If you are trying to connect your iOS device to iTunes and you come across an error message indicating that iTunes can’t read contents of your iPhone, iPod, or iPad, then here are working solutions for this problem.
Note: Don’t click OK on the warning that appears unless you want to factory restore your iOS device.
[wpsm_numhead num=”1″ style=”4″ heading=”2″]Delete corrupted files from iTunes manually[/wpsm_numhead]
Corrupt files could be the reason for you not being able to access your iTunes from a PC or MAC. In this case, the following solution will work:
- Download a good iOS file manager such as PhoneRescue, Apowersoft, or AnyTrans. You can also use any of these free file managers.
- Plug in your iOS device to your computer
- Close iTunes
- Open the installed File Manager
- Go to Files
- Open iTunes_Control > iTunes
- Find iTunesCDB
- Select and delete this file
- Unplug your iPhone, iPad, or iPod from your computer
- Ensure your iTunes is turned off
- Connect your iOS device to your MAC or PC
- Open iTunes
I highly recommend this method since it takes the least amount of time and doesn’t distort or lose your data. If it doesn’t work, then proceed to use the following methods.
Also Read: Quick solution to the iTunes can’t start correctly problem
[wpsm_numhead num=”2″ style=”4″ heading=”2″]Delete music from iTunes[/wpsm_numhead]
As weird as this may sound, it does work sometimes. All you have to do is to open your iTunes, delete a music file before you reconnect it to your MAC or PC and retry accessing iTunes. In some instances, it will start working as soon as you delete one file. In other instances, you will have to delete all the files.
The main issue with this method is that you will lose your music library. However, you will have gained access to your iTunes via a computer, where you can easily add a new library. You should also consider creating a backup of your music files on your computer for restoring after the process.
[wpsm_numhead num=”3″ style=”4″ heading=”2″]Update or re-install iTunes[/wpsm_numhead]
In this method, all you have to do is to close your iTunes and disconnect your device from your computer. Check the current version of iTunes that you have on both your iOS device and your computer. If they aren’t up-to-date, you will have to update them.
If you are using the latest version and you’re still experiencing this problem, the best solution will be to uninstall it. Once you have uninstalled iTunes, restart your device and download the latest version of iTunes. Open it and connect your iPhone to iTunes.
iTunes is one of those apps that are crucial when using iOS. It is, therefore, our hope that the above methods have helped you regain access to your iTunes when your PC can’t read content from your Apple device. We would like to hear from you whether you succeeded or not for us to work out new solutions and also respond to your specific queries.
Alex is an IT technician who shares his experiences with Apple devices occasionally. He has a collection of Apple devices (from iPhone 4) and has recently started trying out Android.
IG: @I M_Alex