How do You Fix A Device Attached to the System is Not Functioning? Top 7 Ways Here

by Anna Sherry   Updated on 2024-04-30 / Update for  Transfer

Well, we commonly use a device to transfer data to the system, but an error such as “a device attached to the system is not functioning iPhone” can stop you from doing so. The error can be troublesome when you need to transfer data quickly. So, you must know the reasons and fixes for this.

Part 1: Whats Does "A Device Attached to the System is Not Functioning " Mean and Why It Occurs

The error “a device attached to the system is not functioning windows 10” indicates that there is a problem with your device therefore, it’s unable to communicate well. So you cannot access, copy or paste the files from the device on the computer. It often happens when you connect your device to computer, and need to access the internal storage files of the device on the computer.

There are some ways you can consider fixing that. While, before that, it’s highly important to know the common reasons behind this error. So, here we go:

  • The device isn't connected to your system properly.
  • Incompatible, corrupted, or faulty drivers of the external device.
  • USB port or USB cable aren’t working properly.
  • Not enough storage space on the device.
  • If the device is running the latest iOS version, then it might be the Windows’ incompatibility with the newest iOS versions.
  • Damaged windows update or anything else.

Part 2: Fix A Device Attached to the System is Not Functioning with 7 Ways

Do you want to fix a device attached is not functioning error? Let’s have at the solutions below to fix it:

Solution 1: Check the USB Connection

iPhone a device attached to the system is not functioning may occur because your USB connection is loose with the system. To resolve this, you must try out different USB ports. Or you can also use a different USB cable to see if things work properly. You can also unplug the USB cable and then plug it back in. Try 1-3 times. If nothing works, then move to the next method.

Solution 2: Restart Computer and the External Devices

This is one of the basic but universal fixes for a device attached is not functioning iPhone error. Restarting your system before can fix multiple temporary problems in the system such as incorrectly configured modules. Or even your computer may have installed an update that requires restarting your system. So, now remove the external device and then restart your system.

And you also need to restart the external device. After the computer and the external device have all been restarted, reconnect the device to check if a device attached is not functioning iPhone error has gone.

Solution 3: Change "TRANSFER TO MAC OR PC" (iOS Devices)

Remember that windows 10 a device attached to the system is not functioning is basically a compatibility problem. Since the iOS 11 introduction, Apple changed the default media format from H.264 and JPEG to HEIF and HEVC. These formats don’t only optimize storage size, but also maintain the quality of your images.

However, these formats aren’t compatible with all devices. So, the error iPhone a device attached is not functioning or windows 10 a device attached to the system is not functioning can occur here. For this you need to follow the instruction below:

  • Open Settings on the iOS device and click Photos.
  • Now scroll down to TRANSFER TO MAC OR PC and then click on Keep Originals.

    keep originals

Now you may start transferring photos again without any iPhone a device attached is not functioning problem, if the problem gets fixed with this solutio

Solution 4: Format the External Device

A device attached to the system is not functioning android error can occur due to wrong formatting as well. So, you can format an external device to fix a device attached to the system is not functioning android error. (Important note: Always remember that formatting your external device can cause data loss. So, make a decision accordingly.)

Steps to follow:

  • Click on the Windows Explorer icon. Left-click on This PC.
  • Choose the drive that’s not working properly and right click it.
  • then select format.

    format the drive
  • Decide parameters for formatting and click the Start button.

Solution 5: Reset Location and Privacy (iOS Devices)

To resolve a device connected to the system is not functioning in error, you can try out another solution. Reset location and privacy settings on your iPad or iPhone as below to eliminate the fault:

  • Go to Settings > General and then tap on “Transfer or Reset iPhone”.
  • Then Click on the Reset > Choose Reset Location & Privacy > enter your passcode.
  • Tap on Reset Settings and confirm.

    reset location and privacy

Solution 6: Free Up Space (iOS Devices)

Storage space is a problem you may easily ignore. Maybe there is not enough storage in your device, which causes you can not add anything to its internal storage folder. So you’d better check your iPhone storage space if the above 5 methods all failed. Follow the steps:

  • Go to settings on your iOS devices and then tap on General.
  • Then choose iPhone Storage and you’ll see a storage bar here. You can see how much storage you’ve used. And you’ll see a list of recommendations for optimizing your device’s storage. You can know which part of the device is taking up the most memory. Delete some files from the part will free up space on your device.

    check iphone storage

Solution 7: Use iCareFone to Move Photos to Computer Directly

If any of the above-mentioned fixes haven’t worked for you, then give iCareFone a try. iCareFone is a solution to export your data from an external iOS device to a PC or Mac system with only one click.

It is a smart data backup solution that you can use to transfer data from device to system without any hassle. With this, you can easily take control of your external iOS device’s files without any restriction. It can let you export, import, or even delete your selected files with. The solution comes up with an intuitive UI to offer enhanced convenience.

Let’s get to know-how:

  • Download iCareFone on your PC and install that. Now connect your iOS device with the computer.

    move photos to pc
  • Once the device is connected with the PC, now you can simply click on “One-click to Export Photos to PC”. Then wait for a while (the time depends on the size of your photos), and your photos will be transferred successfully to the computer.

    move photos to pc move photos to pc

Conclusion

Surely, a device attached to the system is not functioning can be frustrating, especially when you are in hurry. You can try the above-mentioned easy ways to get rid of a device attached to the system that is not functioning. It is because knowing all the reasons and quick fixes can help you to keep things functioning in the best possible way. Or you can also simply choose iCareFone to move photos between the iOS device and the computer directly.