Trusting unsupervised computer

[Jack13]

How to I change restrictions so that I can have ipads connect to any computer. I was able to do this before by selecting the trust button but this is not appearing anymore so now all ipads will not connect to any computer. I need this so that I can get photos off ipads to store on our server.

[GregBobbett]

Hey Jack,

I believe you are looking for the 'Allow USB Restricted Mode' in the Restrictions. For you to connect a USB cable to the device without needing to 'Trust' the device, this option needs to be turned OFF. 

Hopefully this option will work for what you're looking to do. 

[hazel44brown]

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@Jack13 wrote:

How to I change restrictions so that I can have ipads connect to any computer. I was able to do this before by selecting the trust button but this is not appearing anymore so now all ipads will not connect to any computer. I need this so that I can get photos off ipads to store on our server.

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Hello,

Here's a breakdown of how to troubleshoot and resolve the problem, along with explanations of why it might be happening:

Understanding the "Trust This Computer" Prompt

Purpose: The "Trust This Computer" prompt is a security measure in iOS/iPadOS. It ensures that your iPad only shares data with computers you explicitly authorize.
Why it's missing:
Reset Location & Privacy: If you've reset your iPad's location and privacy settings, the trust relationships are cleared.
Software Glitches: Temporary software issues can prevent the prompt from appearing.
USB Connection Problems: Faulty USB cables, ports, or drivers can interfere with the connection.
Restrictions/Profiles: If you have certain restrictions or profiles installed on the ipads, they can block the trust prompt.
Operating System Issues: Outdated operating systems on the iPad or computer can cause problems.
Troubleshooting Steps

Basic Checks:

Restart Devices: Restart both your iPad and the computer. This often resolves temporary software glitches.
Try a Different USB Cable and Port: Rule out faulty hardware by using a different USB cable and trying a different USB port on your computer.
Ensure the Computer is On and Unlocked: Sometimes, if the computer is locked, or in sleep mode, the ipad will not prompt the trust message.
Update Software: Make sure your iPad is running the latest version of iPadOS and your computer's operating system is up to date.
Reset Location & Privacy:

Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPad > Reset > Reset Location & Privacy.
Connect your iPad to the computer again. You should see the "Trust This Computer" prompt.
Check Restrictions and Profiles:

Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions: Ensure that there are no restrictions that might be blocking USB connections or data sharing.
Settings > General > VPN & Device Management: If you have any profiles installed, they might be imposing restrictions. If you are not sure of where these profiles came from, it is best to remove them. If these profiles are from an organization, you will need to contact the organizations IT department.
Computer-Specific Issues:

Windows:
Ensure you have the latest Apple Mobile Device USB Driver installed. You might need to reinstall iTunes or Apple Devices if you're using Windows.
Check the device manager for errors with the apple mobile device usb driver.
macOS:
macOS typically handles iPad connections smoothly, but ensure you have the latest macOS updates.
If using finder, ensure that finder is open, and that the ipad is shown within the finder window.
Addressing Organizational Restrictions

If the iPads are managed by an organization (school, business, etc.), they might have imposed restrictions that prevent connections to unauthorized computers.
Important Considerations

Data Security: Be cautious about trusting computers you don't recognize. Only trust computers you know and trust to protect your data.
Photo Transfer Methods: If you continue to have issues, consider alternative photo transfer methods:
iCloud Photos: If iCloud Photos is enabled, your photos will automatically sync to iCloud, and you can access them on any device with iCloud.
AirDrop: If both your iPad and computer are Apple devices, you can use AirDrop to transfer photos wirelessly.
Cloud Storage Services (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.): You can upload photos to cloud storage services and then download them to your computer.
Email: Email smaller batches of photos to yourself.

By systematically working through these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to restore the "Trust This Computer" prompt and transfer your photos successfully.