Unable to sync my iPhone to iMac with error "The iPhone “xxx” cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred (1148)"

Whenever I try to sync my phone and my iMac I get "The iPhone “xxx” cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred (1148).


However, music that I'm syncing from desktop to phone works fine.


I can't find anyone else who has this error, or any mention of it on the internet...



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPhone 14 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on May 26, 2025 3:35 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 26, 2025 9:04 AM

Since music is syncing just fine, to me that suggests the basic sync connection (via USB or Wi-Fi) and iTunes/Finder communication is working normally. Error 1148 could be tied to syncing non-music content, like photos, contacts, calendars, books, or files via Finder. It’s possible that something in one of these sync groups is causing a failure—especially if, say, Photos is trying to sync with an unreadable library or the device doesn’t have permission to access certain data.


I suggest that you try booting up your Mac in Safe Mode, and while in that mode, try syncing again.


Ref: Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 26, 2025 9:04 AM in response to MrFlay

Since music is syncing just fine, to me that suggests the basic sync connection (via USB or Wi-Fi) and iTunes/Finder communication is working normally. Error 1148 could be tied to syncing non-music content, like photos, contacts, calendars, books, or files via Finder. It’s possible that something in one of these sync groups is causing a failure—especially if, say, Photos is trying to sync with an unreadable library or the device doesn’t have permission to access certain data.


I suggest that you try booting up your Mac in Safe Mode, and while in that mode, try syncing again.


Ref: Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

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Unable to sync my iPhone to iMac with error "The iPhone “xxx” cannot be synced. An unknown error occurred (1148)"

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