How to Fix iPhone Not Syncing With iTunes [Updated 2024]
iTunes is the official platform for correspondence between a Windows PC and an iPhone. Whether you wish to share data between both devices, backup iPhone or restore it, iTunes does it all. But iTunes is known for frequent syncing issues as it often fails to recognize the iPhone.
Because of this, we have compiled this informative guide to help you fix the iPhone not syncing with iTunes. In addition, it presents a great alternative - AirDroid Personal – that can handle unlimited file transfer between your iPhone and computer wirelessly.
Let’s dive in!
Part 1: Why My iPhone Not Syncing with iTunes
A range of factors might be responsible for the malfunctioning of iTunes, leading to syncing errors. Here are the most common reasons that can cause this problem:
Faulty Cable or USB Port: The USB cable you’re using to connect the iPhone and PC is damaged or malfunctioning. And the same is true for the USB port where you plugged in the cable.
Device Authorization: Not authorizing the iPhone to “Trust” your computer blocks the connection between both devices.
Outdated iTunes: One major reason for iTunes music not syncing to iPhone is using the outdated version of iTunes which is incompatible with your iPhone.
Pending iOS Update: Not installing the available iOS update on your iPhone can affect the iPhone functionality in a range of ways.
Firewall: It can occur that any security software installed on your computer is blocking the iTunes connection.
Different Apple IDs on Both Devices: Logging with different Apple IDs on the iPhone and iTunes can result in syncing issues.
Corrupted iTunes Library: If the iTunes library is malfunctioning, you might witness technical glitches like music from iTunes not syncing to iPhone.
There can be more than one factor at play that is preventing the iTunes connection with your iPhone. But regardless of the reason, the following solutions will help you resolve iTunes syncing issues.
Part 2: How to Fix iPhone not syncing with iTunes
Here are all the possible methods you can apply to establish a seamless connection between the devices.
Solution 1: Check the USB Cable and Port
More often than not, the issue is with either the USB cable or the port you’re plugging it into. It’s best to use the original Apple lightning cable to connect the iPhone and iTunes. Also, try to plug in the cable in another port. If all the ports are occupied, remove other devices from the computer to make sure only the iPhone is attached to the PC.
Solution 2: Trust the Device
The iPhone won’t sync iTunes if it is screen-locked or put to sleep. When connecting the devices, you should see a prompt on the iPhone that reads: “Trust this Computer.” If it doesn’t pop up, disconnect the iPhone and reconnect it. Hit Trust to establish a successful connection.
Solution 3: Re-Authorize the Computer
Sometimes, an easy workaround like reauthorizing the computer view iTunes fixes the syncing problems. It makes sure your PC is allowed access all the purchased content.
Check out the below instructions to do that:
Step 1. Open iTunes and click “Account” at the top bar.
Step 2. From the drop-down list, select "Authorizations" > "Authorize This Computer."
Step 3: When iTunes verifies the authorization, start the syncing process again.
Solution 4: Reset Sync History on iTunes
One easy to way to troubleshoot the issue of iTunes music won’t sync to iPhone is by resetting the iTunes sync history. This refreshes the iTunes memory and removes any technical bugs in its history settings.
Here’s how to do that:
Step 1: Open iTunes, click on Edit at the top, and select Preferences.
Step 2: Under the Devices tab, click “Reset Sync History.”
Step 3: Confirm your action on the pop-up screen to proceed.
Solution 5: Restart Both Devices
Rebooting is the quickest way to eliminate minor software issues in your computer or iPhone. So, the next thing you should do is restart both devices and proceed with the authorization process. Hopefully, iTunes will detect your iPhone. If not, jump to the next solution.
Solution 6: Update iTunes and iPhone
Using the older version of iTunes often results in synchronization-related issues with the iPhone. The best option is to look for any pending on iTunes as well as on your iPhone and install them right away.
To update iTunes:
Step 1: Launch iTunes and click Help at the top.
Step 2: Select Check for Updates and install the updates, if available.
To update the iOS device:
Step 1: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Step 2: Look for and install the updates.
When the iPhone restarts, try connecting it with iTunes. Hopefully, you won’t experience the iPhone won’t sync with iTunes problem. If it persists, continue reading.
Solution 7: Update Drivers for iTunes
As iTunes requires a wired connection between your PC and iPhone, the USB drivers come into play. The outdated drivers cause performance issues that can lead to music from iTunes not syncing to the iPhone.
Luckily, updating the USB drivers won’t take long if you know how to do it. For that, follow the below instructions:
Step 1: On your computer, search for the “Device Manager” in the search box at the bottom-left corner.
Step 2: When it opens, look for the Portable Device option and expand it.
Step 3: Right-click the “Apple iPhone” option and hit “Update driver.” Follow the on-screen steps to proceed.
(Note: You can also choose to “Uninstall device” and restart the computer to let Windows automatically update and install this driver).
Step 4: If there’s a yellow “?” in front of any driver, update that driver as well.
Solution 8: Try the Wi-Fi Sync Method
If iPhone not syncing with iTunes, you can try the wireless sync option. The procedure is fairly easy and often makes your iTunes sync with the iPhone. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Make sure both iPhone and iTunes are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2: Now, connect the iPhone to the PC and click on the iPhone icon on iTunes.
Step 3: Click “Summary” at the left and tick the "Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi" option.
Step 4: Hit Apply to save the changes. The Wi-Fi sync method starts automatically when your iPhone is charging.
And these are the potential solutions to troubleshoot the iTunes won’t sync music to iPhone error. If you’re tired of constant iTunes sync issues, we have a perfect alternative in store for you.
Bonus Tip: Transfer Music and Other Data Between iPhone and iTunes Without Syncing
It’s always frustrating to get stuck on the iTunes synchronization problem. It consumes a lot of time and effort to fix iTunes issues but you can avoid this headache by using AirDroid Personal. It’s a powerful mobile management program that can handle cross-platform file transfer seamlessly.
Install AirDroid on your iPhone and integrate it with any device including Mac, Windows, Android, and web browser. Moreover, you can also take advantage of its stellar remote-control features to manage the iPhone from your PC during work or at the office.
Key features of AirDroid Personal
- Unlimited file transfer with no limitation on the file size or format.
- It also supports data transfer between Android, iPhone, and Windows, unlike iTunes.
- Allows you to back up iPhone data and selectively restore it any time you want.
- View and manage all the files on your iOS device from the big screen for added convenience.
- Use the AirDroid Web version for quick access, though it offers slightly fewer features than the desktop app.
Take a look at how to transfer data from your PC to your iPhone:
Step 1: Run the AirDroid Personal app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Go to My Devices and tap the AirDroid Web scan icon. Now, scan the QR code on the AirDroid Web main page.
Step 3: AirDroid Web will display plenty of options. To transfer data, click on Files and hit Upload File/folder to proceed.
Step 4: View the files on your iPhone. To move data from, the iPhone to the PC, use the mobile app to proceed.
Final Remarks
After reading this article, you have a clear idea of why your iPhone not syncing with iTunes and how to fix it. iTunes syncing issues are quite common, so you should know how to smoothly overcome the problem. You can also make use of AirDroid Personal as a friendly platform to move data between Windows and iPhone.
This app offers a lot of useful features like backing up iPhone flawlessly and managing files, SMSs, and notifications remotely.
FAQs
1. Why can't I import music from iTunes to my iPhone?
If you are unable to import iTunes music to the iPhone, look for the below factors:
- iTunes is outdated.
- The iPhone is screen-locked when connecting to iTunes.
- Not enough storage on the iPhone to store the incoming music.
- A software bug in either the iPhone or PC. Restart both devices to fix it.
2. How do I authorize a device on iTunes?
To authorize an iPhone or iPad on iTunes:
- Open iTunes and click on Account at the tap.
- Next, select Authorizations > Authorize This Computer. If prompted, enter your Apple ID password to confirm