Save storage space when syncing on a Windows computer
You can set up syncing to have large music files converted to different bit rates or to have video files use standard definition format to save storage space on your iPhone, iPad or iPod.
Connect your Apple device to your Windows computer.
You can connect your device using a USB or USB-C cable.
In the Apple Devices app on your Windows computer, select the device in the sidebar.
If you connect your device to your Windows computer using a USB or USB-C cable and don’t see the device in the sidebar, see If your iPhone, iPad or iPod doesn’t appear in the sidebar.
Select General in the sidebar.
In the Options section, select the storage options you want:
Prefer standard definition videos: Allows your Windows computer to sync only smaller standard-definition videos. Larger high-definition videos take up more storage and your device may not be able to play them.
Sync only selected [songs] or [videos]: Syncs only the songs or videos that you selected in the Music or TV Show options in the sidebar.
If you select this option, you must also turn on settings in the Apple Music app or Apple TV app on your Windows computer.
Apple TV: In the Apple TV app , select the Sidebar Actions button at the top of the sidebar, choose Settings, then select General in the main window. Click next to Show, then select “Tickboxes in library”.
Apple Music: In the Apple Music app , select the Sidebar Actions button at the top of the sidebar, choose Settings, then select General in the main window. Click next to Show, then select “Song list tickboxes”.
Manually manage music, films and TV programmes: Turns off the automatic syncing of music, movies and TV shows. Doing this can help you save storage space on your device because you can choose which music, films and TV programmes are transferred.
Convert higher bit rate songs to: Allow room for more songs on your device by having your Windows computer convert songs at a high bit rate to a lower bit rate. Songs at a lower bit rate take up less storage space.
Click Apply.
Before disconnecting your device from your Windows computer, click the Eject button in the sidebar.