Fix iTunes Sync Error in Windows

Vikas Medhekar Solutions, Windows

iTunes has proved to be another one of those apps which are simply amazing for the variety of tasks they aid users in. However, it also has a downside like any other product related to computers. Let’s look at the sync error in this article.

Change Transfer Mode

If you’re using a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi to synchronize your data, try using a USB cable, and vice versa.

 

Change USB Port

The USB Port you’ve used for establishing a data connection between iPhone and your laptop/ computer might have malfunctioned. Unplug the cable and plug it into a different USB port.

 

Replace USB Cable

Cheap cables manufactured by third parties tend to experience sync issues. The data cable might be damaged, and so replacing it with a branded cable might help. If you’re using an old 30 pin adapter, try a lightning cable, and vice versa.

 

Reboot your Device

The iOS-based device you connected to your laptop / PC may be experiencing temporary glitches. Switch it off, and turn it on back again after a while.

  1. Press and continue to hold the Sleep / Wake Up key.
  2. A red colored slider would appear on your screen. Slide your fingers across it.
  3. Your iPhone will automatically turn off within a few seconds.
  4. Wait for a minute or two; then press & hold Sleep / Wake Up key again until a logo is displayed on the screen.
  5. Restart your laptop/ computer.

 

Update the Software

Download latest updates for iTunes, just in case iTunes might be experiencing compatibility issues or application bugs. To update iTunes, follow the procedure given below:

  1. Press Alt key on your keyboard.
  2. Click Help menu, and then choose Check for Updates.

 

Scan for Hardware Changes

Your computer may have failed to recognize the iPhone. To overcome this issue, scan for any hardware changes using the Device Manager tool in Windows.

  1. In the Search box on the Taskbar, type Device Manager.
  2. Open it from the Search Results.
  3. Expand the top node representing your system’s name.
  4. Right-click the top node, choose Scan for hardware changes.

 

Turn Off Auto-Synchronization Feature

There might be a problem with the auto-synchronization. Manually sync your files by turning off this feature as follows:

  1. Press Alt key to display the menu bar.
  2. Click Edit | Preferences.
  3. In the new dialog that opens, click on the Devices tab.
  4. Check the box labeled Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically.
  5. Click OK to save the change.

 

Update iOS

Is your iPhone updated? Update to iOS 9 for optimum performance of all of your iPhone / iPad apps. To do so, visit Apple’s official website > iOS Preview. Alternatively, you can also tap the Settings icon from the Main Menu; and then go to General > Software Update option.

 

Authorize your PC through iTunes Store

De-authorize and re-authorize your laptop / computer prior to the synchronization process.

  1. Make sure your iPhone is connected to your laptop/ computer.
  2. Double click the iTunes Desktop shortcut.
  3. Press Alt key, click Store menu | Deauthorize this computer.
  4. Click the Store menu once again and now choose Authorize this computer.
  5. You’ll be prompted to enter your login credentials.Fill them up and click Authorize.

 

Change iTunes Folder Permissions

Make sure the iTunes folder in your Library enjoys enough privileges to be able to sync when required. Here is how to do so:

  1. Double click your User Name folder on Desktop.
  2. Double click the “Music” sub folder.
  3. Right click “iTunes” sub folder, choose Properties.
  4. Remove the ReadOnly attribute. (General tab).
  5. Click Security tab from the iTunes Properties dialog.
  6. Click the Edit button, check the “Allow” checkbox ahead of “Full control” permission.
  7. Click OK | OK.

 

Run iTunes as an Admin

Using the iTunes Desktop shortcut, open the application as administrator. (Right click > Run as administrator). Its sync feature may have fail due to lack of appropriate administrative permissions. You can also set it to automatically run with administrative privileges by appropriately configuring the Compatibility settings from the Shortcut Properties dialog and then selecting the relevant option.

 

Reset your iOS-based Device

The iOS stored data on your iPhone / iPad might be corrupted. Erase this data by restoring your device to factory defaults.

  1. Make sure you have a backup to guard against any glitch that erases everything during the reset process. If you don’t have a backup yet, create one immediately. Refer to the phone documentations for detailed instructions.
  2. Open Settings from the Main Menu.
  3. Tap the General icon.
  4. Tap “Erase all content and settings” option.

 

Temporarily Disable Firewall

It may be possible that your Firewall protection conflicts with iTunes files and components. Temporarily disable Windows Firewall or any other third party Firewall protection you use.

For Windows Firewall

  1. In the Search Box of your Taskbar, type Firewall.
  2. Open “Check Firewall status” from Search Results.
  3. Click “Turn Windows Firewall on or off” link in the left-hand side panel.
  4. Disable it for Public and Private connections, and apply the changes.

For Third-Party Firewall Protection

In case of a third-party Firewall, refer to its online Help & Support Documentation.