Can't see iPhone in iTunes - help!

[AnonymousBird]

iPhone 4, had it for two plus years, no problems ever connecting to iTunes. The phone is charging off the Mac fine, so the USB lead is ok, but cannot get it to pop up in iTunes for a back up at all.

iPad IS showing in iTunes, as is iPod, so I don't think it is iTunes being crap....

Is there a way to "force" iTunes to look for other devices? If the Mac is charging the iPhone, any idea why iTunes can't see it? Apple support page only talked about connecting a device for the first time, couldn't find a page dealing with this where it previously did connect but now doesn't.

Have restarted Mac and phone but made no difference.

Is my phone dying!? (sincerely hope not as I love it and can't afford a new one or an upgraded contract - currently only paying £8 a month!)

One thing, my memory on the iPhone is low, could that make a difference? Loath to delete a whole bunch of stuff if that won't make a difference but if it could, I may take the plunge.

I've had this and the only solution I've found is uninstalling iTunes in the right order and then reinstalling it. Google how to do it in the right order and it should work fine again hopefully!

I wondered about that, but am unbelievably nervous about it, there is so much in there and if I messed it up or lost stuff I'd not know what to do. Masses of music and dozens of audiobooks I've painstakingly gathered over years.

And it's seeing the iPad and iPod fine so it just makes me think it is to do with my phone rather than iTunes..... may pluck up courage and yes, will google carefully before I do.

I think lack of memory was the problem. Deleted a bunch of music and photos, then iTunes could see it again.