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iTunes has been around since January 2001, and it still serves as the central hub for managing media on Apple devices. Although many iPhone and iPad users now prefer to sync their music through the cloud, iTunes remains an essential tool for updating software and syncing data. However, it is not without its issues, and if you choose to use the software, you may have encountered some of the problems we will examine below.
In this troubleshooting guide, we will walk you through some of the most common iTunes issues and provide you with fixes to ensure that your iTunes library runs smoothly.
Updating iTunes on Your Mac
Keeping iTunes regularly updated can help you avoid many of the issues that you may encounter while using this software. However, some people face problems updating iTunes. One of the reasons could be that there is an issue with the settings on your Mac that prevents it from accessing Apple’s software update server. To fix it, Apple outlines a solution here.
Failed to Install or Update iTunes
If you can’t install or update iTunes, there might be issues with server communication. In such a case, you may see an error message saying, “This device is not eligible for the requested build.” Follow the link here to fix the issue.
Syncing an iPhone with iTunes
If you encounter iPhone syncing issues with iTunes, you can try several approaches to solve the problem. If your iPhone is not recognized by iTunes, Apple suggests updating your Mac and iPhone, connecting your device to the computer via USB, and restarting your phone. If that does not work, try a different USB cable, port, or computer. If you’re still having trouble, contact Apple Support.
If your iPhone doesn’t sync with iTunes, ensure syncing is not disabled if you use iCloud or another cloud-based syncing service. If a file is locked in your computer or iOS device, attempt to sync a small amount of content at a time and add more gradually until you encounter an error message. This way, you can identify the content that’s causing the problem and delete or download it again if necessary.
Fixing Issues with iTunes Music Playback
If songs are grayed out or not playing at all, you may encounter various issues with iTunes music playback. If you receive a message that says your computer is not authorized to play a particular music file, follow these steps. If you can’t play a song because it’s no longer available on Apple Music, you may have to find it online, or it might be available for download from the iTunes Music Store.
Adding Music to iTunes
Finally, if you want to add songs to your iTunes library or rip CDs, follow these simple steps. If you have multiple iTunes libraries scattered across different Macs or hard drives, you can merge them manually, but duplicates are bound to appear. Apple’s built-in tool can help you locate the duplicates, though third-party software can make the task much easier. Whether you subscribe to Apple Music or not, you can still buy music from the iTunes Store.
FAQs:
1. How do I fix issues with Apple Music playback in iTunes?
If you can’t play a song in Apple Music, it is possible that the music is no longer available on Apple Music. Ensure your computer is authorized to play that music, or try to find it online or in the iTunes Music Store.
2. How do I retrieve missing music files from my iTunes library?
If you accidentally deleted a purchased music file, you can retrieve it from the