Since Apple has updated iTunes to version 8.0.1 many users have been complaining about regular errors they are seeing when attempting to sync their iPhone or iPod touch. The error message reads;
“The iPhone “iPhone name” cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred”
Which is then followed by a number. The error message varies slightly from either 13014, 13136 or 13213 but aside from the variation of numbering they all mean you are having trouble syncing.
It would have been nice to see an update that could have been rolled out as an actual update to iTunes, but in the meantime Apple has offered up a few solutions that should help to resolve the problem.
According to the support page, if you are seeing these errors then you should try the three solutions below. They recommend that you try each solution one at a time. So begin with number one and then move on to number 2 and 3 if needed.
- Quit and reopen iTunes. If the issue continues, then restart your computer.
- Turn off Genius in iTunes in the Genius sidebar (choose View > Hide Genius Sidebar).
- Quit iTunes, temporarily disable the anti-virus security software on your computer, then reopen iTunes and try to sync your device. If iTunes successfully syncs your iPhone or iPod touch, consult the anti-virus software vendor.
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October 17th, 2008 at 10:02 am
This morning I was having trouble getting itunes to open. It kept coming up with a Microsoft error and the usual Send or Don’t send option. After rebooting I was able to get onto itunes but it took my iphone a couple of disconnects before itunes recognized it.
I have had no problems at all with either until this last Tuesdays Windows Updates which caused an error in Windows for me as well during the reboot to install the updates.,
Too frigging weird!!
October 22nd, 2008 at 1:59 am
i really hope apple fixes this problem SOON. NONE of these tips helped. i already had to reboot my ipod once, and i lost all my music. i don’t want to have to do it again.
October 30th, 2008 at 4:53 pm
Same here, Ive restored it about five times and it gets 2/3 through syncing my music onto my ipod then it shows either error 53 or 1000 something
November 15th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
This is really pathetic on apple’s part and must be costing millions in lost sales – not that they appear to care. Its been three weeks and several lost sales – never mind I’ve got into the habit of getting things in otherways. I even learned how not to use itunes. Thanks apple
November 23rd, 2008 at 9:48 am
i get the unknown error -3256 when trying to connect itunes to airport express speakers. frustrating.
November 29th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Even I am trying to synch my iphone on itunes 8.0.2. I am able to synch everything except my photos. Its giving error -50 all the time. ANybody know the trick to solve that
November 30th, 2008 at 1:33 am
After we updated Itunes, my computer died – blue screen of death then nothing. It won’t boot and it isn’t reading the main hard drive. Normally I wouldn’t have thought it was Itunes but I updated it on our laptop as well and boom – blue screen of death error message. What the H is going on????? Both are (or at least were) running XP SP2 with the most recent updates.
November 30th, 2008 at 1:35 am
P.S. I don’t have an Iphone.
December 17th, 2008 at 2:46 am
I just bought an iphone ytd and was attempting to download applications from itune. I went to create an apple account using my parent’s credit card. But it keeps giving an unknown error -9812 when I attempt to sign in.Help?
February 15th, 2009 at 9:15 am
i would like to see if i can buy songs in the itunes store, only if the unknown error wouldn’t occur. i would appreciate it very much if i would be able to do that, thank you.
February 21st, 2009 at 10:18 am
Even iPods are getting sync errors (-69) I wonder what we can do about it!
February 23rd, 2009 at 1:56 am
The above solutions didnt help at all. I have two iPod classics and I have tried them both on atleast 3 XP computers and it seems like itune8 is the problem
April 28th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Since the update itunes will not connect to itunes store…. reads error -3212…. and will not read my ipod touch
May 28th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
Windows users should nuke iTunes and use WinAmp.
Or better yet, load the Rockbox firmware if it is available for your version of iPod.
June 24th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
None of the above suggestions helped at all. I experienced my problems when trying to sync my Nano. Now i can’t access any of my music, which needless to say—blows.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:14 am
when i try to log into intunes store i get :
We could not complete your itunes Store request. An unkown error occured (-9808).
December 19th, 2009 at 6:01 am
try switching to manually manage music and just drag everything over manually…it synced my itouch then!
December 25th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
I keep getting the error -1202 when I try to redeem my giftcards. I have looked all over the place for a solution to the problem, but I only find solutions for different errors. It seems like no one else is getting the same error. Does anyone know a solution to this problem?
December 27th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
For error 1202 – a temporary workaround. Right click redeem, choose copy link, then paste the link into internet explorer.
July 31st, 2010 at 10:24 am
I keep getting Error -20 when trying to backup my iPhone 3G S (Orange UK). Any ideas what this is?
September 23rd, 2010 at 6:58 am
i didnt have trouble until i jail broke the phone and updated the iOS… Cydia got over written on an iOS 4.1 version update then i got a 03019 error code. It probably means, " you dumb ass you stepped out of line and now you shall pay with difficulty and trouble".