How to Fix iTunes Error 39 with 3 Ways

Many iTunes users must encounter one of the most common iTunes issues – iTunes error 39 with a popping up message “The iPhone (iPad/iPod) cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred (-39)”.

How this unknown error (-39) come? iTunes error 39 mostly happens when syncing or restoring iPhone iPad iPod with iTunes. Many Apple users suffer from iTunes error 39, especially when trying to delete photos or videos from iOS devices, or download photos or videos from iTunes library to iOS devices. What’s worse, once iTunes error 39 occurs, you can’t keep your iOS data like photos and videos updated to iTunes, or restore your iOS device from iTunes, which is definitely frustrating and annoying. Therefore, this tutorial will offer multiple solutions to fix this unknown error (-39).

Also Read: How to Fix iTunes Sync Error – 54 >

How to Fix iTunes Error 39

Solution 1. Use AnyFix – iOS System Recovery to Fix iTunes Error 39

AnyFix – iOS system recovery can provide you a one-stop solution to solve any iTunes errors without data loss. For those who are not good at technology, the software is easy to operate.

Now, you can download the free trial to fix the iTunes problems:

Step 1. Install AnyFix on the computer and launch the software > Click iTunes Repair option.

Step 2. Select iTunes Sync/CDB Errors > Tap on Fix Now.

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

Step 4. It will repair automatically > When the repairing process complete, you can see the interface as below.

Solution 2. Use an iTunes alternative

The most direct approach to getting rid of this unknown error (-39) is asking help from another tool for the replacement of iTunes to sync or restore your iOS devices. In this tip, we recommend AnyTrans sincerely. As one of the best iTunes alternatives, AnyTrans enables you to sync many kinds of data from iOS to PC/Mac, such as Music, Playlists, Movies, TV Shows, Podcasts, iTunes U, Audiobooks, Voice Memos, Apps, Ringtones, etc. And it won’t erase the existed data on iOS device when restoring. So why not give it a try now?

Solution 3. Update iTunes to the Latest Version

iTunes error 39 is often caused by outdated iTunes. To resolve it, download the latest version of iTunes for Windows or Mac at apple.com/itunes/download/.

Solution 4. Remove Photo Caches

When using iTunes syncing iOS photos, iTunes will create iPod Photo Cache and Apple TV Photo Cache. As long as we find and remove them from computer, iTunes error 39 will also vanish.

1. Find or remove the Photo Cache folders on a Mac

If you sync from a Photos, iPhoto, or Aperture library, find the Photo Cache folder in its default location

Step 1. In the Finder menu, choose Go > Home.

Step 2. In the Pictures folder, find the Photos Library, iPhoto Library, or Aperture Library file.

Step 3. Control- or right-click the file, then choose Show Package Contents.

Step 4. To remove the iPod Photo Cache or Apple TV Photo Cache folder, drag it to the Trash. Don’t change or remove any other file. If you do, you might lose data or corrupt your photo library

Step 5. Close the window, and restart iTunes see if iTunes error 39 exists.

2. Find or remove the Photo Cache folders on Windows

Search your hard drive to find or remove the iPod or the Apple TV Photo Cache folder

Step 1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard

Step 2. Click the magnifying glass icon, or click in the search field

Step 3. Type “iPod Photo Cache” or “Apple TV Photo Cache”, then press Return

Step 4. To remove the folder, drag it to the trash.

Step 5. Restart iTunes, and iTunes error 39 will be fixed.

Don’t Miss: How to Fix iTunes Sync Error -54 >

The Bottom Line

Although all three methods can help you with iTunes error 39, the first solution is more preferred and recommended. Because the last two ways are just solving iTunes error 39, but not stopping it. While the first one can avoid this annoying unknown error (-39) forever.