Connect to iTunes

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

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Installing and updating iTunes

Step #1. Decide which computer you want to use to manage your iTunes library

It should be a computer that has enough storage, access to a strong Wi-Fi network, and is regularly available for you to use.

Step 2. Install iTunes (if you are using a PC)

If you have a Mac (or if you already have iTunes installed on your PC), skip to the next step.

Click on the start menu

and select Microsoft Store.
click on Search in the top right corner and type itunes.
click oniTunes in the search results.
click on Install and follow the instructions on the screen.

Step 3. Open iTunes

If you're using a PC, you'll find it in the start menu

. If you have a Mac, click the music note icon in the Dock (which is usually at the bottom of the screen).

If you're using iTunes for the first time, follow the onscreen instructions to set up the app.
To learn more about navigating iTunes and using its advanced features, see How to use iTunes.

Step 4. Update the app to the latest version

The steps depend on your configuration:

If you're using a Mac, your iTunes updates are bundled with regular macOS updates. To check for macOS updates, click the menu

, select you System Preferences, and click Software Update.
If you installed iTunes from the Microsoft Store, the apps will update automatically.
If you are using Windows and have downloaded iTunes from Apple, click the menu Help in iTunes, you choose Check for updates, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 5. Sign in to iTunes with your Apple ID

If you've purchased something from the iTunes Store (apps, books, movies, etc.), you can access those items when you sign in to your computer. Here's how to sign up:

Click on the menu at the top Account.
click on Login…
Enter your Apple ID username and password.
click on login.

Part 2 of 2: Syncing with iTunes

Step 1. Set your automatic sync preferences

Before connecting the device to the computer, check the following:

Click on the menu at the top left To adjust and select Preferences.
Click on the tab Devices.
If you want your iPhone or iPad to sync automatically when you connect to iTunes, uncheck "Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically" and click OK.
If you don't want the device to sync automatically, check "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 doesn't belong to you (or isn't your primary computer).

Step 2. Connect the iPhone or iPad to the computer with a USB cable

Use the cable that came with your phone or tablet (or a compatible cable). Once connected, you'll see a button with a phone or tablet icon in the top-left corner of iTunes. This is called the "Device" button.

If you're using a brand new iPhone or iPad, see How to Connect a New Device to iTunes for more information on connecting the new device

Step 3. Click on the device button

It's in the top-left corner of iTunes (the little button with a phone in it).

If you see a message that your device is already synced with another iTunes library, be careful. If you click Delete and sync, then the content that syncs (such as music or photos) will be replaced with the content of this computer.

Step 4. Click on the type of content you want to sync

You will see different categories (such as Music, Videos) in the left column under 'Settings'. Click on any of these categories to view the sync options.

Step 5. Set your sync options for the category

The options vary by category, but you should always check the box next to 'Sync' at the top of the main panel.

You can specify specific types of data per category to sync. For example, you can Music choose to sync your entire library, or select specific playlists.