ITunes Error 54 has an impressive track record, being one of the most popular iTunes error messages. Most of the time you will see this error message when you try to copy your iPhone, iPad or iPod with iTunes. Although iTunes Error 54 not exclusive to windows, the frequency is much higher on PC than on Mac.
Users have reported that this error comes with a notification saying “Can't sync iPhone. An unknown error has occurred (-54) ”. If you have received this error recently, don't despair, since the problem can be easily solved.
The reason for this ambiguous error message is usually related to an administrator authorization or permission. It is quite possible that your iTunes folder or your iOS device contains a file that cannot be modified. Apparently, Windows 10 is even more strict when it comes to modifying permissions: most of the users who encounter this problem are on Windows 10. If your iTunes folder is set to read-only, syncing with the iOS device is generally hampered.
In addition to the permissions conflict, there are some other culprits that could trigger the Error 54 from iTunes:
- Obsolete version of iTunes
- Corrupt or incomplete iTunes installation
- Windows update files changed folder permissions 10
- The iTunes library is stored in several different places. (some of them don't have write permission)
- Third Party Software Conflicts
- PDF files are stopping the syncing process
Fortunately, there are many different solutions that could try to fix this problem once and for all. Once i have enough patience, start fixing your problem by following the methods below. Solutions are organized so you don't have to retrace your steps. Make sure to follow them in order until you find a method that solves your problem..
Method 1: restart your computer and reinstall iTunes
When you get the error message, click the OK button and see if the syncing process continues. In some cases, iTunes will skip files without proper permissions and continue to sync your files after the error appears. If iTunes can't sync the rest of your files, Let's try the most versatile solution on the planet.
I know it sounds simple, but most of the iTunes sync issues will be fixed after reboot. If that doesn't work, uninstalling and installing iTunes again usually works.
Method 2: update iTunes to the latest version
Apple has already patched many compatibility issues that caused the bug 54 from iTunes. Therefore, if the method 1 was unsuccessful, updating iTunes to the latest version could make the problem go away.
To update iTunes, open it and click the Help button in the top menu, and then tap Check for updates.
If there is a new update, iTunes will automatically download it and restart. When that happens, go back to Help> Check for updates and see if you have the latest version.
Method 3: open iTunes with administrator access
If you've come this far in vain, your problem is probably related to permissions. If your user does not have the proper access to handle the files that need to be synced, try opening iTunes with Administrator Access.
To open iTunes with administrator access, right-click the desktop icon and click Run as administrator. Once you open iTunes with administrator privileges, perform another resync and see if the error message reappears.
If the error message is nowhere to be seen, right-click on the iTunes shortcut and click Properties. Then, select the Compatibility tab and check the box next to Run this program as administrator. Press Apply to save.
Method 4: modify iTunes permissions
If the above method has not been successful, there is one more thing you need to do to make sure the problem is not related to your system permissions.
Although this solution can be applied to all versions of Windows starting with Windows XP, seems to be particularly effective in Windows 10. In keeping with modern cybersecurity concerns, Windows 10 be very careful when allowing third party apps to modify permissions. By default, iTunes folder is labeled read-only, making the whole process of syncing Apple content difficult.
Microsoft has already covered this issue in Fall Creators Update, but if it is not in the latest version, the problem will persist. However, there is a solution for those who have not updated to the latest version of Windows. This is what to do:
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Close iTunes and all associated dialog boxes.
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Open a File Explorer menu and navigate to the iTunes folder. By default, is inside the default Music folder.
Note: If not there, you must have set a custom location for it when you installed iTunes. -
Right-click on the iTunes folder and click Properties.
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Select the General tab and uncheck the box next to Read only. Press Apply to confirm.
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Immediately after clicking Apply, you will be asked to define your changes. Select the option next to Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files. Click OK to confirm.
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Right click on the iTunes folder and select Properties once more.
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This time, select the Security tab and highlight System under Groups or Usernames, then click the Edit button.
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In Permissions for the system, make sure the Full control permission box is checked. Click Apply to confirm.
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Open iTunes again and try syncing your content again. The error message should no longer appear.
Note: If not there, you must have set a custom location for it when you installed iTunes.
Method 5: using Windows compatibility mode 7
Some users have reported that opening iTunes in compatibility mode has finally allowed them to sync their Apple content. If all of the above has failed, here's how to run iTunes in compatibility mode:
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Right click on the iTunes icon and select Properties.
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Select the Compatibility tab, check and check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode to. Then use the drop down menu below to select Windows 7. Finally, press Apply to save.
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Open iTunes, sync again and see if the problem goes away.
Method 6: delete and re-import iTunes content
Now that we have made sure the permissions are in order, let's see if something went wrong with your content. As you probably know, Apple is not a big fan of non-iTunes multimedia content. The songs, Movies and e-books brought in from outside the Apple ecosystem could crash and refuse to sync.
If you have external content, try removing it from iTunes Store then re-import it from original source. While doing it, you can do the same with iTunes content (delete and redownload).
Note: You can find out which file is causing the sync problem by syncing small batches of files at once. If you do this consistently, will eventually identify the content that is causing the problem.
Method 7: remove PDF files from your sync task
Apple has a long-standing problem with iTunes purchases (especially iBooks) that are moving from mobile devices to Windows computers. To check if that's the case, exclude any PDF or iBook from your syncing process and see if the iTunes error reappears.
To avoid this problem, instead of syncing your PDF files with iTunes, use the Share option on your mobile device and send it to yourself. This will save a copy of the PDF and share it with an email address of your choice.
Method 8: identify potential software conflicts
No program is immune from software conflicts, and iTunes is definitely no exception to the rule. Some users have reported that they have managed to resume normal syncing after disabling their real-time virus protection.
If another program is trying to access the same files that iTunes is trying to sync, you might get the error 54 from iTunes. To make sure this is not the case, open your antivirus settings and disable real-time protection (real time scan).
