When trying to backup your iPhone, you might get a message ‘iTunes could not backup the iPhone because an error occurred while reading or writing’. This problem mostly occurs when you haven’t updated to the newest version of iOS. However, there could be other issues behind it too. In this guide, you will learn how to diagnose and fix the iTunes could not backup error easily.
What causes this issue?
While the most common issue appears to be an outdated operating system, other issues such as insufficient storage are known to prompt this error when updating your iPhone. Another issue could be that your iPhone was disconnected from iTunes during the backup process. In this case, you will also get the message: iTunes could not back up the iPhone because the iPhone disconnected.
We’ll cover a number of fixes for this issues that work perfectly when it comes to solving the iTunes backup error.
Read Also: iTunes displaying invalid signature error? Here is a fix
How to solve the iTunes could not backup issue
Connect the iPhone to iTunes on your computer using the USB cable
Your computer should detect your device and open it in Tunes every time you plug it in. If it doesn’t, then your USB cable might be having an issue.
Update your iTunes
This goes without saying. For you to solve the issue ensure that you need to have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer. Apple always insists on updating to the latest versions of their software since previous versions are susceptible to bugs. Make sure to update yours too.
Turn both your iPhone and the Mac or Pc off then on again
Restart both your iPhone and your Mac before you attempt updating them once more. You’ll be surprised that this method works too in some instances.
Disable your security or antivirus
If you are using a PC, disable your antivirus software for a while until the backup is complete. If you get the message: iTunes could not backup the iPhone because an unknown error occurred 0xe8000003, then you will need to uninstall iTunes and all its components. Just make sure not to leave anything behind the reinstall them again.
Use another computer or Mac
If you have another PC or Mac, you can try to backup from another computer and see if it will work out for you. This is ideal, especially if you are dealing with iTunes that could not connect to the iPhone or if an error occurred while reading from the device.
Check network
Ensure the network is okay. The backup process is very long and needs a steady internet connection to facilitate it. Apple servers do have ups and downs so ensure you are not trying to update during high server traffic, for example after a release of a software update.
USB Port damaged
Although in rare circumstances, check if the USB Ports on the computer are working properly. Try different ports and see if it works. Try to change the USB cable by getting an Apple certified cable for the backup. ITunes should detect the iPhone immediately once mounted.
Read Also: What to do when your iTunes doesn’t start correctly
In Conclusion
I hope this guide has helped you recover from the iTunes could not backup because an error occurred while reading from or writing to the iPad or iPhone error. If you are still encountering other issues, let us know in the comments below.
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