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the ipod cannot be synced because it cannot be found

All - I just tried downloading the new iOS 6 from iTunes to my 4th-Gen iPod Touch, which currently has iOS 4.3. After about 2/3 of the (very long) time downloading, I kept getting 'the ipod '(my name)' cannot be synced because it cannot be found'. I can't even find this error message on the 'net. I've found people talking about a similar message about a file cannot be found, but not that the iPod can't be found. And of course it's a software glitch, because after that download finished - but didn't successfully update the iPod Touch - it synced anyway (books, music, etc.) - so whaddya mean the iPod can't be found? :^)

Oh, and I should add - in some other error instances, I found people saying to 'restart' the iPod - do you just mean turn it off and back on??

iPod touch (4th generation), iOS 4.3

Posted on Oct 27, 2012 10:03 AM

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Posted on Oct 27, 2012 10:07 AM

- Reboot the copmuter,

- Reset the iPod. Nothing will be lost

Reset iPod touch: Hold down the On/Off button and the Home button at the same time for at

least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears.

- Try anohter USB cable.

9 replies

Dec 21, 2012 7:39 AM in response to Jonny P

This may not solve it for you, but I would try what 'lllaass' suggested when I had a similar problem. Reboot the computer (if you're getting the message on your Mac) and reset the iPod (Hold down the On/Off button and the Home button at the same time for at least ten seconds, until the Apple logo appears).

Feb 3, 2013 8:03 AM in response to codjh9

Hello, I have the same problem, i have the most up to date firmware - just released, however, since the iOS6 update my ipod has a had a number of problems, including if I try to update over Wi fi it shows the iPod as available but I get 'ipod touch could not be found on the network'. I have tried resetting, I've reverted to factorsettings etc... no fix though.


I can sync by cable - but that also has intermittent issues.


In fact when I updated to iOS 6.1 by cable it fell over again and I had to do a full restore on my Ipod. I have only had this issue since upgrading to iOS 6.


Any one have any ideas?

Jun 30, 2013 9:30 PM in response to codjh9

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I have the exact same problem, here is the error message above. I have rebooted my computer and iPod a thousand times. I have the latest firmware and latest iTunes. I even bought a brand new iPod when this started happening, because I thought my ipod was the problem, but I get the same message with my brand new one out of the box. Please, if anyone knows what else I should try I'd really like any suggestions.

Nov 19, 2014 3:55 PM in response to codjh9

try restoring your computer/laptop to a previous update point - I had the same issue and thought it was itunes problem but them my usb would not connect then my phone and realised it was not itunes but my computer after an update there was corrupt files and lost drivers so after spending time sending my info from the usb stick etc to my one drive on a friends computer i decided to try and restore my computer. it worked and now itunes works with my phone and ipod and usb ports work this time it wasn't itunes but microsoft updates

Apr 5, 2016 6:18 PM in response to codjh9

This worked for me.


Close iTunes if it's running. Disconnect your iPod.

Run "devmgmt.msc". this will bring up "device manager." You'll need it open.

Open iTunes. Plug in your iPod.

When it's recognized, select/check "enable disk use." Dialogue box will open to remind you you'll have to manually disconnect. Say "ok."

Select "apply".

Right click on the Apple device in device manager (might work to click on anything, but look for the apple device).

Select "search for hardware changes."

When finished. iPod should function normally and sync.

You can switch back to uncheck "enable disk use" and apply if desired.

the ipod cannot be synced because it cannot be found

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