How to Fix “This iPhone is Open in Another Window” [2023]

Many users have recently complained of facing the issue “This iPhone is open in another window.” This is a great inconvenience for users trying to enjoy music. In this guide, we will be looking at some of the best methods to resolve this issue. So, without further ado, let’s dive straight into it.

What does “This iPhone is open in another window.” Mean?

Users face this issue while their iPhone is connected to their MacBook (or any other Mac) to sync music content on Apple Music. The phone is connected using a cable, and on the homepage of the Apple Music app, the error statement is listed. Users can’t listen to music while facing this issue, rendering the whole process useless.

⤷ Why Does This Error Occur?

  • Software glitches
  • A lousy cable
  • Improper USB connection
  • Outdated software

Whatever the cause might be, you will find an appropriate solution below:

How To Solve iPhone Open in Another Window

We have compiled a few methods that are the most effective in resolving this issue. Follow these chronologically as they are specifically listed from easiest to least convenient.

1. Click on the iTunes Store

The easiest and most effective method to resolve this error is to click on another option and then back on your iPhone. To specify, we will first click on the iTunes store under the Store heading situated on the left side of your screen. Once the new screen loads up, click on your iPhone option again. Hopefully, when you do so, a list of music on your iPhone is displayed.

Clicking on the iTunes Store

2. Disconnect and Restart Both Devices

If the above method does not solve the issue, you should disconnect both devices and restart them. The complete process is as follows:

  1. Open Finder, and under Locations, right-click on your iPhone.
    Click on your iPhone under Locations
  2. Now select the Eject “iPhone” option (or just click the upwards arrow); this will properly remove the iPhone from the MacBook.
    Eject your iPhone
  3. Now, remove the cable from your iPhone and restart it.
    Unplug your iPhone | Case-Mate
  4. Also, close the Apple Music application on your MacBook and restart your MacBook.
    Right-click on the Music app and Quit it
  5. Once both devices are restated, connect them again using a cable.
    Connect iPhone back to MacBook | Fossbytes

3. Change Cable and Port

Sometimes, the issue lies within the cable or the port you use to connect the devices. If possible, you should change the cable you are using and connect the iPhone to your MacBook through a different port. Doing so will resolve the issue if these factors cause it.

If your cable looks something like this then it’s probably the culprit

4. Relaunch Finder

The Finder on your MacBook allows you to navigate and explore different files and folders. When you connect your iPhone to your MacBook, the Finder app gets launched. Many users have reported that force relaunching the Finder app has resolved this issue. The steps for this are as follows:

  1. While pressing the Option key, right-click on Finder in the dock.
    Right-click on the Finder icon while holding Option key
  2. This will open a menu box, and the last option will be Relaunch. Click that.  
  3. Once relaunched, restart the Apple Music application. 

5. Updating Software Versions

The last thing you can do is to check if your iPhone and MacBook are running on the latest version of their respective operating systems. You can do so by following these steps:

On iPhone:

  1. Launch Settings and proceed to General.
    Open Settings and go to General
  2. Now tap on Software Update; this will reveal the list of software updates available.
    Tap on Software Update
  3. If there is more than one available, Download and Install the latest one. If it is already installed, tap on “Update Now.”
    Select Update/Upgrade now
      
  4. Once installed, the phone will reboot. Now reconnect your phone to your MacBook and check for the issue.

On Macbook:

  1. Click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen, and then click on System Settings.
    Open System Settings
     
  2. Now proceed to General and click on Software Update present on the right side.
    Click on General then Software Update
  3. If an update is available, click on Update now (or Upgrade now) next to it so that it starts downloading.
    macOS update
  4. After installation, your MacBook will restart, updating to the newer OS version.

Conclusion

There you have it, the five most effective solutions for resolving this issue. If this issue remains unresolved, we suggest you contact Apple Customer Support. If there is a store nearby, you should visit in-person to get your device checked. If you have any other questions, leave them down below! Until next time. Ciao

FAQs

What does the “This iPhone is open in another window” error mean?

The error suggests a problem when syncing music between your iPhone and MacBook.

What are the possible causes of the error?

Causes include software glitches, faulty cables, improper connection, or outdated software versions.

What should I do if none of the provided solutions work?

If none of the solutions work, consider contacting Apple Customer Support for further assistance.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kamil Anwar


Kamil is a certified MCITP, CCNA (W), CCNA (S) and a former British Computer Society Member with over 9 years of experience Configuring, Deploying and Managing Switches, Firewalls and Domain Controllers also an old-school still active on FreeNode.