The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →If your iPhone won’t update wirelessly, you can install the update from a trusted computer: use Finder on a Mac with macOS Catalina or later, or iTunes on a Mac with macOS Mojave or earlier or on a Windows PC. Back up your iPhone first, then use Check for Update and Download and Update.
Before you connect your iPhone
- Back up your iPhone. You can back it up to iCloud or to your computer. Apple’s instructions for Finder and iTunes recommend backing up before updating.
- Choose the right app. Use Finder on macOS Catalina or later. Use iTunes on macOS Mojave or earlier. Apple documents iTunes for Windows updates; its troubleshooting guidance also refers Windows users to the latest Apple Devices app or iTunes.
- Use a trusted computer. If your computer is connected to the internet through your iPhone’s Personal Hotspot, switch the computer to a different Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection before updating.
Update with Finder on a newer Mac
- Open Finder and connect your iPhone to the Mac.
- Select your iPhone in the Finder sidebar. Unlock it and accept the Trust prompt if one appears.
- Choose General, then select Check for Update.
- Select Download and Update and follow the onscreen prompts. Enter your iPhone passcode if asked.
Apple’s Finder update instructions describe this as the computer-based alternative when you can’t update wirelessly.
Update with iTunes on Windows or an older Mac
- Open iTunes and connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Select the iPhone’s device button. If prompted, unlock the iPhone and accept the Trust prompt.
- Open Summary, then select Check for Update.
- Select Download and Update, follow the onscreen prompts, and enter your passcode if requested.
Apple’s iTunes update instructions cover Windows PCs and Macs running macOS Mojave or earlier.
If the computer doesn’t recognize your iPhone
If the iPhone does not appear in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes—or you see an error code or alert—work through these checks in order, following Apple’s troubleshooting guidance:
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors#1 Best Overall
- DESIGNED BY APPLE — Ideal for charging, syncing, and transferring data between USB-C devices, this 1-meter charge cable is made with a woven design and has USB-C connectors on both ends.
- FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING — Supports charging of up to 60 watts and transfers data at USB 2 rates. Pair the USB-C Charge Cable with a compatible USB-C power adapter to conveniently charge your devices from a wall outlet and even take advantage of the fast-charging feature on select iPhone models.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX — Apple USB-C Woven Charge Cable only. Power adapter sold separately.
- CABLE LENGTH — 1 meter (3 feet).
- Update macOS or the Apple Devices app or iTunes on your PC.
- Connect the iPhone directly to a USB port on the computer, not to a keyboard or USB hub. Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust if prompted.
- Try another USB port. If the error persists, try a compatible Apple USB cable; the connector you need depends on your iPhone and computer. A different cable is a troubleshooting step, not a requirement for every failed update.
- Restart both the iPhone and the computer, then reconnect the phone.
- Check whether security software is interfering with Apple’s app or the connection.
- If possible, try another computer on a different network.
If the computer cannot contact Apple’s update server
First, check whether the computer can access the internet in a web browser. If it can’t, resolve the computer’s connection problem; if it can, try a different network or computer. Apple also identifies an entry in the computer’s hosts file or outdated or misconfigured security software as possible causes. See Apple’s server-connection steps. If this is a work computer, ask your administrator before changing the hosts file.
If the wireless update failed before you tried a computer
A computer update is useful when an over-the-air download or installation fails, but the original cause may still matter. Apple’s iPhone update troubleshooting guidance recommends checking that your iPhone model supports the available software, that you have enough free storage, and that your internet or Wi-Fi connection works. If a download fails, try another network.
Rank #2
- Durable Design: Reinforced nylon exterior and a robust core ensure this cable withstands up to 5,000 bends, outlasting other brands
- Fast Charging: Supports Power Delivery for up to 60W high-speed charging when paired with a USB-C charger
- Versatile Compatibility: Works with virtually all USB-C devices, including phones, tablets, and laptops
- High-Speed Data Transfer: Transfer files quickly with 480Mbps data transfer speeds
- Included Accessories: Comes with a hook-and-loop cable tie for easy organization and a welcome guide for hassle-free setup
If an update package appears under iPhone Storage, Apple says to delete it and download it again. If the problem happens again, update with a Mac or iTunes instead.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use recovery mode only for specified failure states
Recovery mode is not the first step for an ordinary wireless-update failure. Use it if your iPhone shows the Connect to computer screen, your computer reports that the iPhone is in recovery mode, the Apple logo has remained onscreen for several minutes without a progress bar, or Recovery Assistant repeatedly starts without recovering the device. Follow Apple’s recovery-mode instructions.
Rank #3
- [60W USB-C to USB-C Fast Charging Cable] Deliver up to 60W (20V/3A) of power with support for PD 3.0 and QC 3.0. Quickly charge your iPhone 18/17/Duo/16 series (including iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone Duo, and iPhone 17 Air), iPad Pro, MacBook Air, and more. Also supports data transfer speeds up to 480Mbps.
- [iPhone 18/Duo/17 Pro Max Compatible Cable] Designed for the latest USB-C devices — fully compatible with iPhone 18/18 Pro/18 Pro Max/18 Air, iPhone Duo, iPhone 17/17 Pro/17 Pro Max/17 Air, iPhone 16/16 Pro/16 Pro Max/16 Plus, and iPhone 15 Series. Also supports iPad Air, iPad Pro (13/12.9/11-inch), and MacBook Air/Pro. One cable for all your USB-C device needs.
- [Durable USB C Charging Cable – 15000+ Bend Lifespan] Crafted from high-quality TPE material, this cable feels just like the original charging cord — smooth, flexible, and soft to the touch. It resists tangling and is built to withstand over 15,000 bends for long-lasting performance without cracking or fraying.
- [3-Pack 6FT Type-C Cable – Convenient Length] Includes three 6FT (1.8m) cables, perfect for use in different places like home, office, car, or travel. Enjoy freedom of movement while charging — no more being stuck next to the outlet.
- [Safe & Reliable USB-C Cable for Devices] Built-in smart chip ensures safe charging by protecting against over-voltage, overheating, and short-circuit. Certified components ensure stable performance for your high-value devices.
- Connect the iPhone to a computer and follow Apple’s model-specific steps to enter recovery mode.
- When the computer offers Update or Restore, choose Update first. It attempts to reinstall iOS without erasing the iPhone.
- Choose Restore only if Update does not resolve the issue and you understand that Restore reinstalls iOS and erases the device.
If the recovery software download takes more than 15 minutes, Apple says the iPhone may leave the Connect to computer screen. Let the download finish, then repeat the steps to connect in recovery mode. For an Apple logo progress bar that has not moved for more than an hour, Apple’s separate progress-bar guidance says to connect to a computer, enter recovery mode, and choose Update when offered.
Contact Apple for service if recovery mode cannot update or restore the iPhone, or if a required button is broken or stuck.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- 【Power Delivery Fast Charging & SYNC】: USB-C to lightning cable supports high-speed power delivery fast Charging, can charge the iPhone 13 up to 50% in 30mins. They also support data transfer rate up to 480Mbps,which can easily transfer music, photos and files between iPhone and laptop or desktop computer in seconds.(Note:You need to use 20W or above USB-C Power Adapter to achieve Power Delivery Fast Charging.)
- 【MFi Certified Lightning Cable 2Pack】 MFi certified iPhone fast charging cable uses the newest C94 Lightning connector, which support quick charger for lightning device, C94 USB C to Lightning cord more stable, safe, faster than nomal iphone cable
- 【 Compatibility】: USB-C to iPhone cable supports PD Fast Charge 3A (max) for iPhone 14/14 Pro/14 Pro Max/14 Plus/ iPhone 13/13 Pro/13 Pro Max/13mini/iPhone 12/12 Mini/12 Pro/12 Pro Max/11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max/XS Max/XS/XR/X/8 Plus/8 and iPad 8th iPad 2020, iPad Pro 12.9" gen1/ gen2/iPad Pro 10.5"/iPad Air3 10.5"/iPad mini5 7.9"; Note: You need a USB-C port wall charger to achieve fast charging. Note: You need a USB-C port wall charger to achieve fast charging.
- [Super Durability and Flexibility]:The iphone charging cables are made of top-rated material and coated with premium TPE, which last 4X longer than other iphone charger cord and proven to withstand over 25,000 bends in strict laboratory tests.
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Rank #4
- DESIGNED BY APPLE — Ideal for charging, syncing, and transferring data between USB-C devices, this 2-meter charge cable is made with a woven design and has USB-C connectors on both ends.
- FAST AND CONVENIENT CHARGING — Supports charging of up to 240 watts and transfers data at USB 2 rates. Pair the USB-C Charge Cable with a compatible USB-C power adapter to conveniently charge your devices from a wall outlet and even take advantage of the fast-charging feature on select iPhone and Mac models.
- WHAT’S IN THE BOX — Apple USB-C Woven Charge Cable only. Power adapter sold separately.
- CABLE LENGTH — 2 meters (6 feet).
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