Before troubleshooting, try plugging your Apple device into a different USB port using an original cable and retry the sync. Make sure the device is directly connected to your system, without USB extension cables or hubs. Additionally, ensure there’s enough space on both devices for the content you’re trying to sync. First, disconnect the phone from the system, close all running apps on the mobile device, restart both devices and retry the sync. For Windows PCs, set Autoplay for your Apple device in Windows Settings to “Take no Action.”
1. Update iTunes and OS of Mobile Device/System to the Latest Builds
If iTunes or your device’s OS is outdated, incompatibilities may arise, preventing iTunes from accessing a module needed for syncing. Updating iTunes and the device’s OS to the latest versions should resolve the issue.
Update iTunes
Update the OS of the Mobile Device
Before updating, fully charge your mobile device and connect it to a Wi-Fi network. Also, create a backup of your device. On your iPhone:
Update the System’s OS
To update a Windows PC:
2. Enable “Open Photos for This Device” and Disable “iCloud Sync of Photos”
If iTunes is not allowed to handle photos on your connected device, it won’t sync photos between the device and the system. Enable “Open Photos for This Device” in iTunes to fix the problem.
3. Disable Automatic and Wi-Fi Syncing of the Device
Enabling Wi-Fi syncing in iTunes can cause resource conflicts when trying to sync the same device with a cable. Disabling Wi-Fi syncing should resolve the issue. Similarly, disable automatic syncing if it’s enabled, as it can prevent manual syncing from starting. The same is the issue with automatic syncing, if it is enabled, manual syncing will not start, and disabling automatic syncing will do the trick.
4. Change the Sync Settings of iTunes
Invalid or inaccessible content items can cause iTunes to fail to sync between devices. Change the sync settings in iTunes to fix the issue.
6. Check Music Selection in iTunes or Delete the iTunes Library
If your iTunes music selection or library is invalid or inaccessible, iTunes won’t sync with your phone, preventing the sync session from starting. Check your iTunes music selection or delete the iTunes library to resolve the issue. Before deleting, back up the data in your iTunes library.
7. Re Log into iTunes
Sync issues can arise if the Apple ID used on iTunes is different from the one on the connected device, or if you’re logged out of iTunes. Additionally, errors in required device authorization modules can cause several unseen problems. Relogging into iTunes should fix the issue.
8. Uninstall or Reconfigure Conflicting Apps
If another app on your system is locking a resource essential for initiating a sync session, issues may occur. Security apps like antivirus or firewall software can also cause conflicts. Uninstalling or reconfiguring these apps should resolve the problem. If you are using iTunes in Wine on Linux, check if uninstalling SafeEyes resolves the issue. If you are using a virtualization app such as Parallels or VMWare, disconnect the phone from the system, disable those apps, and reconnect the phone with the system. Launch iTunes and check if the issue is resolved.
9. Delete Old Backups in iTunes and Reset Sync History
iTunes uses incremental backups, overwriting existing backups or attaching data to old backups. If the old backup in iTunes is invalid or inaccessible, it can disrupt the sync process. Deleting old backups in iTunes should fix the issue.
10. Reinstall iTunes
If iTunes is not properly installed due to a sudden power failure or failed update, relevant components won’t be able to access the connected device, causing issues. Reinstalling iTunes should resolve the problem. Before uninstalling, ensure to back up the data in the iTunes directories to a safe location.
11. Reset All the Settings of Your Mobile Device
If a setting on your mobile device is misconfigured or prevents communication with your system, the iTunes sync session may fail. Resetting all settings on your mobile device should fix the issue. To reset all the settings on an iPad: If none of the above worked, then you may reset your Apple device to the factory defaults and if the issue persists, then resetting your system to the factory defaults may resolve the issue. Otherwise, you may contact Apple Support. Till then you may use another method to sync data between the system or device (such as iMazing, AnyTrans, etc.).
