iOS Assistant
 
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How to Manage iPhone Files and Storage without iTunes: Complete Guide

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Since iTunes is the only official program to manage iPhone, iPad and iPod, Apple users usually consider it as the primary tool to manage iOS data. However, iTunes is not that friendly, especially for Windows PC users, because it is originally designed for Mac users. What's more, iTunes only supports to manage the iOS files you have purchased from iTunes Store while those non-purchased items are not supported by iTunes due to copyright issue.

But please don't worry, this article will show you how to manage iPhone without iTunes with the best alternative to iTunes to help users bypass the restrictions of iTunes.

manage iphone without itunes

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Part 1: Why iTunes Isn't the Best Way to Manage Your iPhone?

If you've ever used iTunes to manage your iPhone, you might have noticed that it's not the smoothest experience. Here are a few reasons why many people are looking for better options:

  • Transferring photos, videos, or music with iTunes can be really slow and uses a lot of your computer's memory.
  • It doesn't handle music management very well. Editing song details or adding and removing tracks isn't as easy as it should be.
  • iTunes only supports certain file formats like MP3, MP4, M4A, and MOV, which limits what you can work with.
  • The interface can be confusing, especially for new users who just want something simple.
  • You're often required to update to the latest version of iTunes before you can do anything.
  • Syncing your iPhone can erase existing data—especially music and media you didn't buy from the iTunes Store.
  • You can't choose specific files to back up, and you can't view your backup content directly in iTunes.

With these drawbacks in mind, it's no surprise that more iPhone users are searching for easier and smarter alternatives. If you're using iOS 17 or iOS 18 and want a better way to manage your music, photos, and videos, it's time to consider an iTunes alternative that gives you more control and flexibility.

Part 2: The Best iTunes Alternative - Coolmuster iOS Assistant

Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a professional all-in-one iOS Data Manager for iPhone, iPad and iPod without using iTunes. It is regarded as the best alternative to iTunes to manage iPhone without any restriction. You can use it to manage all types of iPhone files with this program, including music, photos, videos, movies, contacts, text messages, calendars, notes, voice memos, books and etc. without hassle.

Key Features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

  • Easily export and back up data from iPhone/iPad/iPod to computer without iTunes, including videos, photos, music, apps, contacts, SMS, notes and etc.
  • Freely transfer or import purchased or non-purchased files from computer to iOS device without any restriction, such as contacts, messages, calendars, bookmarks and etc.
  • Delete or uninstall unwanted apps on your iPhone/iPad/iPod easily.
  • Back up and restore iOS devices with one click.
  • Widely support all generations of iDevice, including iPhone 16/15/14/13/12/11/X/8/7/6, iPad 10/9/8/Pro/Air/mini/4/3/2, iPod touch and etc.

Coolmuster iOS Assistant makes it super easy to manage everything on your iPhone. If you're curious about how it works, go ahead and download it to give it a try. Once you have it set up, just follow the simple steps below to get started.

Part 3: How to Manage iPhone Data with Coolmuster iOS Assistant

As mentioned above, using the Coolmuster iOS Assistant tool, you can easily manage iPhone files without iTunes. This part will show you the detailed instructions to manage iPhone with Coolmuster iOS Assistant. After that you will realize how easy but effective to use this tool to manage your device.

Step 1: Connect iPhone to the computer

Download and install the right version of the recommended software on your Mac or Windows PC, then launch it and connect your iPhone to computer with a USB cable. (What to Do if iDevice Fails to Connect?)

connect iphone to computer

Step 2: Export iPhone Data to Computer for Backup

You can backup iPhone files to computer selectively or wholly so that you can get them back when you accidentally lose them. All types of iPhone data can be backed up to computer, including contacts, messages, notes, calendars, bookmarks, music, videos, photos, books, apps and etc.

  • After the program detect your iPhone, please enter any tabs on the left panel to preview the details of iPhone files.
  • Suppose you want to backup iPhone music, please click "Music" to select one or more desired songs for transfer.
  • Click "Export" button to save them on the computer for backup all at once.

how to backup iphone files

Step 3: Import Files from Computer to iPhone:

You can also transfer or import files to iPhone from computer, such as contacts, messages, notes, calendars, bookmarks and more.

  • Enter the tab like "Contacts" on the left panel, which will load all the phone numbers and contacts information on your iPhone.
  • Click "Import" button to preview and choose the wanted contacts from your computer for importing to your iPhone.
  • After selection, just click "OK" to transmit them to your iPhone immediately.

how to import files to iphone

Step 4: Delete Files from iPhone

You can also remove or delete anything you don't need any more on your iPhone with this program.

  • Click the file tabs on the left panel to load the containing files on your iPhone.
  • Check the box before the unwanted data on your iPhone.
  • Hit "Delete" button to delete the selected files on your iPhone.

how to uninstall apps on iphone

Video Guide:

Part 4: FAQs of Managing iPhone without iTunes

Q1: How do I manage subscriptions on my iPhone?

Go to the Settings app and tap your name at the top. Then tap "Subscriptions." You'll see a list of everything you're subscribed to. Just pick the one you want to cancel or change, and follow the options from there.

Q2: How do I manage apps on my iPhone?

Press and hold any app icon on your Home Screen. When the icons start to shake, you can drag the app to move it or tap the little X to delete it. When you're done, tap anywhere on the screen or press the Done button to stop the shaking.

Q3: How do I manage iCloud storage on my iPhone?

Open the Settings app and tap your name. Then tap "iCloud." You'll see how much space each app or service is using. Tap "Manage Storage" to clear out things you don't need. You can also choose to buy more storage or switch to a smaller plan if you want.

The Bottom Line

This article introduces you a powerful iTunes alternative. With Coolmuster iOS Assistant, you can easily manage your iPhone without iTunes. You can use Coolmuster iOS Assistant to manage photos, music, videos, contacts and messages, allowing iPhone, iPad and iPod users to easily control their iPhone. If you are interested in this software, you might as well give it a try.

Related Articles:

[Step-by-Step] 3 Workable Ways to Edit iPhone Contacts on PC

Remotely Control iPhone Easily: Access iPhone from Computer

Guide to Edit and Manage iPhone Playlist Easily

How to Transfer Music from iPhone to Mac? (Top 4 Ways)

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iOS Assistant
Back up and restore everything on iPhone/iPad/iPod with one click.
Freely manage iOS data and iTunes backup files on the computer.
Preview and selectively transfer files between iDevice and computer.
Widely support contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, notes, etc.
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