How to fix an iPhone that won’t sync

Edited 6 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

iPhoneSync IssuesAppleTroubleshootingDevice ManagementPerformanceMobile OSHardwareSoftwareUser Guide

Syncing your iPhone with your computer or other device is important to keep your data, music, apps, and other information up to date. However, sometimes, syncing doesn't work as expected. If your iPhone won't sync, it can be incredibly frustrating. In this guide, we'll guide you through a detailed series of steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.

Check the basic connections

The first step is to make sure all the physical connections are in the right place and working correctly. Sometimes, a simple problem can cause the problem.

1. Check the USB cable

Make sure your USB cable is not damaged. Use an official or certified third-party Lightning cable, as unofficial cables may not support data transfer properly.

2. Reinsert the cable

Disconnect the USB cable from both the computer and your iPhone. Wait for a few seconds and then reconnect them. Sometimes, a loose connection may be the problem.

3. Try a different USB port

Plug the USB cable into a different USB port on your computer. Some USB ports may not work properly due to hardware problems or conflicts with other connected devices.

4. Try another computer

If you have access to another computer, try connecting your iPhone to it. This will help determine if the problem is with your iPhone or your computer.

Update the software

Ensuring that the software on both your iPhone and your computer is up to date is essential for compatibility and smooth syncing.

1. Update iOS

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, download and install it.

2. Update iTunes (for Windows) or Finder (for macOS)

- For Windows: Open iTunes and go to Help > Check for Updates.
- For macOS Catalina and later: Open Finder and go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.

Check settings

Incorrectly configured settings on your iPhone or computer can also cause syncing problems. Make sure the settings are adjusted correctly.

1. Trust this computer

When you connect your iPhone to a new computer, you will see a prompt asking if you “Trust this computer”. Make sure you select “Trust”. If you declined before, reconnect your iPhone and select “Trust”.

2. Check sync settings in iTunes/Finder

Open iTunes or Finder and select your iPhone. Make sure the correct sync settings are selected under each tab (Music, Photos, Apps, etc.). Adjust these settings to make sure the items you want to sync are checked.

3. Disable and re-enable Sync Library

On your iPhone, go to Settings > Music > Sync Library and turn it off. Wait for a few seconds and then turn it back on.

Restart the device

Restarting your iPhone and computer can resolve many temporary software glitches.

1. Restart your iPhone

Press and hold the Power button until the slider appears. Slide to power off and wait until the device shuts down completely. Then, press and hold the Power button again to turn it back on.

2. Restart your computer

Restarting your computer can also help resolve syncing issues. After the reboot, reconnect your iPhone and try syncing again.

Reset network settings

Network settings on your iPhone can sometimes cause syncing problems. Resetting these can often help.

On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Note that this will reset all network settings including Wi-Fi passwords, VPN settings, etc.

Check security software

Security software on your computer can sometimes block the connection between your iPhone and computer.

1. Temporarily disable security software

Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software and try syncing again. If this resolves the problem, add iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS) to the software exceptions list.

2. Check the USB settings

Sometimes, security settings may block USB devices. Make sure your security software is not blocking the USB port.

Reinstall iTunes or Finder

In some cases, a corrupted installation of iTunes or Finder can prevent your iPhone from syncing properly. Reinstalling these programs may help.

1. Reinstall iTunes (for Windows)

Uninstall iTunes from your computer through the Control Panel. Restart your computer and then download and install the latest version of iTunes from Apple's website.

2. Reinstall macOS updates (for macOS)

To reinstall Finder updates on macOS, go to Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update and make sure you have the latest updates installed. If you're still having problems, consider reinstalling macOS.

Use Device Recovery Mode

If the previous steps don't work, using the device recovery mode may help resolve the syncing issue.

1. Put iPhone into Recovery Mode

Instructions for putting an iPhone into Recovery mode vary depending on the model:

• For iPhone 8 or newer: Quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then press and release the Volume Down button, and finally press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
• For iPhone 7 or 7 Plus: Press and hold the Side button and the Volume Down button until you see the recovery-mode screen.
• For iPhone 6s or earlier: Press and hold the Home button and the top (or side) button until you see the recovery-mode screen.

2. Connect to iTunes/Finder

While in recovery mode, connect your iPhone to your computer. Open iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on macOS). You'll see a message indicating that your iPhone is in recovery mode and providing options to update or restore the device. Select Update. If the update process doesn't resolve the problem, you may need to restore the iPhone. Note that restoring will erase all data on your iPhone, so make sure you have a backup.

Contact Apple Support

If none of the above steps resolve your syncing problem, it's time to contact Apple Support. There may be a hardware problem or a more complex software issue that requires expert attention.

Genius Bar Appointment

Go to the Apple Support website, log in with your Apple ID, and book a Genius Bar appointment at a nearby Apple Store for professional assistance.

Authorized Service Provider

If there is no Apple Store near you, you can contact an authorized Apple service provider for assistance.

Final thoughts

Syncing problems between your iPhone and your computer can occur for a variety of reasons, ranging from simple connection issues to more complex software problems. By following the comprehensive steps outlined above, you should be able to identify and resolve most of these problems. Always make sure your software is up to date, check your connection and consult Apple Support if needed. It's also important to have a backup of your data to avoid data loss during troubleshooting procedures.

Regular maintenance and awareness of settings can prevent many syncing problems from occurring in the first place. Check for updates periodically and monitor your connection settings to keep your iPhone syncing smoothly with your computer.

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