How to Prevent Automatic Sync in iTunes
The iPad, the iPhone and the iPod all serve different core functions, but they have one key aspect in common. Each device uses Apple's iTunes software for "syncing" or transferring media, such as music, videos and software. By default, Apple will automatically sync your iTunes library to your connected device, meaning that all compatible content from iTunes will appear on your portable device, and objects already on your device will disappear if they do not also appear in your iTunes library. You can prevent this from happening, ensuring that you only sync the items that you truly want.
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Instructions
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Connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod to your computer. Your device should have come with a white cable with a wide plug and a thin plug. The wide plug connects to the device, and the thin plug connects to your computer. Just look for the USB symbol, which resembles a crooked trident.
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Open iTunes. Some devices will prompt iTunes to open automatically, but others (such as the iPhone) will not. If you do not know where iTunes resides on your hard drive, click the "Start" menu and locate it on your list of programs. If using Mac OS X, click (Macintosh HD > Applications > iTunes) if the program does not appear on your desktop dock.
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Click the name of your device in the iTunes window. Depending on the name you selected during setup, it may read "My iPad," "Jane's iPod Touch" or "Dave's iPhone." You can find the device in your left column, along with a small, animated image of the device.
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Select "Manually manage music and videos" from the list of options. To make the selection, click the box appearing directly beside the words. A small check mark will appear inside the box. This will permanently prevent iTunes from automatically syncing content to your external device, until you decide to uncheck the box at a later time.
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Click the triangle icon beside your device image to eject your iPhone, iPad or iPod. You can then safely disconnect the sync cable.
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Tips & Warnings
When you prevent automatic sync, you will need to manually add and delete items from your device. You can drag titles from your iTunes library directly onto the device image in the left column, or you can select the device in the left column and use the tabs (such as "Music," "TV Shows" and "Podcasts") to manage each category individually.
