How to Connect to iTunes

This wikiHow teaches you how to connect your iPhone or iPad to iTunes on a Windows or macOS computer.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Installing and Updating iTunes

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    Decide which computer you want to use to manage your iTunes library. It should be a computer that has plenty of storage, has access to a strong Wi-Fi network, and is available frequently for your use.
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    Install iTunes (if you're using a PC). If you have a Mac (or if you've already installed iTunes on your PC), skip to the next step.
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    Open iTunes. If you're using a PC, you'll find it in the Start
    Windows Start
    menu. If you have a Mac, click the music note icon on the Dock (which is usually at the bottom of screen).
    • If it's your first time using iTunes, follow the on-screen instructions to set up the app.
    • To learn more about navigating iTunes and using its advanced features, check out How to Use iTunes.
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    Update to the latest version. The steps vary depending on your setup:[1]
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    Sign into iTunes with your Apple ID. If you've purchased anything from the iTunes store (apps, books, movies, etc.), signing in on your computer will give you access to those items. Here's how to sign in:[3]
    • Click the Account menu at the top.
    • Click Sign In…
    • Enter your Apple ID username and password.
    • Click Sign In.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Syncing

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    Set your automatic syncing preferences. Before connecting the device to the computer, check the following:
    • Click the Edit menu at the top-left corner and select Preferences.
    • Click the Devices tab.
    • If you want your iPhone or iPad to sync automatically when you connect it to iTunes, remove the check mark from "Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically," and then click OK.
    • If you don't want the device to sync automatically, place a check mark in the "Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically," and then click OK. This option is recommended if you're connecting to iTunes on a computer that isn't yours (or isn't your primary computer).
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    Connect the iPhone or iPad to the computer with a USB cable. Use the cable that came with your phone or tablet (or one that's compatible). Once connected, you'll see a button with a phone or tablet icon near the top-left corner of iTunes. This is called the "Device" button.[4]
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    Click the Device button. It's near the top-left corner of iTunes (the small button with an iPhone inside).
    • If you see a message that says your device is already synced with another iTunes library, take caution. If you click Erase and Sync, the type of content you're syncing (such as Music or Photos) will be replaced with content from this computer.
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    Click a type of content you want to sync. You'll see several categories (e.g., Music, Movies) in the left column under "Settings." Click one of these categories now to view its syncing options.
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    Set your syncing options for the category. The options will vary by category, but you'll always have to check the box next to "Sync" near the top of the main panel.
    • You can specify certain types of data to sync per category. For example, under Music, you can choose to sync your entire library or to select specific playlists.
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    Click Apply. It's at the bottom-right corner. If iTunes is set to sync automatically, the selected items will now sync. If not, you'll have to sync manually.
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    Repeat these steps to sync other types of content. Click Apply when you're finished editing each category.
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    Click Sync to sync. The selected data will now sync.
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    Click Done. This button is at the bottom-right corner.
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    Set up wireless syncing (optional). If you don't want to have to use a USB cable to sync to iTunes in the future, you can opt to enable Wi-Fi syncing. Here's how:[5]
    • Make sure the phone/tablet and computer are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
    • Click the Device button in iTunes if you haven't yet done so.
    • Click Summary in the left panel (under "Settings").
    • Check the box next to "Sync with this (device type) over Wi-Fi."
    • Click Apply.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I reset my forgotten password for my iPad?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You have to either bring it into Apple or try to connect to iTunes and provide the iPad info.
  • Question
    How do I connect an iPad to iTunes?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Go to the Music app. Then sign in. It is essentially the same as how you connect with your iPhone, if you have one.
  • Question
    How do I find out the Apple ID on my iPhone?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    From the home screen, go to the App Store, choose Featured, and scroll to the bottom of the screen. Alternately, go to Settings, scroll down until you find iCloud, and tap it.
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References

  1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201352
  2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201352
  3. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201762#computer
  4. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201253
  5. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201253

About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 228,857 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: August 12, 2022
Views: 228,857
Categories: ITunes | Media Software
Article SummaryX

To connect to iTunes, start by updating to the latest version of iTunes and signing in with your Apple ID. Then, connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer with a USB cable, and click on the phone or tablet icon near the top-left corner of iTunes. Next, click on the type of content you want to sync in the "Settings" menu, and check the box next to "Sync." Finally, click "Apply," followed by "Sync," and then "Done." To learn how to set up wireless iTunes syncing, scroll down!

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