How to Fix iTunes Error -54 ?

"The iPhone [device name] cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred (-54)."

If you are having trouble syncing your iPhone, iPod, or iPad after the Windows 10 update, don't worry. With just a few clicks you will be back up and running, and able to sync your device with your computer again. It appears as though the Windows 10 update is marking the iTunes folder as Read Only, meaning that your computer won't allow it to sync with the device you have plugged in. So, how do you fix this -54 error? Simple.

About iTunes 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.

iTunes is not the latest version. You have to update the iTunes to the latest version in order to sync iOS device with iTunes.

iTunes related program files got deleted due to virus infection or human mistake

iTunes files were corrupted due to iOS update failure

Windows system files corrupted because of virus/malware infection or human error.

iTunes software wasn’t downloaded properly. It could either be a corrupt download or incomplete installation.

More other reasons that cause iTunes sync error 54

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How to Fix iTunes Error -54

• Solution 1: Restart Computer and Device
• Solution 2: Update iTunes and iOS
• Solution 3: Un-check the "Read-only" Option
• Solution 4: Take Full Control of the iTunes Folder
• Solution 5: Edit Windows Registry
• Solution 6: Use iTunes Alternative Tool
• Solution 7: Other Fixes Suggested By Apple

Solution 1. Restart Computer and Device

Generally, in some case, if you click on "OK" the sync process will continue. But if the operation has been ceased due to the error -54 in iPhone, you can try to restart both your computer and your iOS 12/11/10/9/8 device firstly.

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Solution 2. Update iTunes and iOS

After you have tried the first simple method, if the iTunes sync error -54 still troubles you, you have to make sure you have the latest iTunes version and the latest iOS for your iDevice.

(1) To update iTunes on windows computer:

Step 1 : Open iTunes.

Step 2 : From the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window, choose Help > Check for Updates.

Step 3 : Follow the prompts to install the latest version.

Step 4 : Or you can directly download the latest version from here.

(2) To update iOS on iPhone/iPad/iPod wirelessly:

Step 1 : Plug your device into power and connect to the Internet with Wi-Fi.

Step 2 : Tap Settings > General > Software Update.

Step 3 : Tap Download and Install. If a message asks to temporarily remove apps because iOS needs more space for the update, tap Continue or Cancel. Later, iOS will reinstall apps that it removed.

Step 4 : To update now, tap Install. Or you can tap Later and choose Install Tonight or Remind Me Later. If you tap Install Tonight, just plug your iOS device into power before you go to sleep. Your device will update automatically overnight.

Step 5 : If asked, enter your passcode. If you don't know your passcode, learn what to do.

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Solution 3. Un-check the "Read-only" Option

If the aforementioned solutions are not working for you to solve the iPhone error, please follow the step-to-step guides to remove your trouble.

Step 1 : Open the File Explorer on your computer by clicking on the Windows 10 home button.

Step 2 : From the File Explorer side menu Access the Music Folder.

Step 3 : Expand the Music Folder by clicking on it (You will see the iTunes folder within this folder)

Step 4 : Right click on the iTunes Folder .

Step 5 : Next, click on Properties and un-check the Read-only option under Attributes.

Step 6 : Click on OK to save this setting.

Step 7 : Then there will be a pop-up window for you, where you should choose "Apply changes to this folder, subfolder and files" and click on "OK".

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Solution 4. Take Full Control of the iTunes Folder

This should successfully resolve the problem on your computer, allowing you to sync your iOS device to iTunes. In case the issue still continues to bother you, make sure that you have full control on the iTunes folder by following these steps.

Step 1 : Right-click on the iTunes Folder

Step 2 : Select Properties, click on the Security tab.

Step 3 : Click on Edit > full control and then click apply.

Step 4 : Right click on the iTunes Folder .

Step 5 : You may need to run iTunes in administrative mode in order to take full control of iTunes Folder. Sign in to Windows as an administrator > Right click iTunes icon > Select "Properties" > Select "Compatibility" > Check to run as administrator.

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Solution 5. Edit Windows Registry

If you are Windows user, you can edit Windows registry to remove the iTunes sync error 54 by following the guide:

Step 1 : Click "Start" button > click "Search" > type "command" > pressing ctrl and shift at the same time.

Step 2 : Hit "Enter" button > click "Yes" when getting a permission dialog box.

Step 3 : Type "regedit" when it pops up another window, press "Enter" button.

Step 4 : Select the Error 54 key after opening the Registry Editor.

Step 5 : Click "Export" on the "File" Menu, and save the selected key to a folder you like.

Step 6 : Check if the "Selected branch" is selected in "Export Range" box and then click "Save".

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Solution 6. Use iTunes Alternative Tool

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Why do we choose Syncios iTunes Alternative?

• Benefit 1 : Syncios Manager is a powerful Free iTunes alternative and iOS manager, trusted by millions Apple users. If budget is always your first consideration, why don't you give this a shot?
• Benefit 2 : As an iPhone/iPad/iPod synchronizer, Syncios transfer more than 12 data between iOS device and computer or Mac efficiently, including : music, video, photo, Ebook, apps, contacts, notes , messages, voice memos, bookmarks and more. You can do regularly backup freely and don't have to worry about data loss.
• Benefit 3 : Want to download a YouTube video to your iPad, so you can watch it offline? This iPhone Manager provides an easy solution to download videos from YouTube and 100+ sites without involving iTunes and watch on your iPad/iPhone/iPod.
• Benefit 4 : As an multifunctional iPhone Manager, it also includes handy audio & video converter and ringtone maker that allows you to enjoy music, video in unsupported format on iPhone/iPod/iPad conveniently and make your own free ringtones with several clicks.
• Benefit 5 : As an powerful iTunes alternavie tool, it supports to extract data from iTunes backup and manage iTunes backup files as you want, transfer files from iTunes Library to PC or iOS devices selectively or in batches.

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Solution 7. Other Fixes Suggested By Apple

If you still see the issue, continue below.

Step 1 : Consolidate the media files in your iTunes library.

The media files in your iTunes library might be stored in several locations. Try consolidating your files into the iTunes Media folder.

Step 2 : Sync a small amount of content.

Sync only a small amount of content at a time. Add more content until you see the error again. By doing this, you'll identify the content that causes the issue.

Step 3 : Delete and re-download content.

If the issue happens with content from the iTunes Store, delete and then re-download the content. Or, download the content directly to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Step 4 : Delete and re-import content.

If the content isn't from the iTunes Store, delete and then re-import it from the original source. For example, delete a song and then re-import it from the CD.

Step 5 : Remove PDF files from the sync process.

This issue might happen when you try to transfer iTunes purchases from your iOS device to your computer. This might also happen when you try to sync with iBooks, because it uses the same process. If so, there might be a problem with a PDF file saved to the iBooks app on your iOS device.

To fix the issue, use the Share option in iBooks on your device to email the PDF to yourself. This saves a copy of the PDF in your email account and shares it with the email address you choose, which can be accessed from your computer. Then, remove the PDF file from your device.

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