Learn how to connect your iPhone to a PC via iTunes using both USB and Wi-Fi connections. Follow our step-by-step guide for easy syncing and file transfer.
Owners of Apple smartphones know that they cannot simply connect them to a computer and download the necessary files. Unfortunately, the company is too concerned about the privacy of users and the protection of its system, so you have to install the iTunes utility.It allows you to manage your iPhone, sync data, and create backups. In this article, we’ll tell you how to install iTunes, connect your device, and set up USB and Wi-Fi syncing.
What is iTunes
iTunes is an application from Apple that acts as a media combiner and is used to connect and synchronize iPhone, iPad, iPod and some other devices of the brand. In particular, it allows you to save and synchronize music, video, photos and applications, manage backups of your iPhone, update iOS and even restore the system if necessary.
The iTunes utility is available for Windows and older versions of macOS (with the release of macOS Catalina, Apple replaced it with the Finder application). You can download the program for free from the official Apple website.
How to install iTunes
- First, go to the official Apple website and go to the iTunes section;
- Click “Download” and save the installation file;
- Run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions;
- After installation, open the program and sign in with your Apple ID or Apple Account.
In Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can also download the iTunes or Apple Devices utility from the Microsoft Store – the latter is visually indistinguishable from iTunes, but it does not have a built-in media player.
How to connect iPhone via iTunes
To connect your iPhone to iTunes, use an original or certified MFi (Made For iPhone) Lightning cable. Not all third-party cables may work correctly.
To ensure the procedure is completed correctly, you must complete the following steps:
- Unlock your iPhone to avoid connection errors;
- Connect one end of the cable to the iPhone port and the other end to the USB port on your computer;
- A prompt will appear on the iPhone screen asking “Trust this computer?” – tap “Trust” and enter your password;
- On your computer, open iTunes – your device should automatically appear in the program.
How to sync data on iPhone
Now you can start transferring data or creating a backup copy. This can be done in two ways: wired and wireless.
By cable
- After connecting your iPhone to iTunes, select the device icon at the top of the window;
- Go to the Music, Movies, Photos or other sections to select the data to sync;
- Drag the required files into the appropriate window;
- Click Apply to save the settings and Sync to start transferring data.
Via Wi-Fi
- Connect your iPhone to your computer via USB and open iTunes;
- In the devices section, select Summary > Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi and click Apply;
- You can now sync your iPhone without a cable if it’s connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your computer.
How to Disconnect iPhone from PC
- When connecting via USB: Close iTunes and simply disconnect the cable;
- When connected via Wi-Fi: You can stop syncing by disconnecting your iPhone from the network or turning off Wi-Fi in your device’s settings.