Fix iTunes Error – The File iTunes Library.itl Cannot Be Read

In September, Apple released its newest iTunes version – 12.7 to the public, with a lot of changes. But according to the user’s feedback, they seem not happy with this new iTunes version. Because iTunes 12.7 focuses solely on music, movies, TV shows, podcasts, and audiobooks, the built-in App Store, apps, and ringtone options have been removed.

Apple might have realized that “certain business partners might still need to use iTunes to install apps”, so in October, it has reintroduced the iTunes 12.6.3 to users with the Apps Store and ringtone coming back.

You might be one of many users who downgrade iTunes from 12.7 to 12.6.3. But after iTunes 12.6.3 installation, you need first to rebuild your iTunes library. Or it would remind you of the message saying “The file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes.”

This is a little disappointing and annoying. How to fix this iTunes Library.itl cannot be read the issue? Don’t worry. You can try the method in the following to get rid of it successfully and easily.

How to Fix The File iTunes Library.itl Cannot Be Read

Step 1. Locate the iTunes Library.itl File

On Windows: Launch Computer option > Type in “iTunes Library.itl” in search bar > The file will be shown in the searching results.

On Mac: Launch Finder > Search “iTunes Library.itl” > Find it in the results.

Step 2. Delete The Tunes Library.itl File

After you find the iTunes Library.itl file, move it to Trash.

Step 3. Re-Launch iTunes 12.6.3

Run iTunes 12.6.3 again, and it would work properly and re-built the library for you. Now you can drag and drop all of your songs into the newly created library.

But iTunes 12.7 without Apps Store, apps, and ringtones management is such a big problem. So if you really have such needs for app deleting, transferring, ringtones making, adding, transferring, etc. we sincerely recommend the best iOS data managing tool – AnyTrans to help you with these tasks.

With AnyTrans, you would never suffer from iTunes 12.6.3 “iTunes Library.itl cannot be read” issue, but enjoy the convenience of apps and ringtones managing options, which iTunes 12.7 cannot. Download and install it now, and follow these related and detailed guides to complete your tasks:

How to Transfer Ringtones from iPhone to iPhone >

How to Set MP3 as Ringtone on iPhone without iTunes >

How to Transfer Apps from iPhone to iPhone >

Bonus Tip: Another Easy Way to Fix iTunes Error

You may have solved your iTunes Library.itl cannot be read the issue through above method, but now there is another easy way to solve the same problem, AnyFix is highly recommended by us to fix your iTunes problem in an efficient and easy way.

With AnyFix, not only can fix many iTunes related errors, but also solve various iOS/iPad/tvOS problems without data loss,  like battery drain, stuck in recovery mode, frozen screen, etc.

The Bottom Line

With this method, the message “The file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes” would not come out anymore. Besides, not just about iTunes 12.6.3, if you encounter these problems in other situations, you can apply this method to fix them, too. Besides, for apps and ringtones management, AnyTrans would be your perfect choice. Why not give it a try now?