How do I get iTunes to recognize my deactivated iPhone?

January 19, 2009 11:25 AM

How do I get iTunes to "see" my hand-me-down iPhone? I'm on a mac, if that matters.

My boyfriend gave me his old iPhone when he upgraded to a 3G model. I've been using it as an iPod Touch, mainly just for playing games and using Safari and Twitter, etc. I would love to put podcasts and music onto it, if I could only get my iTunes to recognize it when I plug it into my laptop. The iphone is definitely connected, as the phone buzzes and the "charging" screen pops up. I have googled the issue to see if others have had the issue, but they just suggest restarting the computer, and re-installing the newest version of iTunes -- which I did, but no dice. Can anyone help me? I am only semi-computer-literate... Thanks!

posted by chowflap to technology (8 comments total)

What version of OS X are you running, and what version of the iPhone software is on the phone?
posted by bizwank at 11:46 AM on January 19

After trying these five things, I'd reset the phone to its factory state (sleep and home button for 10 seconds) and try again.
posted by rokusan at 11:47 AM on January 19

My iphone is version 2.1; my mac is running 10.4.11 (it's a few years old).

I have several games that I've spent money on in my iPhone (not backed up anywhere, obviously). Would I lose those if I reset it?
posted by chowflap at 11:49 AM on January 19

Question: why not use Pawnage, stick your SIM card in it, and use it as a phone AND and iPod touch?

Just saying...

Easy instructions here.

Pawnage will not only unlock the iPhone, but also activate it. So you will have full iPhone functionality (if you have a Data Plan with your current carrier).
posted by Master Gunner at 11:50 AM on January 19

Chowflap: I believe you will be able to redownload your games for free using your iTunes store login. I've had to reset my phone and was able to download my paid apps without paying again.
posted by immlass at 11:53 AM on January 19

Gah! I am an idiot; I've been using the cord for my super-old ipod (3rd generation one with the four buttons), which plugs in my iphone perfectly... I just unplugged the cord I keep plugged into a wall socket for charging the iphone and used that, and it's working! iTunes sees it now. Sorry to bother everyone. (Did I mention I'm an idiot?)
posted by chowflap at 11:56 AM on January 19

Also, my brother-in-law (kleinmatic) wants you all to know that he's the one who said (via ichat) "maybe you have a bad cord?" So there you go, dude.
posted by chowflap at 12:00 PM on January 19

The point here is that I did no troubleshooting, I simply knew what would fix it immediately. Next: I know where your lost keys are.
posted by kleinmatic at 1:49 PM on January 19