Full Solutions to Fix iPhone Device is Unreachable on Windows

While trying to import photos and video from your iPhone onto your PC, I kept getting an error message. I would go to This PC/Apple iPhone/DCIM and locate the media I wanted to import. Then I would attempt to copy and paste the media into a folder on the desktop. I got the error message, "Device is unreachable." I was able to fix this problem by simply changing a setting on my iPhone.

- A Real Case from Apple Discussions

the device is unreachable

There are times when you need to connect your iPhone to the Windows PC just to transfer files, but you hit an Error 0x80070141: The device is unreachable stumbling block. Most iPhone or iPad users face this issue when they try to connect their iPhone to Windows PC and copy files from iPhone to the computer. The common devices included are iPhone 8, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and PC in Windows 10.

So, if you're encountering the same problem as the user case above, then this guide will provide you a list of solutions to fix iPhone device unreachable error. In addition to this, we will serve you with an alternative way to transfer files from iPhone to Windows PC without any hassle.

Part 1: Why Does My iPhone Say the Device is Unreachable?

Are you wondering about why your iPhone says “The Device is Unreachable”? The cause of the device is unreachable problem warnings indicates that your Windows 10 PC might have an old version of the iTunes program, authorization difficulties, improper settings, or flaws in Windows or iPhone software/hardware.

The iPhone is a mix of software and hardware, yet users do not consider the software restrictions. Apple built an ecosystem to maintain existing consumers inside the target consumers and to prevent them from switching to rival brands. To some level, iOS is considered secure, yet it is nothing more than a collection of constraints. The “Device is inaccessible iPhone” problem is caused by the security layers and hardware constraints that Apple implemented through software adjustments in the system. You don't have to bother about moving information from iPhone/iPad to PC as far as you do it correctly.

Part 2: A Quick Fix to "This Device is Unreachable" Error

Most iPhone users opted for this fix to tackle iPhone error copying device is unreachable.

  1. Step 1: Disconnect your iPhone from your Windows PC.
  2. Step 2: Navigate to the "Settings" on your iPhone.
  3. Step 3: Open "Photos" and scroll down to the bottom.
  4. Step 4: Under "Transfer to Mac or PC," change from “Automatic” to "Keep Originals." (Automatically transfer files in computer format or always transfer the original file without checking for compatibility).

    transfer photos to PC or Mac by keeping originals

Now, connect your iPhone to the Windows 10 PC again and try transferring the files. It must work flawlessly now. But in case it's still not working, then refer to the tips below!

Part 3: If the Quick Fix Not Working, Use These Tips to Fix Error 0x80070141: The Device is Unreachable

If the above-stated quick-fix didn't work to solve your error copying file or folder the device is unreachable issue, then you can try fixing it by getting your hands on any of the reliable solutions mentioned below:

Tip 1: Switch to USB 2.0 Port

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The first and foremost way to solve iPhone error copying device is unreachable is by switching to USB 2.0 port. All the desktops and laptops have USB 2.0 ports in the front panel or rear panel. Switch the lighting cable from 3.0 to 2.0 because your iPhone might be encountering connectivity issues. One thing to remember is that Windows does get this issue frequently, so you have to make sure that your Windows PC is clean from junk files.

Tip 2: Update Windows and iOS Software

The outdated versions of Windows and iOS software might cause the "The device is unreachable" issue while transferring files from iPhone to Windows PC. So, here arises the need to update the Windows and iOS Software and check if the iPhone is reachable now.

Windows 10 Update

  1. Step 1: Press the "Windows + I" keys together to open the "Settings" app. Under "Settings", go to "Update & Security".
  2. Step 2: Here, click on the "Check for updates" button in Windows update.

    windows 10 update

  3. Step 3: You can download and install the Windows 10 updates if available. Make sure you have flawless internet connectivity to do so.

iPhone Software Update

  1. Step 1: On your iOS device, go to "Settings" and tap on "General."
  2. Step 2: Under "General," click on "Software Update."
  3. Step 3: On the next screen, iPhone will check for updates. If there are any new updates, tap on the "Download and Install" button.

    check for iphone software update

That's all! This will now update your iPhone with all the available recent updates.

Tip 3: Update iTunes on Windows 10

Another way to fix the "The device is unreachable" error is by updating iTunes on Windows 10. The outdated version of iTunes on your Windows PC can cause the error while transferring files from iPhone to Windows PC. So, you can update the iTunes app on your PC to the most recent version available.

Tip 4: Run Hardware Troubleshooting

Running Hardware Troubleshooter can help you fix the device unreachable iPhone issue within a couple of minutes. Windows comes with a built-in tool that checks for issues with recently installed devices and other hardware attached to the PC. In order to run hardware troubleshooting, connect your iPhone to the PC and run the "Hardware & Device Troubleshooter." This tool will automatically diagnose and fix the issues responsible for this error.

  1. Step 1: Press the "Windows + R" keys on your keyboard and launch the Windows Run prompt.
  2. Step 2: Enter the "msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic" command in the dialog box and click the "OK" button.
  3. Step 3: Tap on "Advanced."

    click on advanced in Windows 10

  4. Step 4: Check the "Apply repairs automatically" option and click on "Next" to continue.

    run hardware troubleshooting on Windows 10

Wait for the Windows tool to scan your device with potential hardware issues preventing your PC from receiving media files from your iPhone. In case the troubleshooter does not detect any issues with your device, then try the next solution.

Tip 5: Update USB Drivers

If the above solution didn't fix the issue, try fixing it by updating the USB drivers. You must always make sure that your PC's USB drivers are up to date. Connect your Windows PC to the internet and check if any updates are available for the USB driver. To know more about how this works, have a look below:

  1. Step 1: Right-click on the Windows logo at the bottom left corner of your screen and choose the "Device Manager" option from the Quick Access menu. Alternatively, you can launch the Quick Access menu by using the "Windows + X" keyboard shortcut.
  2. Step 2: Expand the "Universal Serial Bus Controller" tab, right-click on "USB Root Hub," and tap on "Update driver."

    usb root hub update driver

  3. Step 3: Next, choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."

    update usb drivers on Windows 10

Now, wait for the troubleshooter to search your PC and the internet for the latest update for USB Drivers. Also, remember to repeat the same steps for each "USB Root Hub" driver.

Tip 6: Update Apple (iPhone) Driver

Updating Apple (iPhone) driver is another effective way to solve the iPhone device's unreachable issue while transferring media files from iPhone to PC. For this, you need to plug your iPhone into a PC and make sure you grant it access to your media files. Later, launch the Device Manager and check if any update is available. Refer to the guide below for more clarity:

  1. Step 1: Expand the "Portable Devices" section of the "Device Manager." Now, right-click on the Apple iPhone driver and tap on "Update Driver" from the menu.

    update iphone driver on Windows 10

  2. Step 2: Next, select "Search Automatically for updated driver software" and allow Windows to search for an updated version of iPhone driver for your PC.

    search automatically for updated driver software

  3. Step 3: Install the available update, if any.

You can now check if that fixes the issue! If no, then move on to the next tip that suggests you reset the Privacy Settings on your iPhone.

Tip 7: Reset Privacy Settings on iPhone

Most iPhone users have fixed the iPhone device unreachable issue by resetting the iPhone's Privacy Settings. Here's how to reset the Privacy Settings on iPhone:

  1. Step 1: Go to "Settings" and tap on "General."
  2. Step 2: Under "General", click on "Reset".
  3. Step 3: Next, click on "Reset Location & Privacy."

    reset location and privacy on iPhone

That's all! This will reset all the Privacy Settings on your iPhone. Now, reconnect your iPhone to Windows PC and try transferring the media files between iPhone and Windows PC.

Part 4: Use iPhone Transfer Software to Copy Files from iPhone to Windows/Mac

Still, you are facing iPhone this device is unreachable error after trying all the tricks and tips we mentioned above, then it is highly suggested you use a third-party iPhone transfer software for photos and videos transfer.

UltFone iOS Data Manager works flawlessly to transfer the files and manage data on iOS devices. No matter which type of data you wish to transfer, this iOS management software will serve the purpose best in just a couple of minutes. You can copy music, videos, photos, contacts, and more between iOS device and Windows PC or Mac without iTunes syncing.

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How to Copy Videos/Photos/Music from iPhone to Windows PC via UltFone iOS Data Manager

If you want to know how to use UltFone iOS Data Manager for iPhone files transfer, then refer to the guide below!

  • Step 1 Install the UltFone iOS Data Manager tool on your Windows PC.
  • Step 2 Launch the tool and connect your iPhone to the Windows PC via a USB cable.

    connect iphone to windows 10
  • Step 3 On the UltFone iOS Data Manager home screen, go to the "Manage" tab at the top and select the files that you want to transfer. For example, if you’d like to transfer videos, just choose Videos category from the left sidebar. You can then see all the video files are displayed on the right panel.

    copy files from iPhone to computer
  • Step 4 Lastly, select the file(s) you want to copy and tap on the "Export" button to successfully copy files from iPhone to Windows PC.

That's all! UltFone iOS Data Manager takes just a few minutes to transfer files between iPhone and Windows PC without extra effort. So, install this excellent tool now and enjoy a flawless file transferring experience.

A Last Word

This device is unreachable error when copying files from iPhone to Windows PC is no longer a frustrating issue with effective solutions listed above! This guide has covered a handful of ways to tackle this issue, and you can choose any of them depending upon your needs and requirements. Carry out one of the easy and reliable ways to transfer files from iPhone to Windows PC. And, if you are looking for an alternate way to transfer files between iOS device and Windows PC, then UltFone iOS Data Manager must be your first choice as this tool has got everything covered to make sharing files a flawless experience for you.

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