iOS 4.2 bug: Lost media? How to get it back

If you ran into the iOS 4.2 update bug -- your device says you have "no content" -- here's how to get your media back.

Apple's iOS 4.2 software update for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch has officially been released into the wild, and already a bug has been found. Users are reporting that after they updated their devices music, videos, audio books, and podcasts seem to be mysteriously missing.

I say "seem," because users can still "see" the space their media is taking up -- 4GB, 8GB, whatever it may be -- and simply re-syncing the device doesn't seem to work.

I'm happy to report that there's a quick, easy fix to this bug, and it doesn't require re-syncing everything from your computer back to your iPhone (a daunting task for some, to say the least). So if you've just updated your iPhone or iPod Touch and received a "No Content" message, here's how to fix it:

1. Plug your iPhone/iPod Touch into your computer, and wait until iTunes recognizes it.

2. Once your device appears in iTunes (in the Devices menu on the left side), click the arrow next to the name of the device so that your media appears.

3. Click on "music" to open the music menu, and select a song from your device. Play the song.

4. Sync the device (this shouldn't take too long, as your device already has the media on it...it just doesn't know it).

5. Eject the device from your computer and check your iPod library -- all of your music, videos, audio books, and podcasts should be back and in working order.

TechCrunch reports that this rather minor bug is affecting iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod Touch users. I can personally report that the bug affected my iPhone 4, but not my iPhone 3G or 3GS (or my brother's iPod Touch).

Either way, it's good to know there's a quick fix!

Follow Sarah on Twitter (@geeklil) or at sarahpurewal.wordpress.com

Join the newsletter!

Or

Sign up to gain exclusive access to email subscriptions, event invitations, competitions, giveaways, and much more.

Membership is free, and your security and privacy remain protected. View our privacy policy before signing up.

Error: Please check your email address.

Tags tabletsAppleconsumer electronicsbugsapple ipadHandhelds / PDAs

Keep up with the latest tech news, reviews and previews by subscribing to the Good Gear Guide newsletter.

Sarah Jacobsson Purewal

PC World (US online)
Show Comments

Most Popular Reviews

Latest Articles

Resources

PCW Evaluation Team

Cate Bacon

Aruba Instant On AP11D

The strength of the Aruba Instant On AP11D is that the design and feature set support the modern, flexible, and mobile way of working.

Dr Prabigya Shiwakoti

Aruba Instant On AP11D

Aruba backs the AP11D up with a two-year warranty and 24/7 phone support.

Tom Pope

Dynabook Portégé X30L-G

Ultimately this laptop has achieved everything I would hope for in a laptop for work, while fitting that into a form factor and weight that is remarkable.

Tom Sellers

MSI P65

This smart laptop was enjoyable to use and great to work on – creating content was super simple.

Lolita Wang

MSI GT76

It really doesn’t get more “gaming laptop” than this.

Featured Content

Product Launch Showcase

Don’t have an account? Sign up here

Don't have an account? Sign up now

Forgot password?