iOS Assistant
 
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How to Sync iPhone in iTunes & Fix iPhone Won't Sync with iTunes

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iTunes can be confusing to use, even for people who have owned an iPhone or other Apple devices for years. Many users, especially those new to Apple, often ask how to sync their iPhone with iTunes. If you're unsure how to get started, you're not alone. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to sync your iPhone with iTunes in a simple way. We'll also share some helpful tips in case you encounter the "iPhone not syncing with iTunes" issue, so you'll know what to do if things don't go as planned.

how to sync iphone with itunes

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Part 1: What Can You Sync from iPhone to iTunes

iTunes is a media player that helps you organize and play your music, movies, podcasts, and more. But it does a lot more than that! It can sync other important things between your iPhone and your computer. In this case, iTunes acts as a bridge to transfer data between apps on your computer, like those managing photos, contacts, and calendars.

So, what can you sync from your iPhone to iTunes? Since iTunes handles syncing, you can move more than just music. Here's a list of things you can sync:

  • Music
  • Movies
  • TV Shows
  • Podcasts
  • Audiobooks
  • Photos
  • Videos
  • Contacts
  • Calendars

You can transfer any music in your iTunes library to your iPhone. This includes songs you've bought from the iTunes Store or imported from other sources.

Part 2: How to Sync iPhone in iTunes

You can sync your iPhone with iTunes in a few simple ways. The most common method is by connecting your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable or WiFi. Now I will explain these two methods to you in detail:

To sync your iPhone with iTunes via a USB cable:

  1. Open iTunes on your computer.
  2. Click the Device icon at the top.
  3. On the left sidebar, you'll see a list of content types. Choose what you want to sync.
  4. Press the "Apply" button in the lower-right corner to start syncing.

sync iphone with itunes via usb

To sync your iPhone to iTunes over Wi-Fi:

Once you've synced your iPhone with your computer the first time, you can set it up to sync wirelessly whenever both are on the same network. Here's what to do:

  1. Plug your iPhone into your computer with the USB cable and open iTunes.
  2. Click the Device icon at the top.
  3. Select "Summary" from the left panel.
  4. Tick the box that says "Sync with this /[device] over Wi-Fi."
  5. Press "Apply."

sync iphone to itunes over wifi

From now on, as long as both your iPhone and computer are on the same Wi-Fi network and iTunes is open, they will sync automatically.

Part 3: How to Fix "iPhone Won't Sync with iTunes"

When you're trying to sync your iPhone with iTunes, a few things can go wrong. Since you're working with both devices, you might need to troubleshoot on each one.

iTunes Can't Connect to Your iPhone

If your iPhone isn't showing up in iTunes when you connect it, try these fixes:

  • Restart your iPhone.
  • Close and reopen iTunes with your iPhone still connected.
  • Make sure both your iPhone and iTunes have the latest updates.
  • Try using a different USB cable or connect to another USB port on your computer.
  • If that doesn't work, uninstall and reinstall iTunes on your computer.

iPhone Not Syncing with iTunes

If your iPhone appears in iTunes but you get an error when trying to sync, here are a few things to try:

  • Use a different USB cable or port on your computer.
  • Restart both your iPhone and iTunes.
  • Try restarting your computer.
  • Double-check that both your iPhone and iTunes are up to date with the latest versions.

Part 4: How to Sync iPhone to Computer without iTunes

Want an easier way to sync your iPhone with your computer without relying on iTunes? Coolmuster iOS Assistant is a handy tool designed to help you manage, transfer, and back up your iPhone data in just a few clicks. Whether you're looking to back up contacts, export photos, or move text messages to your computer, this program gives you full control. It's especially useful when iTunes isn't working properly or you're looking for a more user-friendly option.

Top Features of Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

  • Back up iPhone data to computer selectively or wholly.
  • Restore backups to your device selectively with one click.
  • Preview and select iPhone data before syncing.
  • Export and import contacts, messages, call logs, photos, videos, music, notes and more.
  • Work with all iPhone models and iOS versions, including the latest iPhone 16 and iOS 18.

How to Sync iPhone to Computer Using Coolmuster iOS Assistant:

01 Launch the Program and Connect Your iPhone

Download and install Coolmuster iOS Assistant on your computer, then open it. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer. Unlock your iPhone and tap "Trust" if prompted.

connect idevice to pc

02 Choose the Data to Sync

Once connected, the software will detect your device and display its data on the screen. Select the file types you want to transfer, such as contacts, photos, messages, etc.

transfer books to iphone

03 Start Syncing to Computer

Click the "Export" button to start transferring the selected data to your computer. Once done, you can find your files safely stored on your computer for backup or management.

Video Guide:

Summary

Syncing your iPhone to iTunes can be frustrating due to common issues like connection problems, sync errors, or outdated software. iTunes often fails to recognize your iPhone or sync certain data smoothly.

To avoid these headaches, Coolmuster iOS Assistant offers a simple and reliable alternative. It allows you to easily back up and transfer iPhone data to your computer, manage files, and even restore or export data without relying on iTunes. With its user-friendly interface, it's an ideal solution for anyone looking for a smoother syncing experience.

Related Articles:

2 Simple Ways to Sync iPhone with Multiple Computers

[6 Useful Ways] How to Sync from iPhone to iPhone?

[Step-by-Step Guide] How to Sync iPhone and iPad in 4 Ways?

How to Sync Data from iTunes Library to iPhone/iPad/iPod

    iOS Transfer     How to Sync iPhone in iTunes & Fix iPhone Won't Sync with iTunes
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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