How to Fix iTunes Could Not Backup the iPhone Because the iPhone Disconnected

Apple users regularly make backup of their iPhone iPad iPod manually using iTunes on Windows PC or Mac. The backup process should be easy and smooth, but sometimes there may pop up an error window that says: “iTunes could not back up the iPhone because the iPhone disconnected.” This basically means that the backup stopped or failed due to some unexpected errors. Recently, many users meet this annoying problem when they try to backup the device before updating to iOS 11.

Also Read: How to Solve iTunes Invalid Response Error >

There are some potential solutions to fix the “iPhone disconnected error” when backing up to iTunes, and keep reading to try them one by one.

Before we start, make sure that:

You have connected your iPhone to your computer.

You are using the original Apple USB cable.

You did not jailbreak your iPhone.

Fix iTunes Could Not Backup the iPhone Because the iPhone Disconnected

1. Try a different USB cable.

2. Reset the network settings on the iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset Network Settings. Then try backing up again.

3. Try booting your Mac into SAFE MODE: Restart your Mac and then immediately press and hold the Shift key. When the white Apple logo appears on your display, release the shift key when you see the login window.

4. Delete the Lockdown folder and reboot your iPhone and your computer.

5. Delete the current iTunes backup: iTunes > Preferences > Devices.

6. Rename the old backup folder. Locate your backup file here.

7. Turn on Airplane mode when backing up your iPhone with iTunes.

8. Backup your iDevice with an iTunes alternative like AnyTrans.

iTunes Alternative to Backup iDevice – AnyTrans

AnyTrans is an iOS File Manager that works on PC/Mac, and it is designed for all iPhone, iPad and iPod users (including the latest iPhone 8/X as well as iOS 11). It allows you to backup iDevice to computer selectively like photos, videos, music, messages, notes, contacts, etc. You can also make an iTunes backup or extract files in iTunes backup with AnyTrans. Download it to have a try >

You can backup iPhone to computer or iTunes: Open AnyTrans and connect with your iPhone > Choose Device Manager option > Click the Content to PC/Mac or Content to iTunes button > Choose files you want to backup > Click the start transfer button.

You can also view iTunes backups on your computer with AnyTrans, and click the backup button at the top right to make an iTunes backup.

To manage and backup iOS data selectively, you just need to go to the window as below, and choose a file type to manage.

The Bottom Line

That’s all for how to fix “iTunes could not back up the iPhone because the iPhone disconnected.” error. In addition, if you are tired of using iTunes to manage your device, then just have a try on AnyTrans.