The File Itunes Library ITL Cannot Be Read? Top Fixes to Try

Apple brought back iTunes 12.6.3 in October, which restored the App Store and ringtones. Many users chose to downgrade from 12.7 to 12.6.3, but after reinstalling, they encountered an error: “The file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read because it was created by a newer version of iTunes.”

This can be frustrating, but you can get out of this trouble using simple steps.

Part 1. Why Does “The File iTunes Library.itl Cannot Be Read” Error Occur?

There are several reasons why iTunes might not open. Before reaching out to Apple support, check if the file iTunes library.itl cannot be read issue is one you can fix yourself. Common causes include:

• Old content on a new version may not work with newer iTunes versions.
• Corrupt updates may cause errors.
• Library file and update mismatches make them unreadable.
• Damaged preference or library files cause this error.
• Third-party plugins, extensions, or antivirus tools may cause iTunes to crash.
• Errors during setup or missing admin rights can prevent iTunes from opening.

Part 2. 4 Proven Fixes for “iTunes Library.itl Cannot Be Read” Error

Looking for top proven solutions? Here are four reliable ways to fix the “iTunes Library.itl cannot be read” error on both Mac and Windows.

1. Rename the iTunes Library.itl File on Windows or Mac

Sometimes this error shows up because your iTunes library file is corrupted or doesn’t match the version of iTunes you’re using. The easiest way to fix it is by renaming the library file. This makes iTunes create a fresh library file the next time you open it. It works on both Windows and Mac, and while you might lose a few playlists or settings, it’s usually the fastest way to get iTunes working again.

Rename the iTunes Library.itl File on Windows

Step 1: In File Explorer, go to C:\Users[YourName]\Music\iTunes.

Step 2: Rename iTunes Library.itl to iTunes Library.old.

Step 3: Restart iTunes to see if the error is fixed.

This forces iTunes to create a new library file, which resolves corruption or compatibility issues.

Rename the iTunes Library.itl File on Mac

Step 1: In Finder, choose Go and Go to Folder.

Step 2: Enter /Users/[YourName]/Music and press Go.

Step 3: In the iTunes folder, rename iTunes Library.itl to iTunes Library.old.

Step 4: Copy the latest file from Previous iTunes Libraries into your iTunes folder. Then, replace the name with iTunes Library.itl.

2. Downgrade / Upgrade iTunes to Match the Library.itl File

The iTunes ibrary.itl cannot be read error shows up when your library.itl file doesn’t click with your iTunes version. Downgrading to an older iTunes version can cause issues, since the older app can’t fully access the library.itl file that was already updated.

You’ll need to reinstall the iTunes version matching your library.itl or update to the latest version so the file is compatible.

Step 1: Open iTunes, select Previous iTunes Libraries, and find the backup with the correct date or version.

Step 2: Uninstall your current version of iTunes.

Step 3: Install the iTunes version that matches your library file, or update to the latest version if needed.

Step 4: Copy your backup library file into the iTunes folder and replace the name to iTunes Library.itl.

Step 5: Restart iTunes and check if the error is resolved.

3. Restart iTunes & Rebuild Library Database

If renaming doesn’t solve the issue, rebuilding your iTunes database may help. This process forces iTunes to regenerate a new library file using your existing media files. By restarting iTunes and letting it scan your music and videos again, you can create a clean, error-free library.

You might need to rebuild a few playlists by hand, but this fix makes sure iTunes can read and organize your music smoothly again.

Step 1: Access your system’s Control Panel.

Step 2: Head over to Programs and tick Programs and Features.

Step 3: Find and right-click iTunes. Then, hit Uninstall.

Step 4: Download the latest version of iTunes from Apple’s website and reinstall it.

4. Fix “The File iTunes Library.itl Cannot Be Read” Error with Repair Software

If you encounter the dreaded “the file iTunes Library.itl cannot be read” error, it usually means your iTunes library file is corrupted or incompatible with the current version of iTunes. Manual fixes don’t always work, and that’s when professional repair software becomes essential.

A reliable option is Repairit File Repair, which is designed to restore corrupted iTunes Library.itl files quickly and safely. With this tool, you can recover your playlists, songs, and metadata without the risk of losing your entire music collection.

Whether the error is caused by a version mismatch, a failed update, or a system crash, Repairit ensures that your iTunes library is brought back to normal so you can continue enjoying your media seamlessly.

Key features:

• Repair severely damaged or unreadable iTunes Library.itl files.
• Restore your library without losing playlists, songs, or media.
• Quickly fix errors caused by updates, crashes, or version mismatches.
• Preview repaired iTunes Library.itl files before saving to guarantee that everything works properly.

Step 1: Launch Repairit iTunes File Repair on your Windows and Mac. Next, under More Types Repair, select File Repair.

Click +Add to locate your iTunes file. Also, Repairit’s batch repair feature allows you to upload many iTunes Library.itl files.

Step 2: Click Repair to initiate. Repairit scans your iTunes Library.itl files, fixes detected issues, and updates you on progress. Once completed, the app notifies you the number of successfully repaired iTunes Library.itl files.

Step 3: Tick Preview to see the fixed iTunes Library.itl files. If your files look great, click Save or Save All to store them in your chosen folder.

Part 3. Tips to Avoid the iTunes Library.itl File Error in the Future

The iTunes Library.itl cannot be read error can feel like a headache. But don’t worry, it’s not something you have to keep dealing with. By taking a few simple steps, you can avoid running into these library issues again.

Here are some tips just for you:

1. Always back up your iTunes Library.itl file before upgrading or downgrading iTunes.
2. Keep iTunes updated to the latest stable version for better compatibility.
3. Avoid frequent switching between different iTunes versions, as this causes file mismatches.
4. Regularly back up your entire iTunes library, including music, videos, and playlists.
5. Close iTunes properly before shutting down your computer to prevent file corruption.
6. Use reliable repair software if you notice early signs of errors or crashes.

Conclusion

Running into the iTunes Library.itl cannot be read error can feel annoying, but this guide proves it’s not too hard to fix. Simple steps like renaming the library file, adjusting your iTunes version, rebuilding the database, or using repair software can quickly get things back to normal, without risking your music collection.

And if you make a habit of keeping backups and a few basic practices, you’ll have a smoother iTunes experience and avoid this problem down the road.