Fix “iTunes Could Not Restore iPhone Because Backup Session Failed”

You are not alone to get such “iPhone backup session failed” error when using iTunes. There are lots of complaints from discussions.apple.com about this iTunes backup errors. Even tried all the methods provided by Apple could not get this issue fixed. Here we will give the possible reasons and tell the effective methods to you.

Possible reasons for "iTunes could not backup the iPhone because the backup session failed" issue?

The reason can be concluded as:

1. iTunes is corrupted for some reason or some configure files are missing.
2. Something happened to your device and computer.
3. Some antivirus software on your computer has interrupted the process.
4. There may be a conflict between the name of your old backup files and the new backup.

After we have known the possible reasons for this issue, now let's find the solutions for it.

5 Effective Solutions to Fix iTunes Backup Session Failed

There are several useful things you can do to fix iTunes backup session failed messages. But we tested many times and found that the most major reason for this issue is the problem with iTunes itself. So, we will recommend the most workable solution for you.

1 Take the Most Workable Way - with iTunes Repair Expert

Tips to manually fix “iTunes backup session failed” are not 100% effective and takes much time. You don’t need to stress yourself though. Instead, you can take advantages of the easy-to-use iTunes repairer, iMyFone TunesFix.

You can simply rely on iMyFone TunesFix to solve all your iTunes issues. iTunes data and backups are protected when repairing. You don’t need to worry about any data loss.

Simple Guide to Fix “iTunes Backup Session Failed”

Step 1: Launch iMyFone TunesFix and it will automatically detect your iTunes and components. If your iTunes isn’t complete, it will allow you to repair the components issues.

Step 2: Or you will be brought to the homepage. Select the repair mode. In this case, choose “Repair Backup/Restore Errors”.

• Or choose "Repair iTunes Connect Issues" to solve "iTunes could not connect because invalid response", "... the value is missing", "Error 0xE", "iPhone not showing on iTunes", etc.
• Or choose "Fix iTunes Install/Update Issues" to repair "iTunes/iTunesHelper was not installed correctly", "Installer has insufficient privileges", "Windows Installer Errors", error 2, error 126, error 1305, etc.
• Or choose "Fix Other iTunes Problems" to solve any other unkwown errors or issues.

Step 3: Click on “Repair” to start the process. It will help to fix the backup session failed.

2 Restart Computer and iPhone/iPad

If you are getting iTunes backup session failed messages, it is likely that the problem is coming from either your Apple device or your PC. So the first thing you can try is to restart your PC and Apple devices.

Make sure that you have disconnected your Apple device from your PC before restarting. Once both devices are restarted, you can then reconnect them. The error should be solved and you can try the backup again.

3 Check Windows Security Settings

It is possible that your antivirus software is the cause of your iTunes backup session failed error. Your antivirus may view some of the processes involved in the backup as a threat and stop them from working.

If this is the case, you would need to temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall programs and try the backup again. If this doesn’t resolve the error, you can try the next tip.

4 Rename Old Backup Files

There may be a conflict between the name of your old backup files and the new backup. If this is the case, you can resolve the conflict by renaming your old backup files. You don’t have to rename the entire file though; you can just add something to show it is an old backup.

Depending on your operating system, you can find your old backup files at the following locations:

• Mac OS: “~/Library/ApplicationSupport/MobileSync/Backup/”
• Windows 10/8: “\Users\USERNAME\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup”
• Windows 7: “C:\Users\user\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup”

Or Remove Old iOS Backups to Avoid Conflicts

iMyFone TunesFix also works as an iTunes cleaner which allows you to preview and remove unwanted iOS backups from iTunes. If you need, it also allows you to delete iOS backups secretly created by third-party software, which would save you huge space and boost PC performance.

Steps to Delete Old iOS Backups Selectively in Bulk

1. Run iMyFone TunesFix.
2. Choose “Quick Clean” from the home interface. Let it scan.
3. If you want to thoroughly delete all old iOS backups from PC (instead of just iTunes backups), choose “Deep Clean”.
4. Preview and select the unwanted backups. Click on “Clean” to let it clear the backups.

5 Use Alternative Way to Backup iPhone via iCloud - Not Recommended

Rather than backup your Apple device with iTunes, you can use other means of doing the backup. One option you can utilize is iCloud. You can do this in the following steps:

• Step 1: Connect your device to a Wi-Fi network.
• Step 2: Go to “Settings” then tap “iCloud”.
• Step 3: Tap “iCloud Backup”. If you’re using iOS 10.2 or earlier, tap “Backup”. Make sure that iCloud Backup is turned on.
• Step 4: Tap “Back Up Now”. Make sure to stay connected to your Wi-Fi network until the process completes.

This option is not a good way if you’re having problems with your iTunes backup. The most important is to fix the iTunes issue completely.

Write in the End

From the above 5 solutions, the most effective way is to use a iTunes repair tool to solve the issue thoroughly. Just like iMyFone TunesFix, it can solve over 90% iTunes errors and issues. It's a comprehensive iTunes maintenance tool.