This wikiHow teaches you how to select and sync content stored on your desktop computer (such as music, movies, and television shows) to your iPhone.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Syncing Via USB
Step 1. Connect iPhone to desktop computer
Use the USB cable that came with the device purchase package.
Step 2. Open iTunes
This app is marked by a musical note icon.
iTunes may start automatically when you connect your iPhone to your computer
Step 3. Click the iPhone icon
It's in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window.
Step 4. Select the content you want to sync
To select it, click a content category in the left pane of the window, then mark or unmark the option “ Sync [content] ” at the top of the right pane. The content categories to choose from include:
- “Apps” (applications). Apps installed on iPhone will sync automatically. Click " Install " or " Remove ” next to apps to install or remove them from iPhone.
- “Music” (music). If you want, you can fill the remaining storage space on your device with random music from your library by checking the option " Automatically fill free space with songs ".
- “Movies” (movies).
- “TV Shows” (television shows).
- "Podcasts".
- “Books” (books).
- “Audiobooks” (audio books).
- “Tones” (ringtone).
- “Photos” (photo). Photos can be synced via iCloud or the Photos app, depending on your iCloud configuration.
Step 5. Click the Apply button
It's in the lower-right corner of the iTunes window. After that, the selected sync options will be saved.
Step 6. Click the Sync button
It's in the lower-right corner of the iTunes window. After that, the synchronization process will run.
- Check the "Automatically sync when this iPhone is connected" option in the "Options" section of the iTunes window to sync content every time you connect your iPhone to your computer.
- Any songs you buy from your iPhone will appear in your iTunes library. The song will appear in the " Purchased " playlist. If you use iCloud, the songs you have purchased will appear in your iTunes library automatically, without the need to sync.
- If you delete a file from iTunes via your computer after syncing the file to your iPhone, it will also be deleted from your device the next time you sync your device to your computer.
- If you want to add or remove files manually from your iPhone, click the box labeled “Manually manage music and videos” in the “Options “section of the “Summary “page.
Method 2 of 2: Syncing Over WiFi
Step 1. Connect iPhone to desktop computer
Use the USB cable that came with the device purchase package.
Step 2. Open iTunes
This app is marked by a musical note icon.
iTunes may start automatically when you connect your iPhone to your computer
Step 3. Click the iPhone icon
It's in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window.
Step 4. Scroll to the "Options" screen
This option is the last segment displayed in the right pane of the iTunes window.
Step 5. Check the "Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi" option
This selection box is on the left side of iTunes' right pane.
Step 6. Click the Apply button
It's in the lower-right corner of the iTunes window.
Wait for the sync process to complete for the changes to take effect
Step 7. Disconnect iPhone from computer
Step 8. Open the iPhone settings menu (“Settings”)
This menu is indicated by a gray gear icon (⚙️) and is usually displayed on the home screen.
Step 9. Touch the Wi-Fi option
It's at the top of the menu.
Step 10. Touch the WiFi network
iPhone and computer must be connected to the same WiFi network.
Step 11. Scroll to the screen and tap the General option
It's next to the gray gear icon (⚙️) at the top of the menu.
Step 12. Tap on iTunes Wi-Fi Sync option
It's at the bottom of the menu.
- If more than one computer is shown in the list, touch the computer you want to sync with the device.
- Make sure iTunes is open on your computer.
Step 13. Touch Sync Now
iPhone will sync wirelessly to the computer via WiFi.
Tips
- Don't be upset if your iPhone takes a long time to appear in iTunes. This is very common, especially for older devices.
- Open the iTunes app before you connect the device if you're using an old computer or iPhone.
