Get help with Home Sharing for iTunes libraries

If you use Home Sharing and don't see shared iTunes libraries on your Mac, iOS device, or Apple TV, follow these steps.

Before you begin

1. Open iTunes on your Mac or PC

Make sure that the computer that you want to share or stream content from is on and awake, and that iTunes is open. If iTunes is already open, quit and reopen it.

If you're using a Mac with an Apple TV, you can set your Apple TV to wake your Mac for services like Home Sharing. On your Mac, go to System Preferences > Energy Saver. Select Wake for network access. Learn more about Wake on Demand.

2. Use the same Apple ID across all your devices

For Home Sharing, you’ll need to use the same Apple ID across all your devices. Here’s how to check the Apple ID on each device:

  • On your Mac or PC, open iTunes and look under File > Home Sharing. To use a different Apple ID with Home Sharing, choose Turn Off Home Sharing, then set up Home Sharing again.
  • On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Music. Scroll to the Home Sharing section and tap Sign In to use the Apple ID you're currently signed in with. Or tap Use Other Apple ID to sign in with a different Apple ID.
  • On your Apple TV, look under Settings > Accounts > Home Sharing. On earlier models of Apple TV, look under Settings > Computers.

3. Check your network connection

For Home Sharing, all of your devices need to be on the same home network.

  • If you have more than one router, make sure that all of your devices are connected to the same router.
  • If you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), keep all devices on that VPN, or disconnect all devices from the VPN. 
  • If you have a guest network, make sure that all of your devices are on the same guest network.

Restart and update your router

  1. Turn off your router, then turn it back on. Check the router's manual for help.
  2. If you're using an AirPort or Time Capsule, check for firmware updates. If you're using a different router, contact the manufacturer for help.

While your router is off, you won't be able to use Internet services like Voice over IP (VoIP) for phone calls, and you might need to reset your other routers.

4. Check your security software

Firewalls or security software may prevent other devices from accessing your iTunes library with Home Sharing. 

  • If you're using a Mac, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy and select Firewall. If your firewall is blocking all incoming connections or allowing only essential services, click Firewall Options and edit your settings.
  • If you're using a PC, or you have another firewall set up on your computer or router, make sure TCP port 3689 and UDP port 5342 aren't closed or blocked. Get help with third-party security software.

If Home Sharing still doesn't work

You can contact Apple Support.

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