Full Guide to Fix iPhone Won't Sync with iTunes after iOS 12 Update

Q: iPhone won't sync with iTunes after iOS 12 update

"I updated my iPhone 7 Plus with the newest iOS 12 software. When I plug my phone into my macbook it says "iTunes could not connect to the iPhone “Katie's iPhone” because an invalid response was received from the device. Is anyone else having this problem?" -- From Apple Forum

After iOS 12 update, if your iPhone will not sync with iTunes or iTunes won't sync with iPhone, iPad or iPod, you can get some tips to fix this iTunes error or iPhone error in this article.

Part 1. Why Can't iPhone Won't Sync with iTunes?

Part 2. Tips to Fix iPhone Can't Sync with iTunes after iOS 12 Update

Part 3. Alternative Way to Sync iPhone with iTunes after Updating to iOS 12

Part 1. Why Can't iPhone Won't Sync with iTunes?

After upgrading to iOS 12, if iPhone X/8/8 Plus/7 Plus/7/6s Plus/6s/5s/SE is unable to sync to iTunes, you can check the main reasons to cause this issue as following:

- The iTunes version is outdated.

- The USB cable is faulty.

- There are some problems on network connection.

- The settings of music syncing on iPhone or iTunes is improper.

Part 2. Tips to Fix iPhone Can't Sync with iTunes after iOS 12 Update

Tip 1. Try another USB cable.

If the USB cable you are using is faulty, iTunes will not detect your iPhone and sync your iPhone data. Please check and try another original USB cord to connect your iPhone to computer to sync with iTunes again.

Tip 2. Update iTunes to the latest version.

If you are running an old iTunes version, please upgrade your iTunes to the newest version. To do so, you can download the latest iTunes from Apple official web site, or directly go to Help > Check for Updates on iTunes window to get the latest iTunes version.

update itunes version

Tip 3. Check Wi-Fi network.

iTunes syncing feature usually works when your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi network and iTunes, so please make sure your iPhone has connected to an available Wi-Fi/WLAN network. To do so, you can go to "Settings" on your iPhone to turn on "WLAN" or Wi-Fi feature and select a network to log in.

enable wifi on iphone

Tip 4. Reset network settings on iPhone.

You can reset your network setting to fix this problem. To do so, go to "Settings" > "General" > "Reset" > "Reset Network Settings" on your iPhone. Then tap "Reset" option on the pop-up window to confirm your action.

reset network settings on iphone to fix iphone won't sync to itunes

Tip 5. Disable iCloud Music Library and iTunes Match on iPhone.

If iCloud music library feature is turned on while iTunes syncing feature is enabled, iTunes may not be able to sync iPhone. So please turn off it on your iPhone. To do so, please go to "Settings" > "Music" on your iPhone and turn off Music" feature.

Tip 6. Disable "Show Apple Music" feature on iPhone.

To do so, please unlock your iPhone and go to "Settings" > "Music" > "Show Apple Music" to turn off it.

turn off show apple music feature on iphone

Tip 7. Disable "Show Apple Music" feature on iTunes/Computer.

To do so, please launch iTunes and click "Edit" > "Preferences" > "General" > turn off "Show Apple Music" feature > "OK".

Tip 8. Enable "Sync Music" feature in iTunes.

If you want to sync music from iPhone to iTunes, please make sure you have turn on the "Sync Music" feature in iTunes and select the "Entire music library" syncing option in iTunes.

sync music with itunes

Also Read: Things to Know about iTunes Wifi Sync

Part 3. Alternative Way to Sync iPhone with iTunes after Updating to iOS 12

There is another way for you to sync iPhone data to iTunes library without launch iTunes app with the help of iPhone to iTunes Data Transfer software.

With it, you can transfer music, videos, TV shows, music videos, ringtones and etc. from iPhone to iTunes library with ease. And all generations of iOS device is supported with this program, including iPhone Xs Plus/Xs/X Plus/X/8 Plus/8/7 Plus/7/6s Plus/6s/6 Plus/6/5S/SE, iPad Pro, the new iPad, iPad Air, iPad 2, iPad mini, iPod touch and etc.

Now, please free download the software in Mac or Windows version on your computer to export iPhone files to iTunes library.

Here is how:

Step 1. Connect iPhone to PC

Launch the installed software on your computer and connect your iPhone to PC. Then the program will detect your iPhone information and also show the iPhone files in different categories.

connect iphone to pc

Step 2. Select files to transfer from iPhone to iTunes

Then please visit Media section to preview and select desired items, and click "Export to" > "Export to iTunes Library" button to sync iPhone data to iTunes library immediately.

For example, click "Media" > "Music" tab to preview all music files, then mark one or more songs you want and hit "Export to" > "Export to iTunes Library" button on the top to start transferring selected music files to the iTunes Library from iPhone immediately.

sync iphone data to itunes library