itunes could not backup because a session could not be started with the iphone

I get these issues too, Even with a restore?

I work around it, (and would appreciate feedback on if this works for everyone) by :

Right clicking device in iTunes and selecting "backup", I then get the error; I quickly "ok" the error, then select "backup" again, then I often get the error a second time, but on the third attempt (in very quick succession) of selecting backup, the task initiates, and completes successfully!

Exactly the same for a restore!

Did this work for you?😕

I tried that and it seems to always fail to the point where Windows became unstable when it fails. I have to restart to try again. I figured out what the issue was though. I have McAfee Total Protection and even though I disbaled the McAfee Firewall it fails. I needed to remove the Firewall feature to be able to sync any iOS device. I am assuing it has to do with the iOS 6 update because all other iOS 5 device do not have this issue.

Had the same problem, we were sync'ing over wifi and occasionally cable. From the couple of replies here I've got it to stop happening and it appears to sorted.

For me:

The error was happening over wifi or cable on 3 iPhones & 1 iPad since recent iTunes/IOS6 updates regardless....

In iTunes - no other devices were showing as connected.

In this example I plugged my iPhone by USB cable into the PC - error occurs straight away.

(Note: this particular iPhone I never used the sync over wifi option as it syncs with a different profile for contacts etc)

I set the iPhone in Airplane mode (suggested in one of the other Users replies don't think its necessary considering the next step I have, but why not..).

I Disabled the Network adapter in Windows Control Panel to ensure the definitely nothing esle is connected to iTunes.

Plugged the iPhone in via USB - worked straight off no errors, the previous backup displayed in iTunes for the iPhone in question was 29 September, now shows today. (:>

I suspect that even though the other iPhones/iPad weren't showing as connected in itunes that they were in some respect connected and interferring with what was going on.

I know this doesn't actually fix the problem, just a work around really. I did do this though without any need to wipe phones or existing backups which most people would consider risky especially as you're in the situation of not being able to backup your device.

Don't forget to re-enable you network card afterwards. (;>

I have the same problem, and have spent about four hours f--ing around all the forums her and elsewhere, trying everything anyone has posted--quitting iTunes, restarting both the Mac and the phone, throwing away old backups, turning airplane mode on to cut wifi, right-clicking the phone in the sidebar to manually backup three times (and more) while clicking through the error messages, NOTHING WORKS.

Apple, ***? Come on. I'm on the latest OS on both devices--10.8.2 on the Mac and iOS6 on the iPhone. Where's your quality control? My calendars aren't syncing and I can't back up. HELP, someone!

I sure wish they would fix this problem it is getting very annoying. I really do not want to have to wait until the new (and delayed) iTunes is released.

Exactly the same thing like beally87. After clicking 2 times on Devices-> Backup (but also with "Sync"), Itunes start to sync my iPad again. But I have to execute those steps everytime I connect my iPad to the PC. Annoying thing.

After the update yesterday I backed up my phone and the first time I connected I got the same error message but multiple times after that I no longer had, a problem. I also connected and then backed up/synced my new iPad Mini multiple times without ever getting the error. Guess I need to try a few more times to really make sure it's no longer there.

knolish: You made the solution as simple as can be with the one statement below. iTunes can't handle communicating with more than one device - particularly those able to connect via WiFi - even when hard connected via USB. So just turning off WiFi on all devices but the one you want to sync (I'm syncing via USB), simplifies things for iTunes and it works! Thanks knolish!

So make sure that iTunes doesn't have any choices to make. No more than one device and no more than one way to reach the device.

Just wanted to confirm what another post has already said worked. You most likely have more than one device appearing under Devices in iTunes. For each of these devices under "Options" on the "Summary" tab, you have checked "Sync with this iPhone over WiFi". The error, " iTunes could not backup because a session could not be started with the iPhone” will most likely appear. Eject all devices, except the one you wish to Backup and proceed with the Backup. The Backup should work now without any errors

Useful info, I'll try it. Pathetic programming by Apple, if two devices or wifi + usb cable confuses iTunes. I've been doing w/o WiFi synch and one device at a time, so that explains why it has been working for me lately.

Re coding quality, iTunes also a CPU hog on Windows and just about the world's worst UI, so why should I be surprised? (E.g. I can't do folders in iBooks via iTunes and drag and drop? Excuse me, I have 400+ books in there....

I tried disabling sync over wifi and preventing syncing w other devices but this is what worked for me:

I deleted old back ups under preferences (except the most recent backups of all my devices) and it worked!!

Upgraded to iTunes 11.0 and all problems went away. You can sync with USB cable or Wi-Fi. 🙂

I have been fighting this issue for over 3 months. I installed iTunes 11 and I got the same error, then it worked, then got the error on the iPad but the iPhone worked and now both have same error. I tried turning WIFI off, I tried ejecting the second device and I even tried not to curse Apple for problems they don't care to solve but spend all their effort to get a phone out every 10 months. Nothing working or when it works, it fails afterward. I give up. There is nothing else to do. Please Apple, spend few $ to correct this.....

Once I did the over-the-air update for my iPhone five and patched it to fix the Wi-Fi syncing issue I no longer have this problem. I have also subsequently updated to iTunes 11 and am still having no problems. I did not make any other changes that might have corrected the problem.

This has been going on since iOS 6 on all my Apple iOS devices. Apple knows but do not address it publicly as "there is nothing wrong; you all are syncing the devices incorrectly." Then suddenly later a solution will be released but no mention of the issue will be made. Old Jedi mind trick. Sorry Apple, love your devices, but hate your attitude toward customers.