apple-mobile-device-service.exe

Apple Mobile Device Service

CPU Usage

N/A

Memory

N/A

Location

N/A

Publisher

N/A

Notes

If the service is missing or located outside official folders, reinstall iTunes/Apple Software Update to restore a legitimate copy.

Signature

Digital signature verified by Apple Inc. in the standard Apple Mobile Device Support folder.

Verification

Apple Mobile Device Service is a signed Apple component; verify its path and digital signature before trusting.

What is apple-mobile-device-service.exe?

Apple Mobile Device Service (apple-mobile-device-service.exe) is a Windows background service that enables iOS devices to communicate with your PC for syncing, backups, and data transfer through iTunes or Finder integrations. It starts automatically when you connect an iPhone, iPad, or iPod and maintains the device interface for ongoing operations.

The service coordinates the Apple Mobile Device USB driver with iTunes/Finder components, exposing interfaces that applications use to enumerate, pair, and transfer media, contacts, and backups to iOS devices.

Is it Safe?

Is it a Virus?

: Confirm the executable exists in the standard Apple folder on a Windows system.
: Check for a valid digital signature from Apple Inc. using Windows Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures.
: If you have a 32-bit OS, also verify the 32-bit path under Program Files (x86).
: Verify the service status and integrity with services.msc and a trusted malware scanner.

Why is it Running?

Reasons it's running:

Device syncing requires the service: The service coordinates with iTunes and Apple software to enable data transfer, backups, and device management when an iOS device is connected.
iTunes and Finder integration: It acts as the bridge for media synchronization, backups, and app data exchange between Windows and iOS devices.
USB driver coordination: The service manages communication with the Apple Mobile Device USB driver, ensuring a stable transport channel for device operations.
Background maintenance: It runs quietly in the background to refresh certificates, profiles, and device state for seamless operation.
Automatic startup on device connect: The service starts automatically when an Apple device is connected, making the device visible to applications without manual intervention.

Can I Disable or Remove It?

Common Problems

Common Causes & Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is apple-mobile-device-service.exe and is it safe?

It is a legitimate Apple component used to enable iOS device communication with Windows for syncing, backups, and data transfer. It is safe when located in standard Apple folders and signed by Apple Inc.

Why is apple-mobile-device-service.exe using CPU?

CPU usage can rise when an iOS device is connected or when multiple devices are enumerated. It typically subsides after the device is indexed and synced.

Can I disable apple-mobile-device-service.exe to improve performance?

You can disable it, but doing so will prevent iOS devices from syncing or being recognized by iTunes and Finder.

Where is apple-mobile-device-service.exe located on Windows?

Common locations are C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe, depending on your setup.

Is apple-mobile-device-service.exe required for iTunes?

Yes. It coordinates device communication for syncing, backups, and management when using iTunes or Apple software.

How do I fix Apple Mobile Device Service not starting?

Reinstall Apple Software Update or iTunes, ensure the service startup type is Automatic, and check for conflicting security software or missing drivers.