Over on Howardforums I just read a posting by user Lightbrazer that he claims can significantly shorten the time to sync and backup your iPhone or Touch. According to the message, iPhone and Touch devices may be taking a long time because during the initial iTunes setup, the user checked an option to ALWAYS upload diagnostic (aka Crash) info to Apple. This option sends crash reports to Apple automatically – which depending upon server load could potentially take a while to deliver and therefore greatly increasing your perceived sync/backup times.

I tried this change with my iPhone setup (iPhone 3G) and while I never had a super slow sync problem – it seemed to speed things up quite a bit. Unlike other tricks which involve disabling the backup process (not smart imho), there does not seem to be any danger to this change because all you’re doing is reseting an option so when the iPhone or Touch syncs you are asked if you want to send anonymous diagnostic (crash) information to Apple. Simply click “No” and the sync may proceed much faster because it no longer automatically tries to upload that data. Instead during the sync you’ll be asked if you want to upload the anonymous data. Give it a try – instructions on the next page.

Here’s the steps to undo the automatic sending of anonymous diagnostic (crash) data to Apple:

Step #1: Turn off the automatic Sync of your iPhone or Touch by removing the checkmark from the “Automatically sync” option in iTunes

Step #2: Unplug and plug your iphone (or Touch) back in.

Set #3: After the iPhone (or Touch) comes back up in iTunes – right click on its name in the devices menu

From the shortcut menu – click on reset warnings.

Step # 4: Click Sync

Step # 5: You’ll receive the warning below. Uncheck the “Do not ask me again” box which will allow you to selectively send anonymous diagnostic information to Apple (as opposed to iTunes automatically sending it on EACH AND EVERY sync.)

Step #6: You can now re-apply the check to the “Automatically sync” option

Each of your iPhone or Touch syncs could progress faster if you simply tell the software NOT to send diagnostic information to Apple.

Remember: If you’ve recently purchased applications or songs – the sync and backup process normally WILL take extra time – which depends on the file sizes of the items that you’ve purchased.

HOFO