FIX: Apple Mobile Device Failed to Start
iTunes can freeze during installation or not recognize your iPhone if the Apple Mobile Device Service does not start as it should. This error means that Windows could not start the Apple Mobile Device Service. You might see an error code 1053 (“service did not respond in time”).
The main reason for this is a broken or unfinished installation of Apple Mobile Device Support. Other causes can be a missing MSVCR80.dll file, the service set up incorrectly, or your antivirus blocking access.
In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.
1. Reinstall All Apple Programs
Instead of trying to troubleshoot each component individually, it’s easier and more effective to reinstall all Apple-related programs on your system.
- Hold the Windows Key and press R on your keyboard. Type appwiz.cpl and click OK.
This will open the Programs and Features window, where you can uninstall software. In the search bar, type “Apple” to filter the list. Start uninstalling the following items one by one:
– iTunes
– Apple Software Update
– Apple Application Support (for iTunes 9 or later)
– QuickTime
– Bonjour
– Apple Mobile Device Support
You may need to close and reopen Programs and Features to ensure “Apple Mobile Device Support” has been removed from the list.
After you’ve uninstalled everything, restart your computer.
Next, go to the iTunes Download Page and download the latest version of iTunes. Save the installer to your desktop. Right-click the installer and choose Run as Administrator.
When the installation finishes, DO NOT CLICK FINISH immediately. Instead, plug in your device and wait for a small prompt to appear in the bottom-right corner of your screen. This means your computer is installing the driver for your device. Once this is complete, click the Finish button for the installation.
2. Use a Special iTunes Installer (For Windows 7 64-bit versions)
If reinstalling iTunes normally hasn’t worked, you might have better results with a specific version of iTunes. First, repeat the steps above to uninstall all Apple components.
Instead of reinstalling from the regular link, download the special installer for older video cards by clicking (here). This installer is designed for compatibility with older computers and hardware.
3. Install the C++ Redistributable Package
Sometimes, iTunes relies on certain Microsoft components to work properly. Visit this page and download the Microsoft C++ redistributable package: (here).
After installing the redistributable package, download the special iTunes installer for older video cards (see link above) and install iTunes again.
Open iTunes and go to the Radio. Try playing a song. If the song plays, open your music library and try playing your own tracks. You may need to restart your computer after installation is complete before using iTunes.
