicking their system tray icons and selecting a turn-off or disable option.
Alternatively, users can temporarily remove the antivirus from the system startup so they aren’t running when they back up files to iTunes. This is how users can remove antivirus utilities from the system startup in Windows 10.
9. Fix iTunes With iTunes Repair Software
There are a few iTunes repair software that can fix numerous iTunes error messages. The iMyFone TunesFix software is among the best iTunes repair utilities that might come in handy for fixing the “iPhone disconnecting”error.
Users can try out a demo of iMyFone by clicking theTry for Freebutton on thesoftware’s webpage. After installing iMyFone, open the software’s window and select theRepair Backup/Restore Errorsrepair mode. Then clickRepairto fix iTunes.
10. Back up an iPhone With Alternative Software
Remember that there are alternative software to iTunes. So, users can back up their mobiles to desktops or laptops with other software instead of fixing the “iPhone disconnecting”error.
For example, users can back up Apple mobiles with the freeware CopyTrans Shelbee. This is how users can back up an iPhone with CopyTrans Shelbee.
There’s a good chance that some of the above resolutions will fix the “iPhone disconnecting”errorfor most users. In addition to those fixes, turning offBackground App Refreshand turning onAirplane ModeandLow Power Modeon iPhones might also fix the backuperror. Users who have fixed the “iPhone disconnecting”errorwith alternative methods are more than welcome to share those resolutions below.
More about the topics:iPhone issues,windows 10 fix
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
User forum
6 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
