The ipod cannot be synced because it cannot be found

All - I just tried downloading the new iOS 6 from iTunes to my 4th-Gen iPod Touch, which currently has iOS 4.3. After about 2/3 of the (very long) time downloading, I kept getting 'the ipod '(my name)' cannot be synced because it cannot be found'. I can't even find this error message on the 'net. I've found people talking about a similar message about a file cannot be found, but not that the iPod can't be found. And of course it's a software glitch, because after that download finished - but didn't successfully update the iPod Touch - it synced anyway (books, music, etc.) - so whaddya mean the iPod can't be found? :^)
Oh, and I should add - in some other error instances, I found people saying to 'restart' the iPod - do you just mean turn it off and back on??

Hello, I have the same problem, i have the most up to date firmware - just released, however, since the iOS6 update my ipod has a had a number of problems, including if I try to update over Wi fi it shows the iPod as available but I get 'ipod touch could not be found on the network'. I have tried resetting, I've reverted to factorsettings etc... no fix though.
I can sync by cable - but that also has intermittent issues.
In fact when I updated to iOS 6.1 by cable it fell over again and I had to do a full restore on my Ipod. I have only had this issue since upgrading to iOS 6.
Any one have any ideas?

Similar Messages

6th Gen/osx10.7/iTunes 11.0 'The ipod cannot be synced because it cannot be found.'

Hi,
I sure do hope someone has some great ideas here - because I'm stumped. I'm trying to sync up my husband's ipod. Gee whiz - who knew it would be so difficult.
Products:
I have a 6th Gen. ipod, syncing to a Macbook Pro using OS X 10.7 on iTunes 11.0.1. I have been successfully syncing this ipod for a few years now with no trouble - mostly music & photos.
I updated iTunes to the latest version 11.0.1 and synced the ipod. (It should be noted that I had such a screwed up library from iTunes that I deleted the entire library and reloaded it and regenerate playlists, etc.. I was able to sync up about 1,100 songs to the ipod with no problems and only used up about 6GB of space out of a total of 16GB.)
Issue:
The trouble began when I tried to upload additional music and I received the following error... 'the ipod cannot be synced because it cannot be found'. Which is weird since my Mac & iTunes both 'saw' the device and I was able to view uploaded content 'on this ipod' in iTunes. It doesn't matter how much data, or what kind of data I'm trying to sync - I get the same error message.
The device reads, ''Connected - Eject before disconnecting'. So I tried to eject the from iTunes, which shows it's disconnected there - but the icon remains on my desktop and still shows it's connected on the device. Then I tried ejecting from my desktop - no change. The only way to remove the device is to completely MANUALLY shut down my laptop (it hangs when I try to relaunch Finder, restart or shut down within OS).
Troubleshooting Conducted:
I have restarted and reset the device - problem persists. Device is fully charged. Has the latest OS. USB ports are operating without issue with other peripherals (external HDDs/speakers). This does not appear to be a hardware issue (laptop and device) since both appear to be functioning properly (the device with existing content and the laptop with everything else.)
I've searched through Apple's support pages as well as community discussions and was unable to really find anything similar - please forgive me if I've overlooked something. I'm happy to go to existing solutions.
Also of note - both my son's and my iPhones have synced with this version of iTunes remotely without any problems.
Hope I've given enough info. I hope even more that someone may have a solution for me.
Thank you for your time.

Have you looked at the previous discussions listed on the right side of this page under the heading "More Like This"?

ITunes says, "The iPod cannot be synced because it cannot be found" when it tries to sync the tracks.

When I connect my iPod Touch by USB to my MacBook with iTunes open, iTunes automatically starts syncing, as it should. When it gets to Step 3 of 5 it says "Determining tracks to sync," and then just as the status message changes the sync stops. An error icon appears in the sidebar next to my iPod. When I click the icon a message box comes up that says, "The iPod [name] cannot be synced because it cannot be found."

Have you looked at the previous discussions listed on the right side of this page under the heading "More Like This"?

Hi i'm trying to sync my itunes library onto my new ipod but the message it cannot be synced because it cannot be found comes up

Hi i'm trying to sync my itunes library onto my new ipod but the message it cannot be synced because it cannot be found comes up

Try Here > http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1389
Also, See Here...
iTunes: Missing folder or incorrect permissions may prevent authorization

My iPod Classic was stolen and returned to me by police but now it "cannot be synced because it cannot be written to or read from". I noticed the thief had changed the format to "windows" but I have restored it and still get the same message.

My iPod Classic was stolen and returned to me by police but now it "cannot be synced because it cannot be written to or read from". I noticed the thief had changed the format to "windows" but I have restored it and still get the same message.

If the media is in the library then yes it is that simple. Connect the device, load it up with your media. The problem is when you try to connect a full device to a new empty library on a new computer when iTunes will offer to replace the content on the device with that in the local library, i.e. nothing! (For anyone in that position see Recover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device).
You should be able to add your devices at https://supportprofile.apple.com/ though I'm not sure what happens if the second hand iPod was previously registered.
tt2

Windows XP, iTunes 11: iPod cannot be synced because it cannot be found.

I recently had to restore my iPod Video (circa 2007) after dropping it. Now it will not sync, and I get the error message "The iPod cannot be synced because it cannot be found." Sometimes it says "the required file cannot be found" instead. This has never happened before.
I would rather not reinstall since I have over 9000 songs all star-rated by hand.
I am using iTunes 11 and Windows XP. Can anyone help?
Thanks.

Reboot the copmuter,
- Reset the iPod. Nothing will be lost
- Try anohter USB cable.

HT4236 Syncing photos using iTunes in windows revealed this error message "iPad Jayvee cannot be synced because it cannot be read from or written to ." Please advise asap how to resolve the issue. Thanks!

Please advise how to resolve error message - cannot be synced because it cannot be read from or written to.

Hello Janet,
I would recommend this article named 'Disk cannot be read from or written to' when syncing iPod or 'Firmware update failure' error when updating or restoring iPod found here http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1207
Outdated operating system software
Make sure you have the latest updates for your operating system, which may include improvements for device connections. For example, many USB and FireWire improvements have been included in Windows Service Packs.Check for Mac OS X downloads. Check for Windows updates.
Computer needs updates
Make sure you have the latest updates available for your specific computer model (or components for home-built PCs). These are usually available for download on the support website for the maker of the PC (or component). Many USB updates are listed as "Intel chipset" or just "chipset" updates on PC manufacturer's support and download websites.
Software interference
Some software can interfere with iTunes, making it unable to write files to your iPod. Think about what software you have installed, and try disabling any add-ons that might be interfering with iTunes. Check your suspected software's documentation or contact the software maker if you need assistance with disabling the application. Out-of-date or incorrectly configured security software frequently causes this issue. See these steps for identifying and troubleshooting third-party security software.
Damaged files
If one of your music files or photos is damaged, iTunes may display one of these errors when transferring that file to the iPod. If you identify a file that is causing the error, try deleting that file and reimporting it from a backup file or from the original source. You may be able to repair files by repairing the disk (see the solutions in the next section).
Unregistered .dll files (Windows)
Malware or other software may cause an issue with the digital signing of Windows XP drivers. First try restoringthe iPod using the latest version of iTunes.. If you are unable to restore it or the symptom reappears, follow the steps in this document.
Damaged disk structure
These errors can also appear if the format of your computer's hard drive or your iPod disk is damaged.
To repair your computer's hard disk—Mac OS X users, read this article for instructions. Windows users, search the Help system in Windows for chkdsk to get more information on checking and repairing the disk structure.
To repair an iPod disk—Restore the iPod or iPod shuffle using the latest version of iTunes.
Warning: Be sure to back up your data before restoring an iPod. The restore process cannot be undone. All of your songs and files will be deleted.
Corrupt iPod photo Cache
If you're getting the error when transferring photos to an iPod photo, try deleting the iPod photo Cache and then starting the photo sync again.
Lost connection
Make sure that the connections from your computer to the iPod are snug and do not wiggle or come loose during transfers. For example, if you use the wrong size dock for your iPod, it can put strain on the connectors and cause a bad connection. See these articles for more information:
Learn about iPod Universal Dock
iPod Dock: Specifications
Conflict with third-party hardware
Third-party USB or FireWire devices may also interfere with iTunes' ability to communicate with your iPod. Remove all USB and FireWire devices except the keyboard and mouse before reconnecting your iPod to the computer.
Bad hardware
Hardware failure or non-compliant hardware can cause these errors. This could be an issue with iPod hardware or with the cable or dock you're using, but more often it's an issue with the USB or FireWire card or interface in your computer. Some USB and FireWire interfaces just don't work very well. If you isolate the issue to the USB or FireWire interface in your computer, you may want to try a different port, get the computer serviced, or replace the card or interface with a better one.
If you isolate the issue to an Apple-supplied cable or dock, or the iPod itself, you can get it serviced here.
Take care,
Sterling

Ipod cannot be synced because it cannot be found

When I connect my ipod, it tries to sync and then it gives me a message "ipod cannot be synced because it cannot be found". I've checked the cables, connectivity, etc. and have reset everything - restarted computer, ipod, etc. but it still gives me the same error message. Can someone help?

What have you tried in terms of troubleshooting so far? Has the iPod ever been able to successfully sync with this PC and iTunes before or is this the first time you are connecting it?
I would first make sure you are plugging the iPod into a high powered USB 2.0 port directly on your PC and NOT through a HUB. If possible, use a different USB sync cable to rule out a damaged/faulty cable as well.
Is the Enable Disk Use option ticked from under the iPod's Summary tab in iTunes?
B-rock

"The iPad/iPhone cannot be synced because it cannot be read from or written to"

Since updating to iOS 7.0.2, when syncing my ipad and my iphone I get the message, "The ipad/phone cannot be synced because it cannot be read from or written to." When I deselect all photos from being synced to my devices, the message no longer appears. This tells me the problem is obviously related to iphoto. Reading a few forums on this matter tells me the solution has something to do with emptying a photo cache, deleting photos, then reimporting; everything is rather vague. I always empty trash in iphoto, then I secure empty trash in finder, then I erase free disc space in disc utility. What exact steps must I take so that itunes will once again sync all images from iphoto onto both my ipad and iphone?

For those that follow~
After speaking to Apple Support for about 2 hours, the issue has been narrowed down to a corruption problem in the computers iPhoto Library.
To confirm this:
Problem: When ticking "sync photos" in iTunes, your sync fails with the error "cannot be synced, unknown error -50". (syncing other data is OK, only when ticking photos is there a problem)
Test: HOLD alt/option (mac) & open iPhoto. You will be prompted to create a new Library. (the old one will be left untouched)
Import a few photos to your new library.
Quit iTUNES & re-open it. Connect your device & go to the photo tab. Click Sync Photos, you will see your new library. Sync - it should now work.
In iPhoto you can switch between your old & new Library using the FILE >Switch Library option.
Additionally: You may also import photos to your device by using iTunes "Sync Photos *From Folder* " option.
This is a work around to get your photos onto your device without using iPhoto.
This is not a fix, my issue is ongoing. I am posting only to help future readers. In my case rebuilding the iPhoto Library (hold option/alt when opening iPhoto) was not able to correct the problem.

Iphone cannot be synced because it cannot be written to or read from

PLEASE help!! I have 2 iPhones (hubby and mine) and an original iPad. EVERYTIME I try to sync
I get almost done and then an error that says "iPhone cannot be synced because it cannot be read from or written to".
I've uninstalled itunes and reinstalled. I've restored a back up. I've even done a full restore on the phone
NOW I have nothing on the phone and it still won't sync. Anyone have any idea what to do??
THANKS SO MUCH

Did a health check on my Drive D: Issues were found and repaired. Disabled Kaspersky and tried a sync with iTunes (Success). Re-enable Kaspersky and iTunes is still working. Interesting in that I thought my iTunes only involved Drive C: What led me to problems with Drive D: were indications that there was a problem with Adobe cache for Adobe Bridge. I also purged that cache. In looking at my nightly backup there was also an indication there had been some intermittent issues of not being able to read the disk.
Bottom line... all is working again and need to continue to monitor the health of my second hard drive.

I try to sync my nano and get: the ipod cant be synced because there is not enough free space to hold all of the items in the items library (need 100MB) - I have a new computer?? can you help me understand this message: what to do?

I try to sync my nano and get: the ipod cant be synced because there is not enough free space to hold all of the items in the items library (need 100MB) - I have a new computer?? can you help me understand this message: what to do?

Hello pryan1012,
What this message means is that you have more music in your itunes library than there is free space in your ipod.
I had this same issue at one time. This is what helped me put my music on the ipod. I used manually manage.
Learn how to sync muisc here.
Hope this helps.
~Julian

Itunes won't sync to my brand new ipod classic. It says "The Ipod cannot be synced because it cannot be found.

I have been onto Apple by phone, and into the Apple store where both of them recomended that it gets replaced. I did, got a brand new ipod classic, and i still have the same problem.
I have attempted to restore, but it won't let me for the same reason.
On a couple of occations it starts to sync!! however it goes through practicly the whole syncing process (12,000 songs, heaps of videos) and then just freezes up! The little rainbow orb spins forever until i have to force quit.
I have had my old ipod and my partners ipod regestered and used on the one itunes with no complications whatsoever, our old ipods sync perfectly with no problems at all.
very frustrated.
Is it my Ipod Box?
Or is it Itunes?
or does it not like me having more than two ipods registered?
with the last new ipod which was replaced and the current new ipod that's a total of 4 ipods regestered on the one itunes
My partner has a Dell Laptop with Microsoft. I downloaded Itunes on there, ripped one cd, formatted the current new ipod, and it synced the one cd i ripped with no trouble at all.
Has anyone else had the same problem with their Ipod Classic?
Mick

Is iTunes up to date (10.7)? Have you tried plugging the iPod into a different USB or using a different USB cable?
I would recommend doing a disk diagnostic on the iPod's HD using the instructions given by turingtest2 in this older thread to check your Hard Drive's health. He always covers what the resulting numbers indicate.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3784647?start=0&tstart=0
B-rock

HT1386 I can't get my iPod Classic to sync with iTunes. My iPod Classic is up to date, and i have downloaded the latest version of iTunes. When trying to sync, it gives the message "The iPod "Brad D's iPod" cannot be synced because it cannot be found."

Do I have to un-install and re-install iTunes or do I have to restore my iPod Classic (I don't want to lose everything in my music library)?

Clicking sounds from an iPod that has a hard drive for storage is not a good thing. It usually means the hard drive is faulty. That is the likely reason for getting an error during the attempt to Restore.
If you use a Mac, you can try putting the iPod into Disk Mode
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1363
If it goes into Disk Mode, connect the iPod and instead of running iTunes, run Disk Utility. Does the iPod appear in the Disk Utility sidebar? If it does, select the iPod device in the sidebar, not the volume indented below the device (if there is one). Go to the Erase tab. Set the Format to Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Name does not matter. Click on Security Options and choose to write a single pass of zeros over the entire disk. This serves as a good "stress test" for the iPod's hard drive. Back on the main window, click Erase.
This takes longer than a regular erase, but you should see steady progress. If it errors out, or stalls for a LONG time (like hours), the hard drive is likely to be faulty.
If it completes successfully, quit Disk Utility, run iTunes and try to do another Restore

When trying to sync my iPod and itunes music a message comes up and says " The iPod (My name) iPod" cannot be synced because it cannot be found.

Help me please.

- Reset the iOS device. Nothing will be lost
Reset iOS device: Hold down the On/Off button and the Home button at the same time for at
least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.
- Inspect the dock connector on the iPod for bent or missing contacts, foreign material, corroded contacts, broken, missing or cracked plastic.
- Reboot the computer
- Try another USB port
- Try another cable

My Ipod Classic cannot be synced because it cannot be found. Help?

IPOD cannot be found when I try to sync it on my desktop Windows XP. Haven'tt been able to sync it for over a year.

1. Update iTunes to the latest version. Plug in your iPod. If iTunes still can't recognize it, then in iTunes in the top left corner click help> run diagnostics. On the box that comes up, check the last two things. Click next and it should identify your iPod.
2. Click on your windows start menu. Type in "services". Click on it and when it pops up, on the bottom of it click on "standard". Now Scroll down to find "Apple Mobile Device" Right click it when you see it and click on "Start". When it has started, close iTunes and replug in your iPod and it should show up.
3. Check the USB cable
4 Verify that Apple Mobile Device Support is installed
5. Restart the Apple Mobile Device Service and verify that the Apple Mobile Device USB Driver is installed.
6. If you just want to add some photos, songs and movies from computer to your devices, you can use an iTunes alternative to do the job
7. Check for third-party software conflicts.

The ipod cannot be synced because it cannot be found

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