Connection to iPhone was Lost -- Help!

[Hrothgar]

I searched, but didn't find a thread on this. What's the best way to fix the "connection to iPhone was lost" (Or reset) problem when trying to sync? I've got an 8plus running 12..3.2. (Just updated two days ago and the update caused me to restore the phone).

I often have problems syncing this phone with iTunes because I get a connection lost or rest error. And I find that a lot of time I need to plug it in two or three times before it appears on iTunes. (At the same time, my wife's iPhone will appear on iTunes even after she's left.)

It's incredibly annoying. i've tried using different usb cords. It doesn't happen all the time, but more than 50%

The Internets tell me to "reset sync history", but I can't find that under preferences. I assume it's changed?

Please help.

(remember when one of the benefits of Apple products was that they were proprietary and they always worked seamlessly? Those were good days.)

 

[NoBoMac]

Mac or Windows iTunes, and which version of OS and iTunes? iTunes might be downlevel.

Check the Lightning port for lint: might not be getting solid contact. Also, is the USB end sitting solidly in the port?

Not to restart the cable religious wars, but, have seen the Apple cables get flaky after a while. If you have one that has not been used, give that a try. Helping others, seen the Apple cables give problems, but as soon as I pull out one of my Amazon or Anker cables, everything is fine.

When you do get solid connection, might want to turn on wifi sync, as an option, when really need to sync.

 

[Hrothgar]

Sorry-- Mac. 10.13.6. Most recent version of iTunes. Connections are all clean and seem to be seated well.

 

[Hrothgar]

I tried a new usb cable directly to the back of my mac mini. (I was using a hub before.) As usual, it saw the iPhone. But when I tried to sync, it started backing up and eventually said that it could not sync because the iphone could not be found. Although the iPhone still appeared in iTunes. I tried again-- same result. I ejected the iPhone, unplugged it and plugged it in again. Now it doesn't see the iPhone at all, but I got the message on the phone about tapping to use as a usb accessory. I'll try again in a little while. Some times it works, but often it doesn't.

No suggestions?

 

[NoBoMac]

Odd. Everything seems up to snuff re: everything is up-to-date software-wise. Usually see when something is downlevel.

Lint in the Lightning port or just wonky (ie. the clips inside are broken/weakened)?

As mentioned in earlier post, might want to turn on wifi sync for the phone, as a backup.

(I have an 8 and not having issues with sync via cables; or wifi, which my iPad is setup for)

 

[HDFan]

I tried a new usb cable directly to the back of my mac mini.

Is it an Apple USB-lightning cable?

 

[Hrothgar]

i think i have a problem with the phone port. My regular charging cables aren't charging unless I jiggle them a bit.
I guess it's off to the apple store.