Level 1

31 points

iPhone sync hangs at "Preparing to sync".

I have a 13 Pro (iOS 17.2) that I'm trying to sync with a mini M2 (OS 14.2). This was working until the end of Nov. 2023. I have tried rebooting both devices, and deleting all folders in the MobileSync folder. When the Iphone is connected, it will create a backup, then never get past "Preparing To Sync". I have given them an hour to move on to syncing, but have had no success. I am using an Apple cable that is connected directly to both devices, there is no hub involved.

Mac mini, macOS 12.7

Posted on Dec 13, 2023 7:20 PM

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32 replies

Mike-MBPro Author

Level 1

31 points

Dec 15, 2023 10:54 AM in response to tx4emel

Are you not getting a backup? When I check on mine, it says that a backup has been completed. It’s the rest of the sync that fails. Really disappointing since I have many playlists that rely on play dates and counts to function.

tx4emel

Level 1

12 points

Dec 15, 2023 11:34 AM in response to Mike-MBPro

It just gets stuck in getting ready to sync. I don’t know what specifically has been backed up but updating play counts and ratings on my music is important to me too as I have smart lists based on these types of parameters. Apple needs to address the original question instead of assuming Wi-Fi doesn’t work. This is post 17.2. That should be the focus.

Mike-MBPro Author

Level 1

31 points

Dec 16, 2023 6:44 AM in response to Stephan-S

You may be on the right track with photos being part of the problem. I forgot to mention in my original post that when I connect the iPhone, the Mac is automatically opening the Photos app. I do not use iCloud for photo syncing between devices.

Dec 21, 2023 10:17 PM in response to Stephan-S

Stephan-S wrote:

Doctormelodious wrote:

I'm on iOS 17.1.2 at the moment. I see in other comments that the 17.2 update didn't fix the bug. Anyone know if the just-released 17.2.1 fixes it?

Sorry no, it doesn't.

Okay, thanks for the reply.

Mike-MBPro Author

Level 1

31 points

Dec 22, 2023 4:05 AM in response to Mike-MBPro

While not a solution, I thought I'd add something I discovered last night. I launched Activity Monitor before connecting my 13 Pro. The MDCrashReportTool is being launched by the Preparing to Sync hanging. Hopefully this discussion is enough to see a fix for this in a 17.2.2 update.

Mike-MBPro Author

Level 1

31 points

Dec 14, 2023 4:59 PM in response to SravanKrA

Internet connectivity is fine. This issue occurs when the phone is connected directly to the mini by an Apple lightning to usb cable.

Mike-MBPro Author

Level 1

31 points

Dec 15, 2023 6:10 AM in response to Mike-MBPro

Adding that my iPad Mini (5th gen, iOS 17.2) is working correctly. Backup and sync complete as expected.

Dec 18, 2023 2:43 AM in response to Stephan-S

thank you so much for the great explanations and solution

I was suffering since last night

it worked perfectly

highly appreciated

Mike-MBPro Author

Level 1

31 points

Dec 19, 2023 3:04 PM in response to Mike-MBPro

I ran the updates on the mini and phone today and the issue was not fixed by the updates. The mini is now on 14.2.1, the 13 Pro is on 17.2.1

Dec 21, 2023 9:52 PM in response to Doctormelodious

Doctormelodious wrote:

I'm on iOS 17.1.2 at the moment. I see in other comments that the 17.2 update didn't fix the bug. Anyone know if the just-released 17.2.1 fixes it?

Sorry no, it doesn't.

Jan 14, 2024 2:09 AM in response to Stephan-S

OMG, it's like a miracle! Thanks so much!

Jan 26, 2024 10:51 AM in response to Joe-Needs-Help

Wow, works almost instantly. Thank you to all the smarties that figure these things out.

emal91

Level 1

8 points

Jan 28, 2024 7:58 AM in response to Stephan-S

Works immediately. Flawless! TQ

Feb 2, 2024 10:30 AM in response to Mike-MBPro

Great work around. Worked immediately for me! Thanks.

Feb 11, 2024 3:28 PM in response to kkovak

[delete]

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iPhone sync hangs at "Preparing to sync".