9 Fixes: iTunes Could Not Backup iPhone for an Error Occurred

If you have the problem that iTunes could not backup the iPhone because an error occurred, this guide will give you 9 solutions to fix several iTunes errors.

Dylan

By Dylan / Updated on April 17, 2024

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iTunes could not backup the iPhone because an error occurred?

iPhone storage is limited so users need to delete or export some data to make sure all the apps perform well. iTunes backup is often chosen by users to save iPhone data. You need to know what a full iPhone backup includes to see whether your wanted data would be saved because only settings and some app data will be exported to iTunes backup.

iTunes is not perfect software. Sometimes you would have problems when using it like:

1. iTunes just indicates that an error occurred.

iTunes Error

2. iTunes indicates that not enough free space.

iTunes No Enough Storage

3. iTunes indicates that the iPhone disconnected.

iTunes Disconnected

 

8 Solutions to iTunes could not backup iPhone because an error occured 

Although there are no options in iTunes to fix iTunes errors, you can still fix it by the following 8 solutions. In the next part, we also provide you with an iTunes alternative to help you backup iPhone to PC with no effort.

Solution 1. Check Software Update

If iTunes could not backup the iPhone because an error occurred, you should check the version of iTunes and the operating system of your device. Updating the operating system both of your computer and iPhone to the latest version to make sure the compatibility.

iTunes Check For Updates

Solution 2. Free Up Storage

If iTunes says there's not enough storage on computer, it means you need to clear the data in C drive, because iTunes always stores iPhone backups in C drive. Generally speaking, the size of iPhone backup is more than 7GB, so you need to leave at least 10GB of storage space in C drive.

Solution 3. Check the Cable

Make sure the cable is compatible with iTunes. Cable issue is most likely to cause iTunes could not backup iPhone because iPhone disconnected. The quality of cable could decide whether the data could be transmitted successfully. Lightning cable would be a good choice. Some cheap cable can be just used to charge your phone and you might have found that your iPhone is charged fastest with lightning cable.

Solution 4. Check the Port

The USB port on your PC could be broken. Shaking, rusting or dust could harm the interface. If your computer can’t detect your iPhone, you can try again with another USB port.

Solution 5. Check Apple Driver

Apple Mobile Device USB driver is necessary for connecting your iPhone to computer. Right-click the Start button on desktop > select Device Manager > expand the Portable Devices Section > right-click on the device name > click update driver > select "Search automatically for updated driver software." Restart iTunes and try connecting your iPhone again.

Update Apple Driver

Solution 6. Disable the Firewall

Sometimes firewall and the third-party security software in your computer especially antivirus software could interfere with the work of detecting your phone. You can shut down that software and try again.

Antivirus

Solution 7. Restart Computer

If you see iTunes could not restore because an error occurred and have tried all the solutions mentioned before, you should try restarting compute. It solves most of the system glitches.

Solution 8. Apple’s Support

If it still doesn’t solve your problem, you should contact Apple’s support, who knows its product best. You’d prepare the error code to help them know your situation better.

Quick Fix. Try iTunes alternative to backup iPhone data

iTunes is a good tool but is actually designed for managing music and videos. If the iTunes backup error cannot be fixed, it’s time for the professional backup software to help you. You can save files in your iPhone to the computer with FoneTool. It is developed to back up photos, messages, videos, contacts, and music in minutes. It would save you a lot of time.

  • Easily Backup and Restore: All the features are just about backup and restoration. It could be used to backup photos, videos, music, messages, and contacts with a few steps.

  • Preview and Select: You could preview the files on your iPhone and select the useful ones rather than the entire folder whenever you backup or restore your iPhone.

  • Tech Support: Worry about meeting problems? Contact tech support and you would be given a professional solution;

  • Widely Compatible: It supports most iPhone models from iPhone 4 to the latest iPhone 15 and would be perfectly compatible with the latest iOS 16/17. It could not only be used to backup iPhone, but iPad and iPod Touch. You could also use it to transfer data between them.

How to use this free professional software?

Want to immediately backup your iPhone with this convenient software? Follow the steps below to backup the wanted files on your iPhone.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7
Secure Download

Step 1. Download and launch FoneTool. Connect your iPhone to computer with USB and remember to tap Trust This Computer.

Step 2. Click Phone Backup > Selective Backup. You could preview and select files by clicking an icon to enter Selection. After selecting the needed files, click the OK button to confirm.

view files in Selection

Step 3. Click on Start Backup in the lower-right corner and your task will be completed in seconds.

backup iPhone

When you would like to restore your iPhone, you could just select the task and click the arrow icon Restore. Of course, you could select the needed file by clicking an icon before restoring.

restore

Conclusion

If you have problem backing up iPhone with iTunes and see the warning iTunes could not backup the iPhone because an error occurred, the 9 solutions in this passage would be very helpful.

If iTunes still cannot work for you after all the tries. You can use the best iTunes alternative FoneTool to quickly backup just what you want to computer.

FAQs about iTunes could not backup the iPhone because an error occurred

What are the common causes of this error?

  • Common causes of this error include outdated iTunes software, corrupted backup files, insufficient storage space on your computer or iPhone, issues with USB connections or ports, security software interference, or corrupted iPhone settings.

Can I still backup my iPhone if I encounter this error?

  • Yes, there are alternative methods to backup your iPhone even if you encounter this error. You can try using iCloud backup, third-party backup software, or manually copying important data from your iPhone to your computer.

Is there a way to prevent this error from occurring in the future?

  • To minimize the chances of encountering this error in the future, ensure that your iTunes software is up-to-date, regularly check for and resolve any issues with USB connections or ports, maintain sufficient storage space on your computer and iPhone, and avoid interrupting the backup process.

Does this error only occur with iTunes backups, or can it happen with iCloud backups as well?

  • While this error message specifically mentions iTunes, similar issues can also occur with iCloud backups. If you encounter difficulties with either backup method, it's essential to troubleshoot the specific cause of the problem to resolve it effectively.