The basic path: use iTunes on your computer to sync music to your phone

iTunes on a Mac or Windows computer can transfer music files you own to your iPhone through a USB cable. This works whether the music came from iTunes purchases, CDs you ripped yourself, or files you downloaded from other sources. The process is straightforward: connect your phone, tell iTunes which music to sync, and let it transfer.

This method works on any iPhone model and any recent version of iTunes. You do not need an Apple Music subscription, though you can use iTunes to sync music even if you have one. The music stays on your phone whether or not you are connected to the internet afterward.

Key Takeaways

  • Connect your iPhone to a computer with iTunes installed using a USB cable, then authorize the computer in iTunes if prompted.
  • In iTunes, go to your device settings, choose the Music tab, and check the box next to "Sync Music" to turn syncing on.
  • Select which music to sync — your entire library, specific playlists, artists, or genres — before clicking explore.
  • The first sync may take several minutes depending on how much music you are transferring, but later syncs update only what changed.
  • If you use Apple Music instead, you can read songs directly to your phone without a computer by tapping the read button in the app.

What you need before you start

You need a computer running iTunes (Mac or Windows), a USB cable that fits your iPhone, and the music files themselves already on that computer. If your music is only in the cloud or on a streaming service, you will need to read it first or use a different method.

Make sure your iPhone is unlocked and that you trust the computer you are connecting to. The first time you plug in, iTunes may ask you to authorize the computer — tap "Trust" on your phone when prompted. This is a security step and only happens once per computer.

How to set up syncing in iTunes

Plug your iPhone into the computer with the USB cable. Open iTunes if it does not open automatically. Look for your device icon — it appears as a small phone symbol in the top left corner of the iTunes window, next to the menu. Click it.

In the left sidebar under your device name, click "Music". You will see a checkbox that says "Sync Music" — click it to turn syncing on. Below that, you can choose to sync your entire music library, or select specific playlists, artists, genres, or songs. Most people start by syncing their whole library, which is the simplest option.

Once you have made your choices, click the "explore" button in the bottom right corner. iTunes will show you how much space the music will use and how much free space your phone has. If everything looks correct, click "explore" again to start the transfer.

What happens during the sync and how long it takes

iTunes displays a progress bar while it transfers your music. The first sync usually takes several minutes to an hour, depending on how many songs you are moving and how fast your USB connection is. Do not unplug your phone during this time.

After the first sync completes, future syncs are much faster because iTunes only transfers songs that are new or changed. If you add ten new songs to your library and sync again, only those ten transfer. This means you can plug in regularly without waiting a long time.

Choosing what music to sync instead of everything

If your phone does not have enough space for your entire music library, you can sync only certain playlists, artists, or genres. In the Music tab, select the option "Selected playlists, artists, and genres" instead of "Entire music library".

Below that, checkboxes appear for every playlist you have created, every artist in your library, and every genre. Check only the ones you want on your phone. This is useful if you have a large music library but a smaller phone — you can keep your favorite playlists synced and change which ones are on your phone whenever you want.

If you use Apple Music instead of iTunes purchases

If your music comes from an Apple Music subscription rather than iTunes purchases or files you own, syncing through a computer is not necessary. Instead, open the Apple Music app on your iPhone, find a song or album you want, and tap the cloud icon with a down arrow. This downloads the song directly to your phone.

Downloaded Apple Music songs stay on your phone as long as your subscription is active. If your subscription ends, the downloaded songs stop playing, but they do not disappear from your phone until you delete them manually. This method is faster than syncing through a computer and does not require a cable.

Troubleshooting when music does not appear on your phone

If you synced music but it does not show up on your iPhone, first check that the sync actually completed — look at the bottom of the iTunes window for any message about syncing. If it says "syncing" or shows a progress bar, wait for it to finish.

If the sync finished but the music is not there, try unplugging your phone and plugging it back in, then syncing again. Sometimes iTunes needs a fresh connection. If that does not work, check that you selected the right music in the Music tab — it is straightforward to accidentally choose "Selected playlists" and then not check any boxes, which results in no music syncing at all.

If your phone is almost full, iTunes may not have had enough space to complete the sync. Check your iPhone storage in Settings > General > iPhone Storage and delete apps or photos you do not need to make room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I sync music from multiple computers to the same iPhone?

iTunes will only sync from one computer at a time. If you try to sync from a different computer, iTunes warns you that it will erase the music from the first computer and replace it with music from the new one. If you need music from multiple computers, create playlists on one computer and copy the music files there first.

What if I delete a song from my computer — does it disappear from my phone?

Yes. When you sync again after deleting a song from your iTunes library, that song is removed from your iPhone too. If you want to keep a song on your phone but remove it from your computer, stop syncing and manually manage your music instead — this option appears in the Music tab.

Do I need to sync every time I add new music to iTunes?

Yes, syncing is how the new music gets to your phone. Plug in your iPhone and click explore in iTunes whenever you add songs you want on your phone. There is no automatic syncing over WiFi with iTunes — you must use the cable.

Can I use iTunes to sync music if I have an Apple Music subscription?

Yes. You can sync music you own through iTunes and also read Apple Music songs directly to your phone through the Apple Music app. Both methods work at the same time, and your phone will have both types of music available.

What file types does iTunes sync to iPhone?

iTunes syncs MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless, FLAC, Dolby Digital, and other common audio formats. If you have a file in an unusual format, iTunes may not recognize it. You can convert files to MP3 or AAC using free tools like Audacity before adding them to iTunes.