How to Fix Sync Session Failed to Start

“Sync session failed to start” is one of the errors you will come across in iTunes. Fortunately, there are various ways to get around this issue and to successfully sync your device with the iTunes app. Read on to learn the reasons and fixes to this issue.

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: Sep. 23, 2020

iTunes is no doubt one of the amazing apps to manage your media content on your computers. This app helps you to sync your iOS-based devices as well to your computer. However, this app is not without issues. There are times when you will come across various errors in this app. One of the errors is that iTunes will not start the sync process.

iTunes Sync Session Failed to Start

iTunes Sync Session Failed to Start

Issues with the sync process are common in iTunes and these could happen due to a variety of reasons. If this is the first time you are seeing this error and you have no clue how to get rid of it, this guide offers some methods. There are actually multiple ways to fix the sync issues with iTunes and this guide includes many of those methods for you.

How Could This Sync Issue Happen

The following are some of the possible reasons the sync session failed to start in the Finder or iTunes.

Reason 1. Problematic iTunes

It may be that the iTunes on your computer is faulty or you are using an outdated iTunes software. If that is the case, iTunes will throw the aforementioned error because it cannot fully read your device.

Reason 2. Corrupt Data

If the data that you are trying to sync has gone corrupt, it may be why iTunes is facing issues starting the sync process. Corrupt data is often the reason why people have so many issues on their devices.

Reason 3. Connection Issues

Lastly, there could be an issue with the connection between your iOS device and your computer. If the USB port is not functioning or if the USB cable is damaged, you may see sync errors in iTunes on your computer.

How to Fix iTunes Sync Session Failed to Start

Now that you are aware of the possible causes of the issue, let us take a look at what you can do to fix the issue on your computer.

Fix 1. Relaunch iTunes on Your Computer

One of the easiest ways to fix the sync issues with iTunes is to relaunch the iTunes app on your computer. This is a basic yet effective way to get around many iTunes issues.

Step 1. While the iTunes app is open on your computer, click on the File menu at the top and select the option that says Exit. This will close iTunes.

 

Close iTunes on Your Computer

Close iTunes on Your Computer

Step 2. Plug-in your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 3. Launch the iTunes app on your computer.

Re-open iTunes on Your Computer

Re-open iTunes on Your Computer

Step 4. If iTunes automatically launches, close it. Then, re-open iTunes on your machine.

Your data will then sync without any issues.

Fix 2. Force Close Apps on Your iPhone

One of the methods that have worked for some users to fix the sync session failed to start the issue is to force close all the apps on the iOS device.

Step 1. Go to the home screen on your iOS device by unlocking the device.

Step 2. Press the Home button two times and then swipe up all the open apps.

Close Apps on the iPhone

Close Apps on the iPhone

You can then connect your iOS device to your computer and iTunes will sync with no issues.

Fix 3. Delete Your iPhone Backups from iTunes

Sometimes corrupt backups can cause iTunes not to sync your content. You can fix this issue by removing your backups from iTunes.

Step 1. Launch iTunes, click on the Edit menu and select Preferences.

Step 2. Go to the tab that says Devices.

Step 3. Choose the backups you do not want and click on Delete Backup.

Delete iTunes Backups

Delete iTunes Backups

Once your backups are deleted, re-sync your device with iTunes.

Fix 4. Repair the problematic iTunes with AnyFix – iOS System Recovery

If you have tried all the above methods but none of them work, then you can try using the iTunes repair tool— AnyFix, which is designed to repair iTunes problems without any data loss. For this issue, just need a few clicks it can make your iTunes work again. Without further ado, let us take a look at the operation methods.

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Step 1. Free download AnyFix – iOS system recovery and install it on your computer > Choose iTunes Repair mode.

Click iTunes Repair

Click iTunes Repair

Step 2. As you can see iTunes sync session failed to start belongs to iTunes sync error category so you can select “iTunes Sync/CDB Errors” > Click on Fix Now.

Choose iTunes Sync/CDB Errors

Choose iTunes Sync/CDB Errors

Step 3. Connect your device to computer with the USB cable.

Connect your iOS Device to Computer

Connect your iOS Device to Computer

Step 4. After the repair process is over, you will see the following interface.

iTunes Repair Completed

iTunes Repair Completed

The Bottom Line

The above solutions will help you put an end to this issue on your computer and let you successfully sync your device. If you think that the solution provided in this article is helpful to you, please share it with your friends and family, so as to help more people solve this problem. Welcome to leave a message in the comment area to share your questions or ideas.

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Member of iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android related issues.

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