sync session failed to start

Question

sync session failed to start

When attempting to sync my iPhone 4S it stays stuck on step 1/5 "starting sync session" and after 5 minutes times out and gives me the error "iPhone could not sync because the sync session failed to start."

I'm running the latest version of 10.7 on my iMac and iOS 5.1

I sync most content with iCloud and iTunes match but need to sync a couple iPhoto albums and ringtones to the phone,

So far I have

-hard reset the phone

-DFU restored the phone (set up as new afterwards)

-Uninstalled and reinstalled iTunes

-deleted mobilesync files in library folder

-Replaced the iPhone at the genius bar

Still no luck, any suggestions????

Thanks!

iPhone 4S, iOS 5.1

Posted on Apr 5, 2012 3:31 PM

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Answer 1

Baupi

Level 1

0 points

Apr 16, 2012 4:05 AM in response to aTriumphForMan

I have totally the same issue here!

It's kind of frustrated that u want to upgrade ur phone but cannot sync :/

Any suggestion or solution?

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Answer 2

bdessen

Level 1

0 points

Apr 20, 2012 8:21 AM in response to aTriumphForMan

This just started for me also. Same software

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Answer 3

Apr 23, 2012 11:32 AM in response to aTriumphForMan

Still no luck, I've devoted many hours to this problem and cannot sync still.

I reset PRAM, no luck

Archived and installed Lion, STILL NO LUCK.

😟

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Answer 4

Apr 28, 2012 6:38 PM in response to aTriumphForMan

I'm having the same issue. I've restored the phone, tried several other "remidies", but still get the same thing. My wife and I share a computer, each with our separate account. Most of the time, I'm on it in the morning, she is in the evening. My account is usualy not the active one overnight, when I plug my phone in to charge. I'm wondering if that could be a part of it.

Is anyone else else on the same page?

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Answer 5

themrmay

Level 1

0 points

May 7, 2012 12:09 PM in response to aTriumphForMan

I have exactly the same issue here, and after numerous hours troubleshooting, I'm no closer.

Will we have to wait for 5.1.2 for a fix or can a Genius prove us with a miracle solve?

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Answer 6

voipsri

Level 1

0 points

May 9, 2012 2:34 PM in response to themrmay

Here is the solution:

Open iTunes --> Preferences --> Devices

Delete the backup

Reset Sync History

Close iTunes

Open iTunes and start Sync

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Answer 7

themrmay

Level 1

0 points

May 9, 2012 3:01 PM in response to voipsri

I've tried this, and it doesn't fix this issue.

Can you confirm:

a) Whereabouts the "Reset Sync History" option is, and

b) That all backups must be deleted?

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Answer 8

May 9, 2012 3:06 PM in response to aTriumphForMan

I recently updated to iOS 5.1.1, and haven't had the issue since. I'm hoping it fixed my issue, but I'll know more in a few days of recharging cycles.

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Answer 9

May 9, 2012 3:16 PM in response to voipsri

I've already deleted every backup but dont see a "reset sync history" option.

It used to be in system preferences > MobileMe, but the option is gone after transitioning to iCloud. Also the little iSync icon in the toolbar is no longer there, if i remember correctly that used to allow you to "reset sync history" also.

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Answer 10

May 9, 2012 3:16 PM in response to HomeBeerBrewer

I've updated to 5.1.1 and the problem still persists :/

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Answer 11

voipsri

Level 1

0 points

May 9, 2012 3:23 PM in response to aTriumphForMan

User uploaded file "Reset Sync History" is under Device preference Tab , I am using iTunes 10.6.0.40 on Windows 7

I understand lot many are having this issue but above steps (which I mentioned earlier) resolved my problem.

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Answer 12

jcolgan

Level 1

0 points

May 9, 2012 4:21 PM in response to voipsri

I had the same problem and followed voipsri's instructions and it worked perfectly. Thanks!

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Answer 13

May 11, 2012 4:55 AM in response to aTriumphForMan

Ok, so updating to 5.1.1 didn't solve my problem. Although it did seem to work for the first couple of days.

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Answer 14

May 11, 2012 5:08 AM in response to voipsri

I'm using iTunes on Mac OS X Lion, and "Reset Sync History" is not an option.

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Answer 15

May 18, 2012 4:04 AM in response to voipsri

Removing the backup data for my iPhone and resetting the sync history worked for me. Date is 5-18-12, and I have iPhone 4S with latest versions of iTunes and Safari, and I'm working off a PC running Windows Vista. Not sure why this isn't working for some, but it completely took care of the problem for me. Thank you! =) Unfortunately my Kindle Keyboard crashed last night, and there is no simple solution to that, but even though its waaay out of warranty, Amazon is sending me another with free 2-day shipping as a 1-time replacement. I must say; out of all companies I think Amazon has the best customer service; wish Apple were this easy to deal with. =p

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