Since upgrading to the iPod 2.0 firmware and beginning to install Apps from the App Store synching on my iPod Touch has gotten slower and slower. The performance was so bad I was setting off a sync and going to bed !
There had to be something wrong and looking around the forums I found a number of others reporting similar problems but none of the suggested solutions appeared to work. These ranged from removing all the installed apps, then reinstalling one by one to a range of what appeared to be mumbo jumbo approaches. Suffice to say I either didn’t try them or they didn’t work. Then the other night I noticed one comment in a thread ( which I can’t now recall ) that mentioned USB hubs possibly being at fault.
Now my iPod is normally plugged into a Belkin USB hub which has always worked fine so I really didn’t see this being a solution, but as the proposed solution ( plugging direct into my iMac USB ports ) was not a major effort I thought I would try it. Revelation ! Sync completed in about 5 minutes….
Now quite why this should fix the problem I am not clear but solve it it certainly did. If you are having problems with iPod Touch/iPhone synching performance, try this ( if you are using an external USB hub ). If it fixes your problems I would love to know.
Cheers
#1 by robert on September 4, 2008 - 7:29 pm
Any chance a USB1.1 only device was plugged into the hub, thereby not using USB2 speeds for any device on the hub?
#2 by John S on September 4, 2008 - 7:35 pm
Nice tip, but it may only apply to Macs.
I’ve had horrendous sync and backup times with my iPhone and I’ve always directly connected it to my Windows laptop. So on my set-up, at least, something else is causing the problem.
#3 by Tino on September 4, 2008 - 7:40 pm
I have had different problems in the past — failing syncs, random errors, etc. — when plugging my iPhone into the hub in my (Apple) monitor. In my case, though, when plugged into the computer directly I still gat 40-minute backups.
#4 by Matt Simpson on September 4, 2008 - 7:53 pm
I plug my iPhone 3G directly into my MacBook Pro and it’s slow as molasses in January every time. The biggest culprit seems to be the backup, but there doesn’t seem to be a n easy way to make it backup once a day or anything, seems to be all or nothing at all.
Grr.
#5 by Daniel Tucker on September 4, 2008 - 7:54 pm
Does switching the hub to a different usb port get the same results?
Does syncing via the belkin go just as slow as before now or is it fast again?
The reason I ask is your description reminds me of how Windows will drop down drive modes down to PIO silently if it gets transmission errors. Often this is caused by a scratched cd or something, and perhaps in your case OS-X is doing something similar.
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#6 by Avery on September 4, 2008 - 7:55 pm
I always wondered why it took some people so long to sync (such as the 8 hour video). I thought maybe it was the first gen iphones upgraded to the software 2.0. My iphone 3G has always synced in only a few minutes, and I have about 9GB of stuff on it.
#7 by Steve Paris on September 4, 2008 - 7:58 pm
Unfortunately, I’ve always connected my iPod touch directly to my Mac and I’ve always suffered from glacial speeds.
I use a MacBook Pro and my wife uses a MacBook – we both have to wait for EVER for our respective iPod touches to backup.
Is is a laptop problem? (for instance, connecting an AVCHD camera via USB to a laptop takes about 30 minutes before I can see any footage in iMovie or Final Cut Express’ Log and Transfer window, but the process takes less than 2 minutes when I hook it up to an iMac).
#8 by Aaron Gyes on September 4, 2008 - 8:11 pm
This is the obvious stupid question, but it wasn’t an ancient USB 1.1 hub was it?
#9 by david on September 4, 2008 - 8:11 pm
I speculated about this at Apple’s web site last winter but gone only a few, you must be wrong replies. Interestingly, in my testing I discovered that a USB 2 hub with nothing but the iPhone plugged in resulted in a significantly slower sync – if the sync didn’t occur very soon after a reboot. This leaves to wonder if there is some sort of a bus buffer issue involved.
#10 by Snap on September 4, 2008 - 8:15 pm
This isn’t a “fix”. It may work for you and Gruber but it won’t work for everyone. I have 2 hour syncs when it’s “backing up”. I don’t believe in USB hubs so I don’t use them. I’m plugged directly into a USB 2.0 port on a MacBook Pro. Still 2 hours.
Solution? Disable backing up all together and do it on demand from the right click menu on the iPhone.
http://www.zerologic.com/site/page/pg4047-as132-pn_Disable_iTunes_iPhone_backup_updated_for_iTunes_7_7_1.html
#11 by D'Arcy Norman on September 4, 2008 - 8:18 pm
I plug directly into my MacBookPro, and it takes over an hour each time. Most of it on “Backup up iPod Touch…” Fracking annoying.
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#12 by Bradley Dichter on September 4, 2008 - 8:48 pm
USB hubs introduce a latency which could mess up a timed response. Maybe iTunes is trying to send too fast and not waiting long enough for an acknowledgement. Also the USB 2.0 will be slowed down by USB 1.1 devices. Try as an experiment, plugging the iPhone into the USB 2.0 hub as the only device and see how that goes, and assuming it’s fine then, add one more USB 2.0 spec device and sync again and see what happens. It may be fine until you add USB 1.1 devices.
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#13 by Bryan Law on September 4, 2008 - 8:52 pm
OH MY GOD……. I’ve been having the same problem. I too, was docking my iPod touch, and going to bed. I use a Belkin TuneSync hub with an integrated iPod dock, the same dock I’ve used for various iPods (and one iPhone) through the last couple of years. Never had a problem until firmware 2.0, in which I’ve had syncs (particularly the backup portion) that take at least half an hour.
Well, I had never even used the dock cable that came with my touch, so I pulled out the box, connected direction to my MacBook Pro’s USB port, and lo and behold, it was done in less than five minutes. Wow. Thanks for cluing me into a stupidly simple solution to the problem. I can’t believe that I hadn’t tried this already!
#14 by Sean on September 4, 2008 - 9:04 pm
If this fixes it for some people, that’s great. The problem from my perspective is that the sync speed is so widely variable that it’s very hard to pin it on any one thing until you’ve tried the solution for a long time. I’ve had syncs go extremely fast many times in a row, and I’ve had syncs take longer than three hours. So until you’ve been using the hubless setup for some time, I wouldn’t be too confident that it’s fixed.
FWIW, my multi-hour syncs have all been without a hub…
#15 by Darren Collins on September 4, 2008 - 9:09 pm
Have you reported your findings and setup details to Apple so they can fix this? (If Apple can’t “fix” this they could at least tell the user their setup is going to make the sync go very slow).
#16 by William Macdonald on September 4, 2008 - 9:26 pm
What sort of usb hub do you have ?
This can make a big difference.
If possible try a Belkin Tetrahub. http://www.belkin.com/support/product/?lid=en&pid=F5U231&scid=1
This is practically the ONLY USB hub on the market that has multiple TTs. Most USB hubs have one TT. Having multiple TTs ensure you get full speed to all USB connections.
William
http://www.belkin.com/pressroom/releases/uploads/2_9_04tetrahub.html
http://www.everythingusb.com/hardware/index/Belkin_TetraHub_Hi-Speed_USB_2.0_4-Port_Hub.htm
#17 by Fred on September 4, 2008 - 9:31 pm
Thanks. I might be having the same problem. In my initial set up I had it plugged directly in. But then I wanted the iPhone to be charging when my computer was off, so plugged iPhone into Belkin hub and have noticed slow syncs. Will change back and see what happens.
I haven’t tracked this carefully, so can’t be sure. On a 3G purchased last week.
#18 by Bryan J Swift on September 4, 2008 - 9:45 pm
I’ve had similar slow problems syncing my first generation iPhone with the new software but I always plug mine directly into my Mac Book Pro. Does the MBP by any chance use some time of USB hub in it’s internals in order to provide the number of ports it does? I’m not sure but I’ve always had slowness. I’ll try some of the other ports and see if I get different results in a specific port.. who knows it could happen.
#19 by cirby on September 4, 2008 - 9:49 pm
I use a Belkin hub, and my iPhone sync (with backup) doesn’t take that long.
Are you running yours powered or unpowered?
#20 by Charles Eicher on September 4, 2008 - 10:24 pm
I had some odd hub-related problems myself. I could not get my iPhone (1st gen hardware, both 1.0 and 2.0 firmware) and Apple Bluetooth Headset to pair at all, when the dual-dock was plugged into the USB hub in my 30″ Cinema Display. When I picked up the headset from the dock, it would leave the headset in some sort of disrupted state that required me to completely power down the headset, power back up, then manually pair them, this made it totally impossible to use the headset with incoming calls. It’s supposed to autopair every time the headset and phone are docked. Even Apple was stumped, they replaced my headset and dock before I accidentally discovered the solution. They only autopair correctly when plugged directly into the USB port in the front of my G5 Mac. This is a real pain since the cord is so short, I can’t keep the dock on my desk.
I don’t know what causes the problem, it isn’t likely to be insufficient power at the USB port, since the iPhone and headset charged fine. Seems to be some sort of communications problem, like your sync problem.
#21 by Brittanny on September 4, 2008 - 10:45 pm
My sync still takes over an hour when it’s plugged directly into my MacBook Pro. Still looking for a way to speed it up.
#22 by punkassjim on September 4, 2008 - 11:42 pm
When you did this, was the direct-connect sync made after the normal period of time? For example, if you normally sync once a day, did you do your direct-sync at the normal time, without having done a through-the-hub sync earlier that day?
The reason I ask is, since firmware 2.0,1, syncing has been reliably quicker the more frequently you do it. So, if you sync once, and then sync a hour or two later, it’ll finish almost immediately. But if you sync once a day, it’ll take a lot longer. Sync once a week, it’ll take forever each time.
#23 by Jon T on September 5, 2008 - 1:35 am
And on my MacBook Pro, I know that the left hand USB has its own bus, the one on the right is shared. Probably the same for MacBooks.
Therefore, data intensive activity goes in the left.. obvious really. Life’s a mystery inside a jigsaw.
#24 by LEo on September 5, 2008 - 3:54 am
I’ll weigh in quick and say that I too have noticed a similar issue. Now I usually don’t use a hub, but the other day I was using a hub/card-reader combo with USBmouse and just plugged iPhone3G into it – with similar (slow) result.
Eventually my iPhone battery nearly died – which made me realise the hub was not powering it.
Suspect this (non-powered USB hub) is the root cause here.
{extra}
Think of it kinda like you do to the mains-charger. The USB2.0 spec defines a max current of 100mA. The charger supplies ~1A (10x the current for you non-engineers) Although a USB device (not limited to iPhone/iPod btw) is designed to trickle-charge at 100mA, it can pull significantly more power from the mains-charger and so will charge faster.
Similarly, the hub is supplied with the 100mA with which it (1) powers itself and (2) rations it out to all connected devices. So even if only one device is connected, the hub still needs to power itself. This is not a big problem in istelf, but it just cant provide the full 100mA to the device.
Of course you could use a powered-hub (plugs into the wall) but then you have to plug it in = annoying (for laptops anyway).
{extra}
#25 by Gerry Quach on September 5, 2008 - 5:08 am
I’m on firmware 2.0 and my iPhone 2G syncs always take about an hour via a direct USB 2.0 connection to my MacBook Pro. I haven’t upgraded to the newer firmware yet, so will try that soon.
#26 by Jon on September 5, 2008 - 7:08 am
Well, I’m just glad that my iPhone sync takes about 2-3 minutes…
I plug mine into the iMac (Alu) keyboard hub… works fine!
#27 by umijin on September 5, 2008 - 1:37 pm
Hmmm… I have the same problem, but I’m not using any hub for this connection. I’m using an Apple USB cable to connect directly to my iMac.
It’s not bad for updating my iPod touch, but doing a factory restart then upload of content takes all freaking day (a couple hours).
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#28 by Chris Brown on September 5, 2008 - 2:32 pm
Wow, I feel so much better about my horrendous phone reception, now that I know that I don’t suffer from horrendous synch times. I’ve been plugging right into the USB port on the front of my MacPro, and I synch up in mere minutes. Don’t bother calling me to tell me how lucky I am though, as the iPhone isn’t accepting calls at the moment…
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#29 by Scott Kleinberg on September 5, 2008 - 3:54 pm
I’m just so sorry to see that it took you all this time to figure this out. I reported this about 9 months ago on my blog and I’ve been telling it to every single person I know. I hate it when folks have slow syncs and problems — if only your research came my way.
If there’s anything else I can help with, just let me know.
Scott
Scott Kleinbergs last blog post..1
#30 by Scott on September 5, 2008 - 4:13 pm
Thanks Scott, but this problem only hit when I upgraded to version 2 firmware a few weeks ago. Never had a problem with the old software so definitely something introduced in the upgrade. From the threads I have read it appears that the others having problems also had no problems until they upgraded.
Cheers
#31 by Scott Kleinberg on September 5, 2008 - 4:18 pm
Well, I’m just glad you didn’t have the problem all along. But to say that it only affects 2.0 software is absolutely incorrect. Been talking about this topic with thousands of people since 1.1.2. And every single time someone writes to tell me of a slow sync or a time-out issue when trying to sync, I tell them the same thing … always plug into a full-powered USB port — not a hub and not a keyboard. Full power only.
Scott Kleinbergs last blog post..1
#32 by Bradley Dichter on September 5, 2008 - 4:21 pm
Maybe firmware 2.x.x is doing a close confirm of the content it is syncing. Perhaps if your iTunes has a large percentage of DRM protected files, then it is conceivable that the sync could take a long time, or perhaps it’s syncing many high resolution images from iPhoto. I’m sure a little bit of the old scientific method will show what content causes a disproportionate increase (relative to pure megabytes) in sync / backup times. Personally I can’t say about an increase since my first iPod like device is a iPhone 3G that came with firmware 2.0
Bradley Dichters last blog post..1
#33 by Scott on September 5, 2008 - 4:33 pm
The problem I had was the first phase of the sync, the backup, took hours. The sync of content ( podcasts and music ) seemed to work as normal. The problem was I couldn’t cancel the backup because it cancelled the whole sync so new podcasts/music were not transferred.
Thanks for the comments anyhow Scott. Like your site too, will add you to my links page.
Cheers
#34 by Scott Kleinberg on September 5, 2008 - 4:38 pm
Glad to help.
Scott Kleinbergs last blog post..1
#35 by TomasF on September 6, 2008 - 5:47 am
amazing! this really worked for me. went from 40min backup/sync to under 5! was/am using a Belkin TuneSync which is powered and does have a USB 1.1 printer plugged in along with a mouse and 2 external harddrives. either way, this tiotally worked for me so thanks!
#36 by TomasF on September 6, 2008 - 6:02 am
Actually, removing the USB 1.1 printer connection had the same effect. so it seems to be about the hub and how it manages the different types of USB. I much preferred blaming apple.
#37 by nicki on September 21, 2008 - 9:01 pm
hi ‘ can a C240 mp3 player usb chaeger work for a ipod toucuh ?
#38 by Roobik on September 26, 2008 - 3:17 pm
I have a problem with syncing movies. A lot of the movies that I sync using the USB ports on my computer (HP windows vista operating system) cuts out on some parts. It will mute the movie and pause then go to the videos home screen. If I was to use a “Powered USB hub” will that fix my problem?
Someone please help.
Roobiks last blog post..It’s About that Time
#39 by Amy on December 26, 2008 - 12:42 pm
ohmigod! that really works, i just plugged it in to the computer and it worked instantly!!!
thanks soo much!!!
#40 by Robert Price on December 26, 2008 - 9:53 pm
Seems to be a problem with SYNCHING CONTACTS. Uncheck synch contacts and it works as fast as a nano!
#41 by Jusuf Nathan on January 16, 2009 - 1:07 am
I’m having a problem in syncing my contact address book on my book pro to my iphone 3G with a 2.2 firmware. I can sync everything else, i.e. calendar, movies, music, applications but not my contact address book. Many times I left it syncing overnight and still no result. Uninstall the itunes and reinstall, also no result. Connect the iphone via USB direct to my macbook also didn’t work. Any suggestion?
#42 by WAVEMC on February 1, 2009 - 11:37 pm
Let’s be honest …
Do you guys really think that iPod is a good MP3-Player? I mean serisouly, iPod is supposed to be a MP3 player but the funny thing is, the Pod sucks when it comes to playing music honestly.
I’m now using a Sony and I’m looking forward to purcahse the new Samsung YP-P3 or Cowon S9. I’ve tested both and both are absoloutly outstanding when it comes to quality itself. Samsung supports WiFi, such as the iPod Touch, PLUS supports Bluetooth. Cowon S9 provides an AMOLED display. I mean Steve what the fuck are you doing at Apple?
Apple hasn’t improved since forever …
#43 by Martin iPhone Wizz on February 12, 2009 - 5:14 pm
Hi,
Since you posted this Apple have released an update that supposedly allows for quicker syncs and faster backups. Is it just me though or is it still painfully slow. I have a Winmo mobile phone and when connected to a USB port copies the same amount of data about 10 times quicker. Come on Apple sort this out, when i download a new album i want it to to on there in a flash not leave it overnight!!
#44 by Dave on May 23, 2009 - 4:50 am
Hi all, I just bought a Ipod touch, not sure of the version, the program installed as directed with package does not work, ” this program ans encountered a problem and needs to close ”
what can I do to make this retarded piece of mainstream conformity work on a Acer 8.9 inch laptop, XP OEM
#45 by Anderson on August 18, 2009 - 3:31 pm
This is in response to Dave. Most likely it will be a 3.0 o.s firmware as that is the newest update. If it can copy paste and cut you are sure it is 3.0 ipod touch
#46 by Will on September 3, 2009 - 6:59 am
I was experiencing the same problem SLOW sync issue with my 16GB iPod Touch connected to a USB hub, which was connected to a Windows XP machine. I read the posts here and tried connecting the iPod directly into the PC and the problem instantly went away. Within 5-8 minutes my iPod was backed up and ready to transfer music, which is now 20x faster. Thanks for everyones information, my problem is now fixed
.
#47 by Billy on September 14, 2009 - 4:07 am
Running iTunes 9 I believe, maybe 8 with 3.0 firmware on a 2G Touch, syncs seem to be faster than any flash drive I’ve used. Seems most people with issues are using macs?
#48 by Justin on October 1, 2009 - 12:57 am
Somewhat I feel like I’m experiencing the same issue on my iPhone 3GS
It’s 1 song per second that’s kind of fast but my other iPod nano (my first one which was the fourth generation one I got back in April)it synced way faster
The first time I plugged it in all my songs were on it in a second… I’m not exaggerating I mean in a second it’s all in there
I didn’t update to the iPhone OS 3.1 update though cause I wanted mines jailbroken and unlocked plus OS 3.1 has some issues with battery life and performance issues
Any help?
justinxtreme@yahoo.com
#49 by ruxy on November 6, 2009 - 1:37 pm
i have problems with my itouch.i’ve just downloaded the newest version of itunes and when i opened it a message says:”this ipod cannot be used because the required software is not installed.run the itunes installer to remove the itunes,then install itunes again!”
i have safari,quick time and bonjour wizard.cae enybody help me?
#50 by eslam on November 30, 2009 - 10:50 am
my ipod touch when i charge it the baterys stays for less then an hour