13 Ways to Fix iPhone Music Not Syncing in iTunes on PC

Is your iPhone not syncing music from iTunes on your PC? Needless to worry about this botched-up music as it has been around for years. Having been on the wrong side of it a few times myself, I’d like to share some of the tried and tested tips and tricks to resolve the iPhone music not syncing with Windows 11. Keep reading to…

Fix iPhone Music Not Syncing With Windows 11 PC

What comes in the way of the music syncing from iPhone to iTunes and prevents it from going through? From the ill-fated software to incorrect sync settings, to malfunctioning connectivity, there are many reasons why iTunes goes berserk and refuses to sync your music files.

1. Restart Your iPhone and PC

To begin with, it’d be apt to restart your PC and iPhone as it can let you resolve temporary glitches.

  • Restart your iPhone by going to Settings > General > Shut Down and turn it back on by pressing the side button. Alternatively, you can also do it by pressing the volume up and the side button > sliding to power off. Once you have successfully turned off your device, wait for a few seconds and then hold down the side button to restart your device.
How to Restart Your iPhone Without Pressing the Power Button 1
  • After that, restart your PC and reconnect your iPhone to see if the issue is resolved.
Restart Windows 11

2. Update iTunes to the Latest Version

Note that an outdated iTunes version can cause syncing issues.

  • To do so, open iTunes and click Help > Check for Updates.
  • Install the latest version if available and restart iTunes.

3. Check the USB Cable and Port

Keep in mind that the faulty USB cable or port may also prevent syncing.

  • Therefore, be sure to use an Apple-certified Lightning cable and connect to a different USB port.
  • If using a USB hub, connect your iPhone directly to the PC.

4. Trust This Computer on iPhone

If your iPhone doesn’t trust the PC, you won’t be allowed to sync your data.

  • Connect your iPhone to the PC and unlock it.
  • When prompted, tap Trust This Computer and enter your passcode.
Trust Windows computer

5. Enable Music Sync in iTunes

Wrongly configured settings may prevent iTunes from syncing music. Hence, be sure to activate music sync in iTunes.

  • To do so, connect your iPhone to the PC and open iTunes.
  • Click the device icon and go to Music.
  • Check Sync Music and select Entire music library or specific playlists.
  • Click Apply and Sync.

6. Check for iOS and Windows Updates

Keeping your software updated can prevent compatibility issues.

  • On your iOS device, navigate to Settings > General > Software Update and install any updates.
Update Software in iOS 18
  • On Windows, go to Settings > Windows Update > check for updates > go ahead to install the latest update.
update software on Windows computer

7. Disable iCloud Music Library

If iCloud Music Library is enabled, manual syncing in iTunes won’t work.

  • On your iPhone, go to Settings > Apps > Music.
  • Turn off Sync Library and try syncing again with iTunes.

8. Sign Out and Sign In to iTunes

Re-signing into iTunes can refresh your library and fix syncing issues.

  • To get go, head over to iTunes > Account > Sign Out.
  • Restart iTunes and sign in again with your Apple ID.

9. Reset iTunes Sync History

Resetting sync history can fix corrupted settings.

  • On your Windows 11 device, fire up iTunes and go to Edit > Preferences > Devices.
  • Click Reset Sync History and restart iTunes.

10. Reauthorize the Computer in iTunes

If your computer is not authorized, iTunes can’t sync music.

  • On your Windows device, launch iTunes and go to Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer.
  • Enter your Apple ID and password to confirm.

11. Use a Different USB Connection Method

No luck as yet? Try syncing via Wi-Fi if USB isn’t working.

  • Connect your iPhone via USB, open iTunes, and select your device.
  • Under Options, check Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi.
  • Disconnect the cable and try syncing wirelessly.

12. Disable Security Software Temporarily

Keep a close eye on your greedy antivirus or firewall software as might be blocking iTunes from syncing.

  • Temporarily disable security software and check if syncing works.
  • If successful, add iTunes as an exception in your security settings.

13. Reset iPhone Settings

If none of the above methods work, I would recommend you reset all settings in order to flush out the corrupted settings and set up everything from scratch.

  • On your iOS device, navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
  • After that, tap Reset All Settings and confirm by inputting your device passcode.
Reset All Settings

There you have it! These reliable solutions should help you fix music syncing issues between iTunes and your iPhone. Let me know which fix has helped you restore the syncing.

Posted by
Rajesh Mishra

Editor-in-Chief: Rajesh Mishra is a Shakespearean poet at heart who turned a tech nerd while having a secret rendezvous with iPhone 4. When that rendezvous turned obsession, he let go of his hard-core political journalism in favour of the lifelong love-affair with technology. In a career spanning one and a half decades, Mr. Mishra has crafted over 8K articles and produced more than 3K videos for YouTube. When he is not at his desk, you may find him either engrossed in a Deathmatch or chasing Wordsworth!

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