Why is my sync library not working?
What is a Sync Library?
A sync library allows you to access your personal music library across all of your devices. When you enable sync library in the Apple Music app, it will upload the songs and playlists from your local music library to iCloud. This synced music library can then be streamed or downloaded to any device where you are signed in with the same Apple ID that has sync library enabled [1].
The main purpose of sync library is convenience – it gives you access to your full music collection on any device, while saving you from manually transferring files back and forth. For example, any new music you add on your iPhone will automatically become available on your MacBook or iPad as well. Sync library keeps everything in sync through iCloud [2].
The key benefits of sync library include:
- Access to your personal music library on all devices
- Automatic syncing of new additions across devices
- Ability to download songs for offline listening
- Saves manual file transfer effort
Common Sync Library Issues
Syncing an Apple Music or iTunes library across multiple devices can run into various issues that prevent files and changes from syncing properly. Some common sync library problems include:
Files Not Syncing Properly
If some songs or albums are missing from your library on a particular device, this is likely a sync issue. Your music library may show different content on an iPhone versus a Mac, for example, if syncing is not working right. Ensure you have Sync Library enabled in Music settings on all devices signed into the same Apple ID [1]. If needed, turn sync on and off to trigger a fresh sync. Songs purchased on one device take time to download and sync across the others, so allow time for propagation.
Changes Not Syncing Across Devices
Any changes you make to your Apple Music or iTunes library, like adding, deleting, or editing songs, should automatically sync across your devices. If edits to playlists, ratings, play counts, etc. are not showing up everywhere, try restarting your devices and reauthorizing computers to sync again. Allow sufficient time for pending changes to propagate.
Sync Conflicts
If you edit the same music library item differently on two devices before they have synced, this can create a sync conflict. The most recently changed version will sync, causing the other edit to be overwritten. To avoid this, allow time between edits and let devices fully sync before making additional changes.
Links Not Working
Music you’ve added from outside sources like CDs may show up with ! marks and broken links if the original files are moved or deleted. To fix broken links, locate the original files again or delete and re-add any affected items [2]. You may need to rebuild your music library from scratch in some cases.
Corrupted Data
One common issue that can cause sync problems is corrupted data in the library. This typically occurs when files become damaged during the sync process. There are a few ways corrupted data can happen:
Downloading interrupted sync – If the sync gets interrupted due to internet connectivity issues, files may become partially downloaded or damaged. This will cause sync errors going forward.1
Storage issues – Problems with the storage device itself, like bad sectors, can also cause file corruption.2
To identify corrupted files, you may see error messages about “damaged” files or files that failed to sync properly. The files may show up with ! marks or not play correctly. Checking the error logs can also help pinpoint problem files.
Solutions include removing and re-downloading damaged files, or doing a full resync of the library. For persistent issues, you may need to contact support or reformat storage devices.
Insufficient Storage Space
One common cause of sync issues is not having enough available storage space on your devices. The sync process requires free space to transfer and save files. If your device is low on storage, you may see errors like “Not enough space to sync” or “The iPad/iPhone cannot be synced because there is not enough space.”
To fix this, you need to free up storage capacity. Try deleting unused apps, messages, photos, videos, and music to clear space. You can also manage your iCloud storage if you are syncing between devices. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > Manage Storage to see your usage and free up space. Finally, you may need to purchase additional storage if your usage exceeds device capacity – upgrading to a larger device or purchasing iCloud storage are options.
Having enough available storage is key for sync to work properly. Keep an eye on your storage levels and take action if you start to run low. With enough free space, you should be able to resume normal sync operations.
Software Bugs
Buggy sync software can sometimes disrupt the syncing process and cause sync errors. Software bugs may prevent files and data from properly syncing between devices (source). Some common sync software bugs include memory leaks, crashes, freezes, and interruptions during the sync process.
To resolve software bugs, first try updating your sync apps and software to the latest version. This may require updating your operating system as well. Reinstalling the sync app can also help clear out any corrupted files or settings. If the issues persist after updating and reinstalling, it’s best to report the bug to the software developer. Make sure to include details about when the problem occurs and the error messages you see. Reporting bugs is important for helping improve the sync software over time.
Internet Connectivity Issues
Syncing your music library requires a stable internet connection. If you are experiencing intermittent connectivity or slow speeds, this can disrupt the syncing process. Here are some tips for troubleshooting internet connectivity issues with Sync Library:
Check that your home WiFi network is working correctly. Try disconnecting and reconnecting, resetting your router, or contacting your internet service provider if you are having network problems. Sync needs consistent access to perform properly.
If using mobile data, check that you have a strong 4G/5G cellular signal, or connect to a WiFi network to sync. Mobile data connections can be prone to coverage gaps that disrupt Sync Library.
Enable Sync Library’s offline mode in Settings. This allows your library to sync when internet access is not available. The files will sync to your device once it regains connectivity.
Restrict background app refresh and turn on Low Data Mode to optimize your data usage for Sync Library. This prevents large downloads from interrupting the sync process.
Use WiFi Assist to automatically switch to cellular data if your WiFi has a weak signal. This helps maintain a consistent connection.
Check for any software updates for Sync Library which may improve performance and connectivity.
Account Login Problems
One of the most common issues with sync libraries is not being properly logged into the account associated with the library. Sync requires being logged into your account to work properly across devices. If you are unable to log into the account that hosts the sync library, this will prevent sync from functioning.
There are a few things you can try to resolve account login issues:
- Reset your account password if you have forgotten it or it is not being accepted. Use the password reset process for whatever service hosts your sync library account.
- Ensure you are using the proper login credentials. Double check your username/email and password are correct.
- Check for account access issues or blocks. Your access may have been temporarily disabled or revoked, preventing login. Contact the service provider for assistance.
Getting logged back into the account that hosts your sync library is crucial for getting sync functioning again across your devices. Focus on resetting credentials or contacting support to regain proper account access.
Incorrect Sync Settings
One common cause of sync issues is having incorrect settings configured for syncing files and folders. The sync settings determine which files and folders get synced across devices. If the wrong folders are selected, it can lead to missing files and a broken sync experience.
To troubleshoot, open the sync app and carefully review which folders are enabled for syncing. Make sure this matches what you expect to be synced across devices. For example, in Google Drive go to Settings > Manage Apps and ensure the correct folders are checked for syncing. In iCloud, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud and check the app data sync options.
Additionally, check the bandwidth usage limits set for syncing. If too restrictive, sync will be throttled and large files/folders may fail to complete the transfer. You may need to adjust the usage higher or sync over WiFi to resolve.1
Carefully reviewing and adjusting the sync settings can help identify and resolve problems caused by incorrect configuration.
Resetting and Reauthorizing Sync
For persistent issues with sync not working properly, resetting the sync connection can help. According to the Western University library (https://westernu.libanswers.com/faq/342497), you can reset the sync connection in EndNote by going to Edit > Preferences > Sync and disabling automatic syncing. Then restart EndNote. You’ll also want to make sure the Trash is empty in both EndNote online and desktop before resetting sync (James Cook University, https://libguides.jcu.edu.au/endnote/resetsync).
To reset the sync connection on an iPhone, you’ll need to turn off iCloud Music Library, restart your device, and turn iCloud Music Library back on. This will redownload your library and reestablish the sync connection (Apple, https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204406).
After resetting the sync, you may need to reauthorize devices or apps to regain access to the synced library. Carefully follow any prompts to log back in to reestablish sync access. If issues persist, contact customer support for additional troubleshooting.
When to Contact Support
If you’ve tried the basic troubleshooting steps without success, it may be time to contact support. Here are some signs that expert assistance is needed:
Getting persistent error messages like “Sync is experiencing problems” or “Server error” likely indicates an issue on the service provider side that requires investigation. Repeatedly seeing errors mentioning the server or service point to a systemic problem beyond local troubleshooting.
Inability to access or login to the account connected to the sync service is also a reason to reach out. If your credentials are correct but the service refuses connections, account access help is needed. This could be due to a security issue or service outage.
In general, if you’ve worked through all the recommended self-fixes like resetting sync and reauthorizing devices without resolving the problem, expert support is the next step. Support agents can access diagnostic tools and server-side information to pinpoint the cause.
For mobile device sync issues, contact the device manufacturer or mobile carrier support. For problems with Google Account syncing, visit Google’s sync troubleshooter at https://support.google.com/android/answer/9455149?hl=en. For Windows and OneDrive sync help, contact Microsoft Support at https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/all/contact-support-for-sync-issues/52959880-ea7c-495e-b875-74476fd728d1.