How to Fix iTunes Sync Error-54 On iPhone, iPad or iPod

“The iPhone cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred (-54).”

Have you been receiving this error message when you try to sync your device with iTunes? Worry not! It’s not just you but many other Apple users have experienced the same and the error can be fixed with a few simple steps. Here we’ll guide you through on how to fix iTunes sync error but before we begin do that, let’s first understand a bit about sync error-54.

What’s iTunes Sync Error-54?

iTunes sync error- 54 is a permission error either on your computer or device. It usually occurs when you try to sync your iPhone, iPad or iPod using iTunes, after your device has been updated to a new operating system. It appears when you haven’t authorized your computer or don’t have the access/permission to move/modify the data. It can also occur for reasons, stated below.

• If you have an outdated version of iTunes.
• iTunes software wasn’t downloaded properly. It could either be a corrupt download or incomplete installation.
• iTunes related program files have got deleted/damaged.
• Corrupted windows system files because of virus/malware infection or due to any human error.
• iTunes files have got corrupted due to iOS update failures.
• It also occurs if you have updated iOS version on iPads and iPhones.

How to fix iTunes Sync Error?

Follow the steps below to easily fix sync error-54:

• Firstly, click on ‘OK’ at the bottom of the message and let your device fix the error on its own.
• If it hasn’t yet got resolved, restart your computer or your iOS device. You’ll need to have the latest version of iTunes and the latest operating system on your device.

If the error message still persists, you should try other ways to resolve it.

Ways to Fix Error-54

You should try out these hacks, if the abovementioned trick didn’t work.

• Keep all media files in your iTunes Library: You might have your media files scattered all over, at several locations. If this is the case, try keeping them in to iTunes media folder.

• Check for sync issues with third-party security software: A third-party software, including your anti-virus, might restrict sync process on your devices. You should change your security software’s setup and then try syncing your devices.

• Sync a small amount of content: You can try syncing small amount of data at a time and continue to do until the error occurs again. This will help you figure out the file or content that may be causing the error.

• Delete and re-download content: If the issue is caused by any content from iTunes Store, then delete and re-download all content. You can also re-download the content directly to your iPhone, iPad, or iPad touch to make things easier.

• Delete and re-import content: If the content causing error isn’t from iTunes, then delete it and re-import it from the original source. For example, delete a song and then re-import it from the CD.
• Remove PDF files from sync process: This error might also arise if you’re trying to transfer iTunes purchases from iOS to your computer. Especially if you’re trying to transfer iBook from iOS device to your computer. Therefore you should avoid doing this and transfer such files via email.

These are some of the hacks to fix iTunes sync error- 54. We recommend you to first try the two step process mentioned earlier to fix the error. If doesn’t work for you, you should proceed with other hacks.