Troubleshooting "iPhone Won't Trust Computer" Issue
Have you recently connected your iPhone to your computer, only to be greeted with the dreaded "Trust This Computer" prompt that just won't go away? You're not alone. This issue, while frustrating, is quite common and usually has a simple solution. Let's dive into the possible reasons and fixes for when your iPhone won't trust your computer.
Understanding the "Trust This Computer" Prompt
Before we troubleshoot, it's essential to understand why this prompt appears. When you connect your iPhone to a new computer, iTunes (or the built-in music app on macOS Catalina and later) asks for your permission to access your device's data. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized access to your iPhone's contents. If you've previously trusted the computer and now the prompt keeps reappearing, it might be due to a software glitch or a minor issue with your iPhone's settings.
Initial Steps to Take
- Check your computer's date and time settings: Ensure that your computer's date and time settings are correct. Incorrect settings can sometimes cause this issue.
- Update your software: Make sure that both your iPhone and computer have the latest software updates. Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
- Try a different USB cable and port: A faulty USB cable or port can prevent your iPhone from being recognized correctly by your computer.
If the above steps don't work, try the following solutions:
Solution 1: Restart Your Devices
Sometimes, simply restarting your iPhone and computer can resolve the issue. Here's how:

- Restart your iPhone: Press and hold the side button (or the top button for iPhone SE, 8, or earlier) until the "slide to power off" slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone, then wait for about 30 seconds before pressing and holding the side button again to turn it back on.
- Restart your computer: Follow the standard shutdown and restart procedure for your computer's operating system.
Solution 2: Reset Location and Privacy Settings
Resetting your iPhone's location and privacy settings can sometimes resolve the "iPhone won't trust computer" issue. Here's how:
- Go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Reset Location & Privacy.
- Enter your passcode if prompted, then confirm the action.
Solution 3: Restore Your iPhone in Recovery Mode
If all else fails, restoring your iPhone in recovery mode can resolve the issue. However, this process will erase all data on your iPhone, so make sure to back up your data before proceeding. Here's how:
| iPhone Model | Steps to Enter Recovery Mode |
|---|---|
| iPhone 8 or later | Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen. |
| iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus | Press and hold both the Side and Volume Down buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the recovery-mode screen. |
| iPhone 6s and earlier, or iPad | Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons for at least 10 seconds, until you see the recovery-mode screen. |
Once your iPhone is in recovery mode, follow the on-screen instructions to restore it. After the restore is complete, set up your iPhone and try connecting it to your computer again.

If you've tried all the solutions above and your iPhone still won't trust your computer, it might be a hardware issue. In this case, it's best to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store for further assistance.