IPhone X(s/r)/8/7/6 does not sync with iTunes on a computer via WiFi

24.04.2024

In this article I will talk about the reasons why the iPhone does not sync with iTunes via WiFi on a Windows and Mac OS computer or laptop.

This article is suitable for all iPhone Xs/Xr/X/8/7/6/5 and Plus models running iOS 12. Older versions may have different or missing menu items and hardware support listed in the article.

Procedure for setting up iPhone synchronization with iTunes via WiFi

If you are using a device with iOS 10 or higher (at the moment this applies to almost all modern Apple gadgets), then you can synchronize your iPhone using Wi-Fi. To do this you need to have:

iPhone running iOS 10 or higher.
iTunes on your work computer version 10.6 or higher.
The computer and phone must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Connection setup instructions:

To start syncing your iPhone wirelessly, you need to use a cable. To start a wireless connection, you need to change the settings in the iTunes application. First, we connect the iPhone to the computer using the USB interface in the traditional way for synchronization.
On the smartphone control screen, which will appear as part of the standard process, there will be a “Options” section at the bottom (may be called “Options”). In this window, select “Sync with this iPhone via Wi-Fi.” Then click on the “Apply” button in the lower right corner to change the settings.
Disconnect the iPhone from the computer. Click on the arrow located next to the device icon in the upper left corner of the iTunes application.

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Synchronization process

Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi. When the connection is complete, select the “Settings” application on the smartphone screen and click on the “Basic” item.
Scroll down the screen and click “Sync with iTunes over Wi-Fi.” It will demonstrate which computers can be synchronized with the iPhone, and when this procedure was carried out last time.
To start the process, click the large “Synchronize Now” button.

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The button name will be replaced with “Cancel Sync.” A status message will be displayed below. When the process is in progress, a status message will inform the user of the progress of the synchronization, and two circular arrows will appear in the upper left corner.

Synchronization Features

The process of synchronizing an iPhone over Wi-Fi is slower than using USB. If you need to transfer a lot of content, then it is better to use the traditional method.
Wi-Fi Sync is used to connect your smartphone to more than one PC at the same time. It is important to ensure that all devices are authorized under the same Apple ID.
Even if the iTunes screen reports that you need to connect to a power source when syncing, this is not entirely technically correct. You can continue syncing using only your phone's battery. If the battery is low (for example, shows less than 20%), then it is worth connecting to a power source to prevent the phone from turning off prematurely when transferring files.

iPhone doesn't show up in iTunes

If, after following the above instructions, your gadget is not displayed in iTunes, then the most significant reason for this is the process called “Apple Mobile Device Helper”. It must be closed in both OS X and Windows.

Solving the problem for OS X

Solving the problem for Windows

You need to close iTunes.
Open the built-in task manager by simultaneously pressing the “Control+Alt+Delete” key combination, and select the “Service” tab.
We find the process under the name “AppleMobileDeviceHelper.exe” or “Apple Mobile Device” (depending on the version of Windows installed on the computer).
You should right-click on the process and restart it. You can also left-click on it to complete the process completely.
Launch iTunes and check the visibility of the smartphone when connected to Wi-Fi.

It turns out that you only need to restart the above-mentioned process, but you do not need to completely remove it from the download. Otherwise, iTunes will not be able to detect your device.