How to fix an unknown error occurred (50) on iTunes

Before trying the other solutions, the first option you should consider is restarting your device. By restarting it, you will restart all the tasks running in the background, as well as the modules on your device (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, and more). Once you restart your device, connect it to your computer and try again.

Note: If restarting your device didn't work, try restarting the computer. You may also "power-cycle" it, i.e. remove it from the power strip.

Maybe you get the error code -50 because the iTunes version you have installed in your computer is out of date. In this case, all you need to do is to update it, either via iTunes itself, or by downloading the latest version from Apple's website.

To check if your iTunes version is up-to-date (and to update it, if it is not), follow the below-mentioned steps:

1. Open iTunes;
2. Click on Help and select Check for Updates;
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.
   
   

   
   
   

In order for iTunes to work, it needs the assistance of files. If at least one of those files sustained damage of any sort (e.g. was deleted, renamed, infected by a virus), iTunes would be unable to use it, and iTunes errors can occur. If none of the other solutions worked, the only way to fix this error is to reinstall iTunes. By uninstalling it and then downloading and installing the latest version, the files will be restored to their original and clean state.

In order for the USB cable to link your iOS device and your computer, the gold plates of the computer's USB port should touch the gold plates of the USB port of the lightning cable, and, on the other side, the gold plates of the lightning port should touch the gold plates of the lightning cable.

It is possible that poor connection between the computer and the iOS device is responsible for this error message. Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable on both ends and then try again.

Note: Aside from checking how firm the connection is, make sure to clean the ports of your computer and iOS device. If at least one of them is clogged by dust lumps, the link won't be established. You can clean the ports gently, with a toothpick.

The registry can be compared to a library of book. The content of the books are instructions for software to follow. Maybe junk files and/or some registry files associated to iTunes got corrupted, and are responsible for this error message. Cleaning the registry and junk files is an effective method to fix this issue.

Cleaning the registry files can be dangerous, which is why the best option for you is to install a registry cleaner, which will do all the work. Registry cleaning software you can install are CCleaner, Advanced SystemCare among many more available out there.

Discover more solutions to optimize your computer, in the computer is slow guide.

It is possible that your Internet connection is the reason for the unknown error -50. When you want to update/upgrade your device and do almost every operation in iTunes, you will need a stable Internet connection, as iTunes needs to connect to the Apple servers to fetch the latest content library. Tips to improve the Internet connection include:

• Buy a signal booster;
• Buy a stronger router;
• Move the router closer to your computer;
• Subscribe to a better plan;
• and more.
  
  

To troubleshoot and fix problems related to Internet connection, check out the no Internet connection or slow Internet guides.

The USB port is far more complex than it seems. What we see and use is the outlet only. The process of recognition of what was plugged in inside, as well as processes of copying files, and exchanging information are done elsewhere, on the motherboard. Maybe there is something wrong with the computer's USB port, and not with your iOS device, which is causing iTunes error -50.

Connect your device to another USB port (if you use a desktop computer, connect it to the USB ports on the back of the computer) and then try again.

Note: If you use a USB hub, plug the lightning cable directly in one of the computer's USB ports.

The lightning cable consists of a couple of thin wires, each of them serving a specific purpose. If at least one of them is cut, due to improper use, then the lightning cable becomes useless.

Consider replacing the USB cable, if you tried all the solutions, but none of them worked, and you have ensured that your iOS device and computer function properly.

Maybe a virus made changes to your computer's operating system and caused the unknown error -50. Scanning for and removing the viruses should be all you need to do, in order to fix the issue. Removing the viruses doesn't mean that your computer will be protected forever. The virus creators find more and more ways to steal your data. The best way to protect yourself, aside from having an antivirus installed is to:

• Update the antivirus software regularly;
• Update the operating system;
• Update computer programs;
• Don't install programs from other websites than the one of the developers;
• Don't open every email, especially emails in the Spam folder.
  
  

To learn how to protect your computer against viruses, check out the computer virus protection guide.

Software is in a state of constant and rapid evolution, and the development practices can become outdated easily. If the programs have processes your operating system can't handle well, errors can occur.

Make sure to install the latest system updates as soon as they are released by the operating system team. By updating your computer's operating system, you will ensure that all the latest updates are installed in your computer, as well as all the bugs in the previous version are resolved.

To learn how to update the operating system, check out the don't know how to update my device's operating system guide.

Consider contacting Apple's support team if you get the an unknown error occured (-50) error message. They will help you diagnose and fix the issue.

You can contact them online, on getsupport.apple.

Maybe the lighting port of your iOS device is damaged, or, in rare cases the motherboard itself. In this case, there is nothing you can do, unless you have the necessary skills and equipment. If you tried everything else to fix the iTunes error 50, but nothing worked, consider taking your device to a repair shop to have it repaired.

If your device's charging port has accumulated dirt, your device won't be able to recognise the USB cable, and a good connection between your computer and device won't be established. Before you clean the charging port, turn your device off. Then, grab a needle or a thin toothpick and gently put it inside the charging port and collect as much dirt as possible. After that, take a small piece of cotton and put a very small quantity of isopropyl alcohol on it and clean the charging port.

After the charging port is fully dried (after a few minutes), try again.

Note: Watch the video that follows to see how to clean the charging port.

If the SIM card is dirty, your device won't be able to read it. Take a clean piece of cloth and pour some isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Then, clean the SIM card from the side of the chip (the "gold" part), gently.

Note: You may even try to remove the SIM card and try syncing iTunes without the SIM card installed.

Maybe the current firewall and antivirus settings are causing this issue. As a test, try disabling them and check if you still get the error message. If you don't get the same error, access the firewall and the antivirus settings and see how they are configured.

To disable the Windows Firewall:

To enable the Windows Firewall: