Use iTunes to sync your iPhone, iPad or iPod with your computer

On macOS Mojave or earlier or a Windows PC, you can use iTunes to sync music, films and more.

Consider using cloud-based options instead of iTunes to sync content to your iPhone, iPad or iPod.¹ You can use iCloud, Apple Music or similar services to keep your content in the cloud. This lets you access your music, photos, and more when you aren't near your computer.

Sync content types with iTunes

• Albums, songs, playlists, movies, TV shows, podcasts and audiobooks²

• Photos and videos²

• Contacts and calendars²

Sync or remove content using iTunes

1. Open iTunes and connect your device to your computer with a USB cable.

2. Click the device icon in the iTunes toolbar. If the icon doesn't appear, learn what to do.

   

3. In the Settings list, click the content type you want to sync.³

4. Select the checkbox next to Sync to turn syncing on.

   

5. Select the tick box next to each item that you want to sync.

6. Click Sync.

7. Click Done.

Sync your content using Wi-Fi

After you set up USB syncing, you can switch to Wi-Fi syncing:

1. Connect your device to your computer with a USB cable, then open iTunes and select your device. Learn what to do if your device isn't detected.

2. Click Summary in the Settings list.

3. Select Sync with this [device] over Wi-Fi.

4. Click Apply.

When the computer and the device are on the same Wi-Fi network, the device will appear in iTunes. The device will sync automatically whenever it's plugged into power and iTunes is open on the computer.

Fix common syncing issues

• Fix an iTunes sync error.

• Fix the contacts and calendars sync alert.

• Redownload apps from Apple.

• Redownload music from the iTunes Store.

• Import photos and videos to your computer.

• Use Sync Library with your Apple Music subscription.

• Sync your Windows device and iPhone, iPad or iPod.

• Sync your photos to iCloud.