How to Fix Sync Issues on an iPhone or iPad

With iTunes, you can sync your music, movies, TV shows, photos and more. After you sync, the content on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch matches the content in your iTunes Library on your computer.

You can sync the following content:

• Albums, songs, playlists, movies, TV shows, books, podcasts, and audiobooks.
• Photos and videos. To sync photos and videos using iTunes, you can use a supported photos app or sync from a specific folder on your computer.
• Contacts and calendars.
• Device backups that you made using iTunes.

A common problem that causes issues with synchronizing is iTunes not recognizing your iPhone when it is plugged into your computer. This guide will take you through making sure your device is getting connected and synchronizing properly.

If you use iCloud or other services like Apple Music to keep your content up to date across all of your devices, syncing through iTunes might be disabled.

1. Unplug your iPhone from any port you have it plugged into.
   
2. Wait 30 seconds and plug it back in.
3. Make sure your iOS device is unlocked and on its Home Screen.
   
4. Make sure that your device is turned on.
5. If you see a Trust this Computer alert, unlock your device and tap Trust.
   
6. Unplug all USB accessories from your computer except for your device. Try each USB port to see if one works. Then try a different Apple USB cable.

1. Open the App Store on your Mac.
   
2. At the top of the App Store window, click Updates.
   
3. If any macOS or iTunes updates are available, click Update.
   

1. From the menu bar across the top of the screen, select the Apple menu (1), then select Restart... (2).
   

Any unsaved work will be lost.

1. Open iTunes.
   
2. Select Account.
3. Select Sign In.
   
4. Sign into your iTunes Account using your Apple ID.
5. From the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window, choose Account.
6. Select Authorizations.
7. Select Authorize This Computer.
   
8. Enter your password, then press the Return or Enter key on your keyboard, or click Authorize.

Power off your device and use a small implement (such as a toothpick) to gently remove any debris that might be lodged in the charging port.

1. Unplug your iPhone from any port you have it plugged into.
   
2. Wait 30 seconds and plug it back in.
3. Make sure your iOS device is unlocked and on its Home Screen.
   
4. Make sure that your device is turned on.
5. If you see a Trust this Computer alert, unlock your device and tap Trust.
   
6. Unplug all USB accessories from your computer except for your device. Try each USB port to see if one works. Then try a different Apple USB cable.

1. Open iTunes.
   
2. From the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window, choose Help.
3. Select Check for Updates.
   
4. Follow the prompts to install the latest version.

Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.

• Using the Mouse

  1. Select the Start menu.
     
     

     By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.

  2. Select Power, then select Restart.
     

• Using the Keyboard

  1. Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
     
  2. Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
     
  3. Select Restart, then OK.
     

1. Open iTunes.
   
2. Select Account.
3. Select Sign In.
   
4. Sign into your Apple ID Account.
5. From the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window, choose Account.
6. Select Authorizations.
7. Select Authorize This Computer.
   
8. Enter your password, then press the Return or Enter key on your keyboard, or click Authorize.

Power off your device and use a small implement (such as a toothpick) to gently remove any debris that might be lodged in the charging port.

1. Disconnect your device from your computer.
   
2. Unlock your iOS device and go to the Home screen.
   
3. Reconnect your device. If iTunes opens, close it.
4. Search Device Manager.
   
5. Select Device Manager.
   
6. Locate and expand the Portable Devices section.
7. Look for your connected device (such as Apple iPhone), then right-click on the device name and choose Update driver.
   
8. Select Search Automatically For Updated Driver Software.
   
9. Let your driver update.
10. Open iTunes and check if your iPhone is connected.