iTunes Sync Error 54: How To Fix It On Mac Or Windows

As you’re using Apple’s iTunes to sync or backup your phone, you might encounter unexpected errors such as iTunes error 0xE8000015 or iPhone attempt data recovery. Apple iTunes Sync Error 54 can occur when users try to back up or sync their iPhones with iTunes. 

This error is quite frustrating as it prevents the iPhone from being synced properly. In this blog post, we will discuss how to fix the iTunes Sync Error 54 on both Mac and Windows computers.

What is the iTunes Error 54?

The iTunes Error 54 is a common error that can occur when users try to sync or back up their iPhones with iTunes. This error is caused by the fact that the iPhone cannot be synced properly with iTunes. 

How to fix iTunes Sync Error 54 on Mac & Windows?

Fortunately, there are several actions to take to fix iTunes Sync Error 54, and they work well on both Mac and Windows computers.

Fix 1. Restart your phone

Restarting your iPhone is the easiest step and you can run over the issue if it works. This can help resolve what may be causing the problem. To restart your phone, simply hold down the power button until the “Slide to Power Off” option appears. Slide it to the right and wait for your phone to turn off. Once it is off, hold down the power button again until the Apple logo appears. This will restart your phone and hopefully fix the iTunes sync error 54.

Fix 2. Update iOS & iTunes

If restarting your phone does not fix the iTunes sync error 54, try updating your iOS and iTunes. To update your iOS, go to the Settings app and tap on “General”. 

Tap on “Software Update” and if there is an update available, tap on “Download and Install”. If you are prompted for a passcode, enter it and then wait for the update to download and install. 

Once it is finished, try syncing with iTunes again. To update iTunes, open the program and click on “iTunes” in the menu bar. Click on “Check for Updates” and if there is an update available, click on “Download iTunes”. Once it is finished downloading, install it and then try syncing with iTunes again.

Fix 3. Consolidate the media files on your computer

If you are still getting the iTunes sync error 54, try consolidating the media files on your computer. The media files in the iTunes library might be stored in several locations.

To do this, open iTunes and click on  File > Library > Organize Library > Consolidate Files.

This will copy all of the media files from your computer to your iTunes library. Once it is finished, try syncing with iTunes again.

Fix 4. Check for issues with third-party security software

You can also try checking for issues with third-party security software to fix the iTunes sync error. That’s because third-party software can interfere with the sync process between your computer and your iPhone or iPad. 

The security software can also be responsible for the sync problem. Therefore, try to set it up and see if it fixes the issue.

To do this, open your computer’s security settings and make sure that iTunes is allowed to access your information. Once you have done this, try syncing with iTunes again.

Fix 5. Sync a small amount of content

Try syncing a small amount of content at a time. To do this, open iTunes and click on “Edit” in the menu bar. Click on “Preferences” and then click on the “Devices” tab. Check the “Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically” box. Then you can manually sync your data and files, selecting a few at a time.

Fix 6. Delete and re-download content

Deleting and re-downloading the content can help to fix the issue since it can erase any corrupted files. 

It could be music, a doc, or even an app. Make sure to delete and redownload any app or file that you believe could be causing the iTunes sync error.

Fix 7. Delete and re-import content

However, if you’re trying to sync content that is not from the iTunes Store, you can try deleting and re-importing the content from its original source. This can help resolve any issues that may be causing the problem.

Fix 8. Remove PDF files from the sync process

If you are still getting the iTunes sync error 54, try removing PDF files from the sync process. Sometimes, when you try to sync your iTunes with your Mac or Windows computer, PDF files on your Book library can prevent the sync. Erasing them from the process can fix the sync error.

To do this, open iTunes and click on “Edit” in the menu bar. Click on “Preferences” and then click on the “Books” tab. Uncheck the “Sync PDF documents checkbox.” Once you have done this, try syncing with iTunes again.

Another way is by sharing the PDF through your own email. Then you can download it straight to your computer from your email, and then delete it from your iPhone or iPad. Then, you can try to sync iTunes again and see if it’s working normally.

TL; DR: Although frustrating, iTunes sync error 54 is not complicated to fix. It has several causes, which can make it tricky to find the perfect solution, however, it’s unlikely that you will lose data or cause any damage to your iPhone or iPad by fixing the sync issue. And, if you accidentally deleted or lost your files due to an iTunes sync error, you can contact a recovery service or use data recovery software.

If you have any questions about iPhone data recovery service or need an emergency recovery, contact SalvageData for a free in-lab evaluation.