Stuck with "This device has stopped responding or is disconnected" on iPhone? Learn 5 effective solutions to fix connection issues and transfer files from PC to iPhone without errors.
How to fix the device has either stopped responding or is disconnected?
I am copying a large amount of data from my Windows PC to my iPhone, but the transfer stops and this error keeps appearing. How can I reconnect the iPhone and finish the transfer?
Quick answer: Reconnect the iPhone while it is unlocked, tap Trust, and try a data-capable cable and another USB port. If the message returns, copy fewer files at a time, update Windows and Apple device software, and then reinstall the Apple device driver. Start with the fast, low-risk checks below.
The error appears when Windows loses communication with the iPhone while reading or writing data. It can interrupt a File Explorer transfer even when the iPhone was connected successfully at first.
Common triggers include a charge-only or damaged cable, an unstable USB port, a locked iPhone or unconfirmed Trust prompt, an interrupted large transfer, outdated Apple device software or drivers, and a temporary iOS or Windows fault. The message does not identify one exact cause, so test the connection before changing drivers.
Primary Causes:
📁 Too many files copied at once - Overwhelming the transfer process with large quantities of files simultaneously
🔌 Physical connection problems - Faulty cables, loose connections, or damaged USB ports
⚙️ Hardware and driver issues - Outdated or corrupted USB drivers, or computer hardware malfunctions
🔒 iPhone security settings - USB Restricted Mode blocking connections to unlocked devices
Try these methods in order. After each one, copy a single small file to check whether the iPhone connection is stable.
Disconnect the cable, unlock the iPhone, and connect it again. If the Trust This Computer? alert appears, tap Trust and enter the iPhone passcode. Keep the iPhone unlocked while you test the transfer.
A cable can charge an iPhone without carrying data. Use an Apple or certified cable that supports both charging and data, inspect the connectors for damage or debris, and connect directly to another USB port instead of an unpowered hub.
See Apple’s iPhone recognition checklist for additional connection checks.
iOS security features may block connections to computers if your iPhone hasn't been unlocked recently.
Step 1. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
Step 2. Enter your passcode.
Step 3. Scroll down to USB Accessories.
Step 4. Toggle the switch to enable USB access.
Copy one small file first. If that works, transfer the remaining files in smaller batches instead of moving the entire folder at once. Keep the iPhone unlocked, avoid moving the cable, and wait for each batch to finish before starting another.
Install current Windows updates and update the Apple Devices app or iTunes. Then right-click Start, open Device Manager, locate the connected iPhone or Apple device, right-click it, and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
If Windows does not find a newer driver, check Windows Update. Avoid downloading drivers from unofficial websites. Microsoft documents these options in its Device Manager driver guide.
Completely reinstalling USB controllers can resolve deeper driver conflicts.
Step 1. Press Windows + R > Type [devmgmt.msc] > Press Enter.
Step 2. Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Step 3. Right-click Apple Mobile Device USB Driver > Select Uninstall device.
Step 4. Go to Action > Scan for hardware changes to reinstall.
Restart Windows normally. If the iPhone remains unresponsive, force-restart it using the buttons for your model:
Restart Methods by Model:
If File Explorer still interrupts the transfer but Windows recognizes the iPhone, FoneTool provides a PC-to-iPhone workflow for supported photos, music, videos, contacts, and ringtones. It cannot repair a damaged cable or an iPhone that Windows does not recognize, so complete the connection checks first.
100% Secure
Before starting, review the official PC-to-iPhone transfer guide for supported file formats and the current iOS app requirements.
Step 1. Download FoneTool > Connect iPhone via USB > Launch application.
Step 2. Select Phone Transfer > PC to iPhone > Click Get Started.
Step 3. Click the folder icon to add supported files, or drag supported files into the transfer window.
Step 4. Follow any prompt to install or open the FoneTool iOS app when required for the selected workflow. Confirm the list, then click Start Transfer.
The message means Windows lost communication with the iPhone while reading or writing data. A cable or USB port problem, a locked iPhone, an unconfirmed Trust prompt, an interrupted transfer, or outdated Apple device software and drivers can trigger it.
A long transfer gives a weak connection more time to fail. Test one small file, then copy the remaining files in smaller batches while the iPhone stays unlocked and the cable remains still.
Disconnect the iPhone, unlock it, and reconnect it with a data-capable cable. Try another USB port and open Apple Devices or iTunes. If Windows still does not recognize the iPhone, follow Apple’s recognition checklist and update Windows and the device driver.
Start by unlocking the iPhone, confirming Trust, and testing a data-capable cable and another USB port. Then reduce the batch size and update Windows, Apple device software, and the driver. If File Explorer remains unreliable but Windows recognizes the iPhone, use FoneTool for supported PC-to-iPhone file types.
The "device has either stopped responding or is disconnected" error can be frustrating, but these proven solutions should resolve most iPhone connection issues. Start with basic cable and port checks, then progress through software settings and driver updates.
For reliable, error-free file transfers, we recommend FoneTool - its optimized transfer process avoids common Windows connection problems entirely. Whether you're moving photos, documents, or other files, this professional tool ensures your data transfers complete successfully every time.