iTunes errors when restoring, updating and synchronizing iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad (error codes, causes and solutions). Latest iCloud backup failed to complete - what to do Doesn't back up iPhone to iTunes

When creating a backup copy of data on an iPhone, iPad or restoring from a backup copy in iTunes, warnings may appear informing you that it is impossible to restore from it. The reasons indicated may be of different content:

• “...because an error occurred”;
• “...because an unknown error occurred -1”;
• “...because the backup could not be saved on this computer”;
• “...because the backup session failed”;
• "...because the session could not be started";
• “...since the request was rejected by iPhone”;
• "...because there is not enough free space."

Before performing further procedures, we recommend that you save the previously created backup copy of your data just in case.

Where are iPhone or iPad backups stored?

• Mac:~/Libraries/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/
  Here the tilde symbol (~) corresponds to the user folder and if there is no Libraries folder in it, click the Go menu while holding down the Option key.
• Windows XP:\Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
  Or you can try to find the Application Data folder yourself by opening Start and selecting Run. In the input field that appears, enter the line %appdata% and click “ok”. This way you will have access to the Application Data folder, from which you can go further to \Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
• Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8:
  \Users/(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
  Alternatively, open the Start menu, type %appdata% in the search bar, and press Enter. Then follow the rest of the path AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\

Failed to backup iPhone, iPad data to iTunes

Possible options for resolving problems associated with the inability to create a backup copy of iOS device data in iTunes:

• First, reboot: Restart your computer and iPhone or iPad, and then try backing up your device again.
• Update yourself. Update your software: Download the latest version of iTunes, install any necessary updates for your Mac, update iOS.
• Check whether there is free space on your hard drive. Insufficient free space may result in the inability to create a backup copy.
• Check your security settings. You may need to update your security software or disable it for a while. After that, try again to back up your iPhone or iPad data in iTunes.
• Disconnect your iPhone, iPad from your computer and reset the Lockdown folder. Detailed reset instructions are available. Then reconnect your mobile device to your computer and repeat the backup procedure.
• Apple support.

Failed to restore from iPhone, iPad backup in iTunes

Possible options for resolving problems associated with the inability to restore iPhone and iPad data from a backup copy in iTunes:

• Restart your computer and iPhone or iPad, and then try backing up your device again.
• Update your software: Download the latest version of iTunes, install any necessary updates for your Mac, update iOS.
• Check the free space on your iPhone or iPad. Lack of free space on your mobile device may make it impossible to restore from a backup. In this case, go to Settings on your iPhone or iPad and go to General > Reset > Erase Content and Settings. Then try restoring your data from the backup.
• Check your security settings. It may be necessary to update your security software or disable it temporarily. After that, try restoring from your iPhone or iPad backup in iTunes again.
• Disconnect your iPhone, iPad from your computer and reset the Lockdown folder. Detailed reset instructions are available. Then reconnect your mobile device to your computer and repeat the restore procedure from the backup.
• Try restoring from a backup on another computer. First, copy the backup copy to the backup folder on the new computer. Where data backups are stored is indicated above. You may also need to create a Backup or MobileSync folder.
• If all else fails, contact Apple Support.

If you haven’t found an answer to your question or something didn’t work out for you, and there is no suitable solution in the comments below, ask a question through ours. It's fast, simple, convenient and doesn't require registration. You will find answers to your and other questions in the section.

To protect yourself from losing information if your Apple device breaks down, it is recommended to create a backup copy. But sometimes the operation fails and the copy is not completed. To correct an error, you must first identify the causes of its occurrence.

Why couldn't I create a backup via iTunes or iCloud?

Errors “Unable to create a backup copy”, “Error in creating a backup copy”, “Failed to create a backup copy” appear for the following reasons:

• iTunes version is outdated;
• The USB cable is not working properly;
• Internet connection and speed are unstable;
• Too many backups have been created;
• the problem is in the device itself.

How to fix an error in creating a backup copy

If you do not know the exact cause of the failure, then follow all the steps one by one until you solve the problem.

Reboot the system

Try rebooting the device you are using. This action will restart all processes running in the background and will likely resolve the issue.

Checking your Internet connection

The problem may be with your internet connection, so try connecting to a different Wi-Fi point, restarting your router, or checking your mobile network status.

Application update

If you use iTunes, make sure you have the latest version of the program installed:

Updating iOS and programs

Make sure that the applications installed on your phone or tablet are updated and the firmware version matches the latest iOS version:

Freeing up disk space

Your computer's hard disk probably runs out of space, so you can't save a backup copy. Then open File Explorer and clear the memory.

Sign in to your Apple ID account

Sign out of your Apple ID account and sign in again. On iPhone, iPad, iPod touch this is possible through the settings:

On Mac OS and Windows using iTunes, just click on the account name, then on the “Sign Out” button, and then log in to the program again.

If you cannot back up your iPhone in iTunes, then you need to look for problems or reasons for this. Some of them may be hidden on the surface or ignorance of the features of working with Apple gadgets.

Reasons why you can't backup iPhone in iTunes

• If iTunes failed to create a backup of your iPhone, then maybe you just crashed the creation session.

  To avoid disrupting your session, it's best to keep your phone and computer quiet during this process. When it is completed, you can then use both devices for your purposes.

• The connection could also be interrupted.

  To resolve this error, make sure that your cable is in good order and the input on your iPhone and computer is working. Otherwise if need be replaced. Also check for virus programs that may interfere with the creation of a copy in this way.

• If you can't make a copy because your phone or computer is rejecting the request, it's best to make sure that all the settings meet the requests of the program and device.
• There may not be enough disk space.

  The computer will require a certain disk space to create a backup copy there. If it is not there, release it and make this operation possible.

If all this does not help, it is better to contact our service center, where specialists will diagnose your device free of charge. This will have a good effect on its condition, and if you need to replace the connector or other parts, you will receive original components. Each will also be provided with a warranty period of 30 days.

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Judging by numerous letters to our editors, many, unfortunately, found themselves in a situation where an important SMS message, note, or phone number that was not added to “Contacts” was accidentally deleted from their iPhone or iPad. In this case, there is a completely natural desire to restore information, especially if the device is lost.

Although, of course, cloud storage is everything to us, users often neglect this rule and then find themselves in such unpleasant situations. Especially for such cases, the creators of the famous PhoneClean utility released the PhoneRescue application - it restores information not only from the device itself, but also from backups and . In addition, it can be used to remove the device from the “bricked” state, when the iTunes icon is constantly displayed on the screen of the iOS device.

Using the application is very simple - you choose where to start recovery from, as well as the data to return, start the recovery process - and the necessary information will be in the folder specified in advance.




Not long ago, PhoneRescue underwent a major update. For example, the application has become faster and more accurate in recovering data due to “deep” scanning and the new ForceRestore algorithm. In addition, a new recovery mode “Advanced iOS Repair” has appeared: it allows you to return the device to operation while preserving all information if the gadget is frozen with a black screen, in recovery mode, and so on.




Separately, it should be noted that the supported types of information for recovery have increased from 25 to 29, as well as the ability to recover lost data even from a damaged iTunes backup. Also, the application developers were among the first to adapt their product to support beta versions of iOS 11 and .


The application does its job really well, and the new features have allowed it to become almost the best in this area. You can try it for free using the link below, and then purchase it if you so desire. The program is available for both Windows and Mac.

The impetus for writing this article was the problems that I had when creating a backup copy in iCloud. But if I easily dealt with the lack of free space in the cloud by purchasing additional gigabytes, another problem forced me to think twice. I'll probably start with it. Then I will list other popular problems with iCloud backup and how to solve them.

Failed to complete the latest backup

This is exactly the error I got when copying to iCloud. Moreover, on the computer in iTunes, a backup copy also refused to be created.

Solution. Delete the old backup from iCloud. Settings->iCloud->Storage->Manage. Select the device and click the red Delete copy button.

The screenshot shows that my backup is 0 bytes. In fact, this screenshot was taken after the first deletion 2 minutes before. You just need to wait a while for iCloud to clear the remnants of the old backup. I don't know what was going on in the storage, but after a couple of hours I was able to make a backup copy.

This iPhone cannot be backed up because there is not enough free space in iCloud.

The easiest way to solve the problem is to purchase additional free space in iCloud. Settings->iCloud->Storage->Change storage plan. The following tariffs are currently in effect:

• 5 GB - free
• 20 GB – 39 rubles per month
• 200 GB — 149 rubles per month
• 500 GB – 379 rubles per month
• 1 TB — 749 rubles per month

In my experience, free 5 gigabytes are only enough for 1-2 devices, but without iCloud backup. If you turn on the media library and take photos, then 20 GB will not be enough. In general, nothing prevents you from increasing the tariff gradually. For example, with a whole zoo of gadgets, a 200 GB tariff is enough for me, where 40 gigabytes are occupied by photographs. 1 backup takes on average 2-4 gigabytes.

But where am I going with this? Everyone’s situation is different and often people want to stay within a certain framework, for example, a 20 GB tariff. In this case, you can start saving space in iCloud. What can be done?

• Settings->iCloud->Storage->Manage. See which applications save their documents and data to iCloud. Delete unnecessary documents.
• In the same place in the settings, look and be horrified by the size of the iCloud Media Library. Maybe it makes sense to delete unnecessary photos and videos from your device?

This iPad has not been backed up in 10 weeks. Backups are created while iPad is connected to your computer, locked, and connected to Wi-Fi

This message hints that you haven't made backups in a while. Don't ignore it if you care about the information on your device. If this message appears, I recommend that you try to create a backup copy manually: perhaps you have some problem with the automatic creation of a backup copy. This problem should be identified and corrected.

iPhone will no longer be backed up automatically on your computer when syncing with iTunes

Don't be alarmed by this message. It is only a warning after enabling automatic backup in iCloud. On your computer, you can create a backup manually through iTunes.

This iPad has not been backed up recently because the restore process is not complete. Do you want to finish downloading your remaining purchases and media files before backing them up, or want to delete them along with all program data?

This iPad is currently being restored. Then a backup copy will be created automatically

Both problems indicate that you have not yet completed the device recovery process. Wait for the recovery process to complete. If the problem does not go away after a long time and you are sure that the recovery is already complete, then try restarting the iDevice. And look carefully to see if all application icons are active (that is, not dimmed). If applications do not recover over time, then it may make sense to remove them and then install them again.

If you have any problems with backup and haven’t found a solution, ask your questions in the comments, clearly describing the problems. We will help as much as we can! :)