How to Fix iPhone Won't Sync on iOS 16 with 11 Useful Tips

I was trying to update my iTunes library, and the sync feature is not working. Can somebody tell me why won’t my iPhone sync with iTunes?

No matter how remarkable the Apple devices are, they are still vulnerable to working issues. And such a problem arises when the iPhone won't sync with iTunes. If you are also one of the users who are facing this issue, then you will be glad to know that we have gathered a list of 11 useful tips that can troubleshoot this problem. These tips can be used for all the available models and versions of iOS. Try them and let us know which method worked for you.

Here we are answering the question "why won’t my iPhone sync to my iTunes?" precisely. Along with being the solutions, these tips are also the cause of the error. So, make sure that you resolve all of them.

11 Troubleshooting Tips To Fix iPhone Won’t Sync After iOS 16 Update

Here we are answering the question, “why won’t my iPhone sync to my iTunes” precisely. Along with being the solutions, these tips are also the cause of the error. So, make sure that you resolve all of them.

Tip 1. Update iTunes to Date

The first thing to check when the iPhone won't sync to iTunes is the iTunes pending update. If there is a pending software update, then it is evident that you will face problems during sync. So, get rid of the older version of iTunes, and the issue will be resolved.

If you have a mac:

If your mac is running on macOS(Catalina), you can update iTunes from the Apple Music app, Apple TV app, Apple Books app and Apple Podacasts app.

Once you failed to update the latest version of macOS, you can:

  • Go to "App Store" on Mac.
  • Tap "Updates" at the top of this window.
  • Check if there is iTunes update, then press "Install".

If you have a PC:

If you have iTunes installed from the Microsoft Store.

  • When a new version released, iTunes from the Microsoft Store would update automatically.
  • You can also check for updates from Microsoft Store.

If you have iTunes installed from Apple's website.

  • Double click iTunes.
  • Select "Help" > "Check for Updates" at the top menu bar.
  • Follow the onscreen steps to install the latest version.

Tip 2. Check USB Lightning Cablee

In case there is a fault in the USB lightning cable that you are using, you will abruptly face the iPhone won't sync to computer issue. Make sure that the cable you are using is working fine and dust-free. Also, keep in mind that you must use the original cable designed by Apple for connection. If the wire is fine and you are still facing the sync issue, then move on to the next fix.

Tip 3. Try a Different USB Port

When the iPhone doesn't sync photos, check if the USB port is working fine or not. There are multiple USB ports on every system. So, if one port is causing issues, then you should try using a different port. This will ensure that the problem isn’t caused by iTunes.

Tip 4. Update your Firewall Settings

If the iPhone still won’t sync with iTunes, then chances are there that the system firewall is blocking iTunes operations. This firewall software program has the Security function, which prevents harmful operations. But sometimes, the Firewall also blocks iTunes from working correctly. This fix is typically for the Windows system, but you can also use it on Mac systems.

  1. 1. Open the Control Panel and select the System & Security option. Pick the Windows Firewall option and review the list of apps that can communicate through firewalls.
  2. 2. Make sure that the box in front of iTunes is checked, which means iTunes can operate without interruption of the Firewall software. Click on the “Ok” button to apply the changes, and now you can sync the device with iTunes.

    all itunes in firewall settings

Tip 5. Reauthorize iTunes

A major reason why the iPhone does not sync music to iTunes is a security concern that halts the sync session every time you try it. To fix this, you need to reauthorize your system with iTunes.

Step 1: Launch iTunes on your system and go to the Account tab. You will see the option that states “Authorizations.” Select the “Authorize This Computer” option and save changes.

authorize this computer

When you have the authorization, the option won’t be highlighted. But when the option is highlighted, it means that you need to reauthorize your computer. Click on the option and wait for iTunes to finish the operation.

Tip 6. Restart your Computer

As a simple fix when the iPhone won’t sync to a computer, restarting it will be the easiest fix. It is essential that you restart your computer to implement the changes you recently made to the system.

Tip 7. Restart your iPhone

A simple restart is a soft fix for issues when the iPhone won't sync with the computer. If the problem is with the iOS device, not the system or iTunes, a simple restart is likely to resolve the issue. Fortunately, to restart the iPhone models, there is a common method.

For iPhone 8 or above:

Press and hold the Volume Up button > Press and hold the Volume Down button > Long press the Power button at the same time till the Apple logo appears.

For iPhone 7 or 7+:

Press and hold the Volume Down button and long press the Power button at the same time til the Apple logo comes.

For iPhone 6 or earlier:

Long press the Home button and the Power button at the same time till you see the Apple logo.

force restart iphone 1

You can try syncing it after you have forced restart your iPhone.

Tip 8. Try Another Sync Method: Wi-Fi or USB

Just imagine that it is your Fitbit that won't sync with the iPhone, then switching the method of sync might be the answer to your problems. Fortunately, iTunes can sync with the connected device using USB cable and Wi-Fi. So, in case the USB is not working, you can turn on the Wi-Fi sync option.

Open iTunes and go to the Summary tab. In the Options tab, you will see the “Sync with this iPod over Wi-Fi” option.

enable wifi sync

Tick the option and try syncing the device. Hopefully, it will resolve the problem, and you will be able to sync your iDevice with iTunes seamlessly.

Tip 9. Update Driver

When the iPhone won't sync over Wi-Fi, this means that there is a problem with the drivers. Whenever you connect your device with a computer, it installs a driver that allows the devices to communicate with each other. So, when there is a problem in the connection that you can’t understand, then updating the drivers seem like an ideal solution.

  1. 1. Open the Device Manager on your Windows system and select your device name.
  2. 2. Right-click on the name and open Properties window. Switch to the Driver window, and you will see if there is an update required for the drivers installed.

    update drivers

Finally, click on the “OK” button to apply changes and make another attempt to sync your iPhone with iTunes.

Tip 10. Reset iPhone

When you can’t find an answer to “why won’t my Fitbit sync with my iPhone,” the least you can do is to try resetting your iPhone settings. The reset will erase the settings that might be interrupting with the optimal functioning of your device. To do this, follow the steps below:

  1. 1. Launch the Settings app > General > Reset, and you will see the “Reset All Settings” option.

    reset iphone
  2. 2. Click on the option and enter your device passcode to confirm the reset. When the reset is finished, again try to sync your iPhone with iTunes or any other device.

Tip 11. Repair iPhone System

When none of the above-mentioned methods work out, and you are still scouring the internet for a solution, then we recommend using UltFone iOS System Repair tool. All users complaining iPhone sync not working can use this tool as a guaranteed fix for their problem. From entering and exiting recovery mode to fixing over 50 kinds of system issues, the software can help you in various situations.

Download and install the software for free on your system. Here are the steps you need to follow in order to fix the iPhone won’t sync to iTunes issue.

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  • Step 1 Run the program and connect your iPhone with the system. From the main interface, choose the Repair Operating System Mode to fix all iOS problems.

    start repair
  • Step 2 On the next screen, you will be prompted to download a firmware suitable for the device. Make sure that the software has detected the right version for your device.

    download firmware

    If you already have the firmware, then you can directly copy it through the browser and use it.

  • Step 3 When the firmware file is ready to use, press the “Repair Now” button and the process will be initiated.

    finish repair

The system repair will only take a while, and your iPhone will reboot. Once the device reboots, you will have a device that has no issues, and the performance will also improve.

Bonus Tip: Use An iTunes Alternative To Backup & Transfer iPhone

Here is a bonus tip for you when you are trying to understand, “why won’t my iPhone sync to iTunes.” When there is a better iOS data manager tool available in the market that can replace iTunes, then we recommend using it. By using UltFone iOS Data Manager tool, you can create iPhone backup free and selectively, transfer files across computer and iDevice without using iTunes, restore backups, and manage the data optimally.

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Conclusion

Once you reach the end of the tips, we can assure you that “music won’t sync to the iPhone” issue will be resolved. We recommend the users to try out UltFone iOS System Repair tool to resolve the software related problems anytime anywhere. Tell us which fixed worked for you, and if you need an alternative to avoid all the hassle, then UltFone iOS Data Manager is also here to help.

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