[Solved!] How to Fix iPhone Won't Sync to iTunes after Upgrading to iOS 26/18?

After iOS 18 update, many iPhone users run into problems when trying to sync with iTunes. It's a common issue, and luckily, there are plenty of ways to fix it. The key is to find the right solution based on what's causing the problem. If you're not sure, you can simply try each of the methods listed below until one works.

This guide will walk you through eight practical ways to fix the problem when your iPhone isn't syncing with iTunes after iOS update. Each method is explained clearly to help you get your device working properly again.

Part 1: Why My iPhone Won't Sync to iTunes?

Syncing your iPhone with iTunes requires three things to work together: your computer, your iPhone, and the iTunes software. If there's a problem with any of these, the sync might not work. Here are some common reasons why this can happen:

• Your iPhone or iTunes might be using an outdated version.
• The connection between your iPhone and computer isn't working properly.
• Your iPhone might be frozen or having system issues.
• iTunes might not be set up correctly or may not be authorized for your device.
• Your computer's firewall could be blocking the connection.

These issues can all stop your iPhone from syncing with iTunes as expected.

Part 2: 8 Tips to Fix iTunes and iPhone Not Syncing after iOS 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.

Tip 3. iTunes Authorization

To access your iTunes content on your computer, you need to authorize the PC through iTunes. If you run into syncing problems, it might help to reauthorize the computer. Authorizing your system lets you download apps, music, and audiobooks without any trouble. It's like giving your computer permission to use the things you've purchased with your Apple ID.

Tip 4. Use Wireless Syncing Method

If iTunes can't sync your iPhone through a USB cable, you can try syncing over Wi-Fi instead. Open iTunes on your computer, go to your device's summary page, and check the option that says "Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi."

After that, pick up your iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, then choose iTunes Wi-Fi Sync, and tap "Sync Now."

Just make sure your iPhone and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The wireless sync won't work if they're on different networks.

Tip 5. Restart Your iPhone, iTunes, and Computer

If you're having minor issues, a good first step is to restart your iPhone, iTunes, and computer. This can clear up small problems and get everything running more smoothly. Once you've restarted all three, open iTunes again and see if it works better.

Tip 6. Create a New iTunes Library

If iTunes won't sync with your iPhone, the library might be damaged. Try these steps to create a new one:

1. Hold the "Shift key" and open iTunes. When a window appears, click "Create Library", then reopen iTunes.

2. Go to "Music > iTunes" on your computer. Find "iTunes Library.itl" and rename it to something like "Old Library".

3. Open the "Previous iTunes Libraries" folder. Copy the newest file you see there.

4. Paste that file back into the main "iTunes" folder. Rename it to "iTunes Library.itl".

Now, try syncing your iPhone again.

Tip 7. Update Drivers

Old or missing drivers can sometimes cause problems. Here's how to check and update them:

1. Press the Windows key and the X key at the same time.

2. Choose "Device Manager" from the menu that appears.

3. Find "Portable Devices" in the list and click it.

4. Right-click on "Apple iPhone" and select "Update driver."

Tip 8. Disable Apple Music Options

To avoid issues during the sync process, it's a good idea to turn off the Apple Music feature on both your iPhone and in iTunes. On your iPhone, you can find this setting in the main Settings app. In iTunes, it's located under the General Preferences menu. Some users have found that Apple Music can interfere with syncing, and many experts suggest disabling it to make the process smoother and more reliable. (How to Restore Apple Music Library?)

Tip 9. Factory Reset Your iPhone

If nothing else has worked to fix the issue of your iPhone not syncing with iTunes, doing a factory reset might help. This should be your last option because it will remove everything from your device, including your apps, photos, and settings. To reset your iPhone, go to "Settings", tap "General", then choose "Transfer or Reset iPhone", and select "Erase All Content and Settings". This will return your iPhone to the state it was in when you first bought it.

Part 3: An Alternative Way to Sync iPhone to Computer without iTunes

If you're not sure why your iPhone won't sync with iTunes, trying to figure it out step by step can take a lot of time and effort. To make things easier, it's a smart idea to use a third-party tool like Coolmuster iOS Assistant to handle the syncing for you.

With this tool, you can move data between your iPhone and computer without needing iTunes at all. It also gives you access to your iTunes library, so you can pick and choose what you want to transfer to your iPhone without messing up the rest of your files.

What you can do with this powerful iTunes alternative:

• Choose exactly what you want to back up or restore, like contacts, messages, call history, music, videos, photos, eBooks, and even apps.
• Easily manage your iPhone or iPad content—edit details or remove anything you no longer need.
• View your text messages, call logs, and contacts before saving them to your computer in formats you can actually open and use.
• Back up or restore all your iPhone or iPad data with just a single click.
• Your existing iPhone data stays safe during the transfer, and the files you move over keep their original quality.
• Works perfectly with every model of iPhone, iPad, and iPod.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

Here is how to use iOS Assistant to sync and back up your iPhone to computer:

Video Tutorial:

The Bottom Line

There are many possible reasons why your iPhone might not sync with iTunes, as explained in this article. But don't worry. Most of the time, the issue isn't too serious. We've shared the best ways to fix common problems so you can get things working again. And if none of those tips solve it, you can always try a different tool instead of iTunes to complete the job easily.

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