How to fix “iTunes could not back up the iPhone” error

After updating to iTunes 8.1.1, i started seeing this error when my iPhone was connected to my Mac Pro on Mac OS X 10.5.6.

iTunes backup error

I could get iPhone to synchronize with iTunes but i could not backup my iPhone. I thought a reboot would help but instead it got worse. After a reboot, i could not even get my iPhone recognized.

This is what i did to fix this problem:

  1. Delete iTunes from Applications folder
  2. Kill iTunes Helper process using Activity Monitor
  3. Delete /System/Library/Extensions/AppleMobileDevice.kext
  4. Delete /Library/Receipts/AppleMobileDeviceSupport.pkg
  5. Delete folder /System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework
  6. Empty trash
  7. Reboot Mac (this step is important)
  8. Re-install iTunes
    9. April 19th, 2009 in iPhone, Mac | tags: , ,

9 Comments

How to fix “iTunes could not back up the iPhone” error | Real RumorsApril 19th, 2009 at 21:41

[...] How to fix “iTunes could not back up the iPhone” error 20.04.2009 | Posted in Computer World After updating to iTunes 8.1.1, i started seeing this error when my iPhone was connected to my Mac Pro on Mac OS X 10.5.6. I could get iPhone to synchronize with iTunes but i could not backup my iPhone. I thought a reboot would help but instead it got worse. After a reboot, i could not even get my iPhone recognized. This is what i did to fix this problem: Delete iTunes from Applications folder Kill iTunes Helper process using Activity Monitor Delete /System/Library/Extensions/Ap Read this article: How to fix “iTunes could not back up the iPhone” error [...]

iTunes not recognizing iPhone. Fix? - Hackint0shJune 11th, 2009 at 12:44

[...] Try to uninstall iTunes and all its components on your PC. I have the same problem on my Mac and ended up having to manually clean up some files. raining ktula Blog Archive How to fix “iTunes could not back up the iPhone” error [...]

TGJuly 17th, 2009 at 13:14

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! This worked! I’ve been looking for a solution for ever… finally one that works!

ktulaJuly 17th, 2009 at 13:20

@TG You are welcome! I almost pulled my hair out when i was troubleshooting this.

JaysmokeAugust 20th, 2009 at 12:31

Worked like a charm. Thanx a mil

ompSeptember 7th, 2009 at 09:05

is there any way that a china iphone be recognize by itunes?

EdivanMay 12th, 2011 at 07:51

Man… you are my hero! Thank you!!!

ktulaMay 12th, 2011 at 10:04

@Edivan: I am glad my instructions can be helpful even after almost two years!

games for the xbox 360January 5th, 2012 at 02:39

I do trust all of the ideas you’ve presented for your post. They’re really convincing and will certainly work. Still, the posts are very quick for newbies. May just you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.

Leave a comment

Your comment