Unlike Android phones and tablets that can easily be used like USB drives, iPhones don't allow you to drag and drop media files so freely. They mainly depend on iTunes to sync music and other content from your computer. Also, Windows Media Player doesn't have a built-in way to send songs directly to an iPhone.
But no worries. There are still simple ways to transfer music from Windows Media Player to iPhone. Whether you want to use iTunes or try out a third-party tool, the steps below show you three popular ways to get the job done.
If you're looking for a secure and flexible way to complete this job, iPhone Data Transfer is a great choice. This trusted tool is widely recognized in the industry for its reliability and performance.
Unlike iTunes, it lets you move files between different Apple IDs without deleting any existing content. You can easily transfer music from Windows Media Player to your iPhone, as well as move photos, messages, voice memos, and more between your iPhone, computer, and iTunes with ease.
Key Highlights of iPhone Data Transfer:
How to put music from Windows Media Player to iPhone without running iTunes? You can check the three simple steps below to get it done quickly.
01 Download and install the iPhone Data Transfer on your computer and plug your iPhone into it via a USB cable. Launch the program and wait until it detects your iPhone.
02 Click the "Music" option on the left sidebar, choose the sub-folder that contains the Windows Media Player music, and hit the "+" icon on the top menu.
03 Finally, pick the desired music files on the pop-up window and tap the "Open" button to import them from Windows Media Player to your iPhone.
Further reading:
How to Transfer Music from Computer to iPad? (New Tips in 2025)
Many people use iTunes to transfer music to their iPhones, but keep in mind that this process will remove any songs already on the device. Therefore, you'd better back up your iPhone to the computer to avoid any data loss. If you're okay with that, here's how you can move music from Windows Media Player to your iPhone using iTunes:
Step 1: Add Music to iTunes
1. Get iTunes from the Apple website or Microsoft Store and install it on your computer.
2. Open iTunes. At the top menu, click on "File," then choose either "Add File to Library" or "Add Folder to Library."
3. Find the songs or the folder where your music is stored. Select them and click "Open." This will import the music into your iTunes library.
4. Once added, you can find your songs by going to the "Recently Added" or "Songs" section in iTunes.
Step 2: Transfer Music to Your iPhone
1. Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable. Follow any instructions that pop up to complete the connection.
2. Click on the small device icon in iTunes to access your iPhone settings.
3. Select the "Music" tab on the left side. Check the box that says "Sync Music." You can choose to sync your entire music library or pick specific playlists, artists, albums, or genres.
4. When you're ready, click the "Apply" button. Your selected songs will be copied to the Music app on your iPhone.
If you want to transfer music from external hard drive to iPhone, you can read this step-by-step guide to do it with or without iTunes.
Cloud storage lets you move songs from Windows Media Player to your iPhone without plugging in a cable. Upload the tracks from your computer, then pull them down on the phone whenever you like.
iCloud Drive is the simplest choice because the Files app on every iPhone already knows how to open it, so there is nothing extra to install. Google Drive and Dropbox work the same way; you can install their apps from the App Store if you prefer those instead.
Step 1: Upload your music to iCloud Drive
Step 2: Download music to your iPhone
Remember, music played from the Files app stays there and will not show up inside the Apple Music library. If you want the songs to appear in Apple Music, move them later with iTunes or another transfer tool.
Q1: Is it possible to move songs from Windows Media Player to my iPhone without using iTunes?
Yes, you can! Try using third-party software like iPhone Data Transfer or upload your songs to a cloud service like iCloud Drive to access them on your iPhone.
Q2: Will iTunes erase my current music when I sync new songs?
It might. When you sync your full music library with iTunes, it can replace the songs already on your iPhone. To avoid losing music, consider using iPhone Data Transfer or only syncing selected playlists.
Q3: Can I put MP3 files into the Apple Music app?
Yes, you can. To play MP3 files directly in the Apple Music app, you'll need to add them through iTunes or use iPhone Data Transfer. If you upload the files to cloud storage, they can only be played through the Files app, not in Apple Music.
In summary, we have introduced three practical ways to migrate music from Windows Media Player to iPhone. While using iTunes is an option, keep in mind that it will erase the music and audio files already on your iPhone when syncing. Music uploaded using iCloud Drive can only be played in the Files app, not in the Apple Music app. So neither is the best option.
That's why iPhone Data Transfer stands out. It lets you preview and select the songs you want to transfer without losing any existing data. In addition, you can audition tracks, create custom ringtones, and even edit the details of the songs. I believe it will be your best choice.
Related Articles:
6 Methods to Transfer Music from Computer to iPhone without iTunes
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iPhone Music Manager: Transfer, Add, and Organize Your iPhone Music
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