Apple Mobile Device USB Driver

Updated May 7, 2026 3 min read

Simple Transfer Desktop can use USB when WiFi is blocked or unreliable. On Windows, USB transfer depends on Apple’s device driver. If Windows cannot see the iPhone at all, Simple Transfer cannot connect to it over USB either.

If iTunes or Apple Devices for Windows is already installed and your iPhone appears in File Explorer, you probably do not need this separate driver download.

Try these first

Use a data-capable USB cable and connect directly to the computer.
Unlock the iPhone and tap Trust This Computer if iOS asks.
Check whether the iPhone appears in Windows File Explorer.
Install or repair the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver if Windows does not detect the phone.

Downloads

Windows 64-bit

Recommended for most Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs.

Download 64-bit

Windows 32-bit

Use only for older 32-bit Windows installations.

Download 32-bit
1

When you need this driver

Simple Transfer Desktop does not show the iPhone over USB on Windows.
Windows File Explorer does not show the iPhone after you unlock it and trust the computer.
A Windows update, old iTunes install, or Apple Devices install broke USB detection.
WiFi transfer works, but USB never appears as a connection method.
2

Download the driver

Choose the driver that matches your Windows installation. Most modern Windows PCs use 64-bit Windows.

3

After installing

Restart the computer if Windows asks.
Unlock the iPhone before connecting it again.
Tap Trust This Computer on the iPhone if prompted.
Open Simple Transfer on the iPhone, then reopen Simple Transfer Desktop on Windows.
4

If USB still fails

Try another cable and another USB port before assuming the app is the problem. Charge-only cables are common and cannot transfer data.

If driver repair keeps failing, use WiFi transfer on a trusted home network or review the full USB transfer guide.

Related guides

Transfer with USB cable

Use a cable when WiFi is blocked, slow, or unreliable.

Install Desktop on Windows

Install the free companion app via the Microsoft Store and fix common setup problems.

Can't find iPhone or iPad

Fix device discovery, Local Network permission, VPN, firewall, and router issues.

Speed up transfers

Improve speed by checking WiFi quality, file size, iCloud, sleep, and USB fallback.