Q: The iPhone cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred (-50)

Error -50 is a time out error (see http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3694#error50).  Follow troubleshooting steps for errors 13 & 14 (see http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3694#error13).

I also just tried rebooting my iphone, complete power off and reboot, then it synched OK.

Mista2 wrote:

 

I also just tried rebooting my iphone, complete power off and reboot, then it synched OK.

This worked for me too.

Your link is specifically relating to Update & Restore errors, not general sync errors. I think Apple's advice on error 50 at your link is extremely off-base for most users seeing this error during a basic sync.

The advice to reset/reboot the iPhone will probably help most users, and I think it's the first thing anyone should try.

Power off of the iPhone also worked for me on IO6 on the latest iTunes version.

see

Error 13, 14, 35 and 50 (or -50)

These errors are typically resolved by performing one or more of the steps listed below:

1. Perform USB isolation troubleshooting, including trying a different USB port directly on the computer. See the advanced steps below for USB troubleshooting.
2. Put a USB 2.0 hub between the device and the computer.
3. Try a different USB 30-pin dock-connector cable.
4. Eliminate third-party security software conflicts.
5. There may be third-party software installed that modifies your default packet size in Windows by inserting one or more TcpWindowSize entries into your registry. Your default packet size being set incorrectly can cause this error. Contact the manufacturer of the software that installed the packet-size modification for assistance. Or, follow this article by Microsoft: How to reset Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) to reset the packet size back to the default for Windows.
6. Connect your computer directly to your Internet source, bypassing any routers, hubs, or switches. You may need to restart your computer and modem to get online.
7. Try to restore from another known-good computer and network.

As a first troubleshooting step, simply because it's the easiest, quit iTunes and reopen it. That worked for me for this same error.

I had the same problem with my iPad 2. error 50 on a Wireless sync. Tried most everything. Reset iPad (power + home button held together. Power Reset), checked un unchecked wireless sync button under summary tab. Sync'd in between each step.

What also worked for me was shutting down iTunes and restarting it again. The app even remembered I was setup for wireless sync. I selected the iPad, wireless sync'd. All's well.

Restarting iTunes worked for me. Thanks for the suggestion!

1. iTunes > quit

2. Mobile device > power off (total off, not just sleep)

3. Restart both

Works like a charm.

Thank you.  So very simple, and with other stresses this time of the year, simple is great.

Restarting is normally the answer to this problem.. But if youve tried that and it hasn't worked then you are in the same boat as me. I accedentally unplugged my phone durnig a sync and now most my music is gone and doesnt sync back.

You must restore completely then on first boot, restore from backup.

You'll keep all your personal data, and its a bit time consuming, but if you couldnt solve your problem by restarting this is the way to fix it.

ATT Read everything before excuting: I have found that Photos Sync in iTunes causes major problems (Error-50) when I try to sync my iPhone in iTunes. I un-synced the photos and everything else Syncs great.

The problem evolves from photos not associated or taken with iPhones I believe. (Cannon, Net, etc...)

I'm still working on this however, when I use iPhoto Sharing, (Not iTunes) I'm able to bring pictures back to my iPhone. I have found that one of the causes is from drag and drop from the Net. (Screen Wallpaper etc...) These photos can cause a world of issues because of the format.

These pictures can be changed to other formats and may stop this issue. (unproven)

I've also found that my backups have all been contaminated from these pictures. So, I had to go into Perferences in iTunes to erase all my back ups. Att: This may not be needed. Take care before erasing back ups.

This is still a work in process so, tread lightly. However, un-syncing Photos will get you a step closer, and stop the (Error -50) Any input would be great.

Good luck.

I have tried everything suggested - my iphone 5s, iphone 4s & ipad 3 all have the same error when i try to sync photos - if i leave photos off sync they then work ok.

I have found one thing that has worked.   I created another iphoto library and at present have just put 1000 photos in from 2 of my albums.   They all then synced perfectly including the photos in the 2nd library.   It then obviously seems to be caused by the iphoto library not working with itunes.  I will continue to add more of my albums to the new library and see if any problem arises.  

My one question would be if and when i have put all my albums & photos into the new library will I then be able to delete the old library without losing any photos from my macbook?

If anybody knows the answer please let me know

thanks