Fixed “The Device Has Either Stopped Responding or Is Disconnected” iPhone

When attempting to copy files between your iPhone, iPad, USB drive, or SD card and your Windows 7/8/10/11 computer, you might encounter the frustrating error: "Cannot copy item - The device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected." This common issue prevents your iPhone from connecting to PC properly.

This guide explores why this error occurs and provides proven solutions to fix iPhone connection issues when your device stops responding during file transfers.

Why Does "This Device Has Stopped Responding" Error Occur?

This error typically appears when your computer cannot maintain stable communication with external devices like iPhones, iPads, or USB drives during file transfers.

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⚙️ Hardware and driver issues - Outdated or corrupted USB drivers, or computer hardware malfunctions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

5 Proven Fixes for iPhone Connection Errors

Try these troubleshooting methods in order until your iPhone connects to PC without the "device stopped responding" error.

1. Check USB Ports and Cables (Most Common Fix)

Faulty physical connections cause most device recognition problems. Test different combinations to identify the issue.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Try different USB cables with the same computer port
• Test the same cable with different USB ports on your computer
• Connect to another computer if possible to isolate the issue

2. Disable USB Restricted Mode on iPhone

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.

3. Force Restart Your Device

A force restart can resolve temporary software glitches causing connection issues.

Restart Methods by Model:

• iPhone 8 & later (Face ID):Quickly press/release Volume Up > Quickly press/release Volume Down > Hold Side button until Apple logo appears
• iPhone 7/7 Plus:Hold Volume Down + Side buttons simultaneously until Apple logo appears
• iPhone 6s/SE & earlier (Home button):Hold Home + Side buttons together until Apple logo appears

4. Update USB Drivers

Outdated or corrupted USB drivers can prevent proper device recognition.

Step 1. Press Windows + I to open Settings > Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Step 2. Select Hardware and Devices > Click Run the troubleshooter.

Step 3. Follow prompts to automatically detect and fix driver issues.

5. Reinstall the USB Controller

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

Bonus: Transfer Files from PC to iPhone Without Errors

Using dedicated transfer software like FoneTool prevents common connection errors and ensures reliable file transfers between computer and iPhone.

Step 1. Download FoneTool > Connect iPhone via USB > Launch application.

Step 2. Select Phone Transfer > PC to iPhone > Click Get Started.

Step 3. Click folder icon to select files, or drag and drop directly.

Step 4. Make sure your selection > Click Start Transfer to begin the transfer task.

Conclusion

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.