User profile for user: howardfromlafayette
howardfromlafayette Author
User level: Level 1
92 points

Synchronizing my iPad is stuck

I have been having trouble synchronizing my iPad (16.3) (5th generation air) to my M1 iMac (13.2) for a few days.  It always gets stuck in “Syncing Artwork (Step 4 of 4) - Waiting for items to copy”. Most of the “solutions” I have found on the Internet talk about iTunes.


I have rebooted both machines several times.  From Finder, I have tried unchecking various synchronizations such as “Books” and “TV Shows”.  Photos and music use iCloud.  

After unchecking them and killing Finder or rebooting, Finder shows them still checked as it is stuck syncing still.


I uninstalled and reinstalled “Books” and “Nook”.


I have switched cables & ports to my iPad.


Any other suggestions?

iMac 24″, macOS 13.2

Posted on Feb 1, 2023 1:52 PM

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User profile for user: faith185
faith185
User level: Community Specialist

Posted on Feb 4, 2023 9:46 AM

Hi howardfromlafayette,


Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. You've tried some great troubleshooting steps so far. Since this seems to happen with every type of content, perhaps there is some setting in place that is preventing a connection such as restrictions. Is your iPad managed by school or work? Have you been able to sync it previously? You might also test another iOS/iPadOS device with your Mac to see if this is isolated to your iPad.


As far as restrictions, check to see if you have any Screen Time restrictions set on your iPad. The following guidance from Set up Screen Time for yourself on iPad can help.


"Set content and privacy restrictions

You can block inappropriate content and set restrictions for iTunes Store and App Store purchases.

  1. Go to Settings > Screen Time, then turn on Screen Time if you haven’t already.
  2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions, then tap options to set content allowances for iTunes Store and App Store purchases, app use, content ratings, and so on.
  3. You can also set a passcode that’s required before changing settings.
  4. Select options to set content allowances for iTunes Store and App Store purchases, app use, content ratings, and more."


All the best.

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User profile for user: faith185
faith185
User level: Community Specialist

Feb 4, 2023 9:46 AM in response to howardfromlafayette

Hi howardfromlafayette,


Thanks for using Apple Support Communities. You've tried some great troubleshooting steps so far. Since this seems to happen with every type of content, perhaps there is some setting in place that is preventing a connection such as restrictions. Is your iPad managed by school or work? Have you been able to sync it previously? You might also test another iOS/iPadOS device with your Mac to see if this is isolated to your iPad.


As far as restrictions, check to see if you have any Screen Time restrictions set on your iPad. The following guidance from Set up Screen Time for yourself on iPad can help.


"Set content and privacy restrictions

You can block inappropriate content and set restrictions for iTunes Store and App Store purchases.

  1. Go to Settings > Screen Time, then turn on Screen Time if you haven’t already.
  2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions, then tap options to set content allowances for iTunes Store and App Store purchases, app use, content ratings, and so on.
  3. You can also set a passcode that’s required before changing settings.
  4. Select options to set content allowances for iTunes Store and App Store purchases, app use, content ratings, and more."


All the best.

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Synchronizing my iPad is stuck

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