I Can't Sync My iPod With iTunes

Fix connectivity issues with your mobile devices

By
Mark Harris
Mark Harris
Writer
  • University of Wolverhampton
Mark Harris is a former writer for Lifewire who wrote about the digital music scene and streaming music services in an easy to understand, no-nonsense manner.
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Updated on July 23, 2021

When syncing your iPod, iPhone, or iPad with iTunes on a computer running Windows 10, you might encounter an error like:

iTunes could not connect to the iPhone because an unknown error occurred (0xE8000065).

One of these four solutions should resolve the error.

Upgrade iTunes

Using an out-of-date iTunes version can occasionally cause iPod, iPhone and iPad sync problems. Upgrade to the latest iTunes version, restart Windows, and then try to synchronize again.

While you're at it, verify that you have Windows fully patched by checking Windows Update for any pending software installations.

Check Your Firewall

Security software settings can be too restrictive and block programs that need system resources. To check if your firewall is the cause, temporarily disable it and try to sync your Apple device. Reconfigure your firewall settings if this was the problem.

Some corporate networks block the specific ports that iTunes uses to connect to Apple. Check with your system administrator or company help desk if you must sync a company-sponsored Apple device with iTunes while on a business network.

Verify Driver Integrity

Check if the Apple Mobile Device USB driver is working in Device Manager.

This process uninstalls your Apple device driver and then reinstalls it. This driver governs the hardware that supports the connection; it's different from the iTunes software.

  1. To view Device Manager, press Win+R. Type devmgmt.msc in the Run box, and press Enter or select OK.

    Run menu in Windows 10

  2. Expand the Universal Serial Bus Devices section by clicking the icon next to it.

    USB Settings in Device Manager

  3. If the Apple Mobile Device USB Composite Device driver has an error symbol next to it, right-click it and choose Uninstall Device.

    Uninstall Device option in Windows 10

  4. Click the Action menu tab at the top of the screen and select Scan for Hardware Changes.

    Device Manager Action menu showing Scan for hardware changes

Adjust Power-Management Options

You can also adjust the USB power management option. While still in Device Manager:

  1. Expand the Universal Serial Bus Controllers section.

    USB Controllers in Device Manager

  2. Double-click the first USB Root Hub entry in the list.

    USB Root in Device Manager

  3. Click the Power Management tab.

    USB Root in Device Manager Power Management tab

  4. Clear the box next to the Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power option.

    Power Management tab in USB Root

  5. Click OK.

    Power Management tab in USB Root

  6. Follow steps 1 and 2 until you've configured all the USB Root Hub entries.

  7. Restart Windows and try to sync your Apple device again.

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