How to Synchronize iTunes Libraries

Synchronize iTunes libraries through your local Internet connection.

Synchronizing multiple iTunes libraries with other computers is easiest using Apple's Home Sharing feature, available to any users who share a local Internet Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. Home Sharing is designed for maximum integration of up to five iTunes libraries on different computers, allowing users to automatically transfer newly purchased content and manually transfer existing media stored in your iTunes libraries to others on the same network. Requirements include the latest version of iTunes on all computers using Home Sharing, as well as the primary user's Apple ID and Password to authorize syncing content between systems.

Things You'll Need

• Local Wi-Fi or Ethernet Connection
• Latest Version of iTunes
• Apple ID and Password

Instructions

1. Visit Apple.com/iTunes and click the "Free Download" button on the left side of the screen to download the latest version of iTunes. Double-click the ".exe" or ".dmg" program file to un-archive its contents and run through the installation process. Follow the on-screen prompts to install iTunes to your hard drive and transfer your current library to the new iTunes. Agree to the terms of use and launch iTunes.

2. Click the "Advanced" option at the top of the screen and select "Turn On Home Sharing."

3. Click the "Home Sharing" icon on the left side of iTunes and enter your Apple ID and Password. If you do not have an Apple ID yet, click the "Need An Apple ID?" button and follow the on-screen prompts. Click "Create Home Share" in the bottom-right of the Home Sharing window.

4. Follow the above steps on the second computer you want synchronized on your home network, using the same Apple ID and Password.

5. Click the "Home Sharing" icon on the second computer. Click the "Edit" tab at the top of the screen and choose "Select All." Press the "Import" button in the lower-right corner of the Home Sharing window to manually import all contents from your first computer's library to the second computer's library.

6. Set up an Automatic Transfer so new content purchased from the iTunes Store will automatically sync to your second computer by clicking the "Settings" button in the lower-right corner of the Home Sharing screen and choosing the types of media to sync (see Warnings).

Tips & Warnings

• Up to five computers can sync or share their music using Home Sharing.

• Automatic Transfer only applies to content bought from the iTunes Store, excluding iTunes rentals and audiobook content purchased from Audible.com.

References

• Apple Support: Setting Up Home Sharing
• Apple Support: Understanding Home Sharing

Resources

• Apple Support: iTunes
• Download: iTunes