iphone sync stuck at "preparing to copy items"

I'm trying to backup my iPhone 6 to my MacBook Pro (2014) and it keep sticking at the final step and says "preparing to copy items". I tried syncing with another MacBook Pro (2012) and got the same result. I successfully synced an iPhone 5 without any problems. The software on all devices is up to date.

In addition, I changed the setting in iTunes so that the iPhone would not sync automatically. Despite this being the case, iTunes open and begins syncing each time I connect it to the MacBook. I confirmed the settings were set to prevent automatic sync. I also cannot stop the sync by clicking the "X" to stop it. I have to quit iTunes completely.

Posted on Apr 2, 2017 2:45 PM

Top-ranking reply

Dotard

Level 1

16 points

Posted on Sep 25, 2017 5:05 PM

Problem: Itunes won't complete a sync with iphone / ipad, and is stuck on "preparing to copy items" indefinitely.

The fix is ridiculously fast and easy:

Go to your PHONE / IPAD, click settings, general, itunes wi-fi sync, click sync now.

Now go to itunes and sync, and it works as intended!

Hope this helps someone - like the people at Apple Support who had no clue how to resolve this.

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20 replies

TomRep

Level 1

4 points

May 13, 2017 12:04 AM in response to Bartman27p229

Make sure that iTunes is not scheduled to make an Encrypted iPhone backup.

Ottoand

Level 1

4 points

Jun 28, 2017 3:52 AM in response to jchoneycutt

Thanx. Helped me out 🙂

Jul 1, 2017 2:20 PM in response to jchoneycutt

also helped me - thanks!

Jul 5, 2017 3:36 AM in response to jchoneycutt

Thanks a lot! Helped!

sawiga

Level 1

4 points

Aug 5, 2017 10:15 AM in response to jchoneycutt

Helped me out also! THX!🙂

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iphone sync stuck at "preparing to copy items"