Some iPhone users face an error ‘The file “iTunes Library.itl” cannot be read’ when using iTunes after a long time. This usually happens after the up-gradation of iTunes, primarily due to a mismatch of library files during update. It also happens when you connect iTunes with a new computer or restore an old backup. In this guide, we have explained various ways to fix this error to make your audio experience uninterrupted.
Fix The file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read on MacOS
Method 1: Reinstall iTunes
1. In the first step, Uninstall the available iTunes and Install it again.
2. Type ~/Music/iTunes/ by selecting Command+Shift+G.
3. In this step, Remove the iTunes library file.
4. Reopen the iTunes library after some time. Since you have deleted the file, the database should be empty. But all audio files remain stored in the iTunes Music file.
5. Now, launch the iTunes Music folder in the system.
6. Copy and paste this folder to the iTunes application window to restore the music database. Wait for some time so that database is rebuilt in the desired location.
Method 2: Rename the File
1. In the first step, Uninstall the available iTunes and install it again.
2. Type ~/Music/iTunes/ by selecting Command+Shift+G.
3. Change the name of the iTunes library file to iTunes Library.old
Note: This step must be followed within the same folder.
4. Enter into the iTunes library and copy the new library file. You can find the latest file by its date.
5. Now, paste the file in ~/Music/iTunes/.
6. Change the file name to iTunes Library.itl
7. Restart iTunes once the process is complete.
Also Read: 5 Ways To Transfer Music From iTunes To Android
Fix The file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read on Windows 10
Method 1: Reinstall iTunes
1. In the first step, Uninstall the available iTunes on your PC and then Install it again.
2. Launch This PC and search for the Users folder.
3. Now, click on the username displayed in this folder.
4. Here, click on My Music. Your iTunes Library.itl file is located here.
Note: It would look something this: C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music
3. In this step, remove the iTunes library file.
4. Reopen the iTunes library after some time. Since you have deleted the file, the database should be empty. But all audio files remain stored in the iTunes Music file.
5. Now, launch the iTunes Music folder in the system.
6. Copy and paste this folder to the iTunes application window to restore the music database. Wait for some time for the database to rebuild itself. Soon after, you will be able to play audio from your library.
Method 2: Rename the file
1. In the first step, Uninstall the available iTunes on your PC and then Install it again.
2. Navigate to the following location using the File Explorer navigation bar:
C:\Documents and Settings\username\My Documents\My Music
Note: Make sure to change the username.
3. Change the name of the iTunes library file to iTunes Library.old
Note: This step must be followed within the same folder.
4. Enter into the iTunes library and copy the latest library file. You can find the latest file by its date.
5. Now, paste the file in \My Documents\My Music
6. Change the file name to iTunes Library.itl
7. Restart iTunes once the process is complete and you are all set.
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We hope this article was helpful and you were able to fix The file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read error. If you have any queries, reach out to us through the comments section below.