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iPhone Basics

Syncing Your iPhone

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Syncing Your iPhone

Syncing makes it easy to keep things up-to-date between your computer, your iPhone, and your other mobile devices. This way, you'll always have access to important files on any device whenever you need them. There are two ways to sync an iPhone: with iTunes and with iCloud.

To sync with iTunes:

You can connect your iPhone to your computer using the included USB cable. You can then use iTunes to sync music, photos, and files from your computer to your iPhone. You'll also be able to back up your iPhone's files on your computer.

iTunes must be installed on your computer to sync your iPhone. If it's not already installed, you can download it from Apple here: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download.

  1. Open iTunes on your computer.
  2. Connect the included USB cable to your iPhone and then to a USB port on your computer.
  3. The iPhone will appear in the top-right corner of the iTunes window. Click iPhone.
    Screenshot of iTunesClicking iPhone
  4. The iPhone summary page will appear. From there, you'll be able to choose the files and settings you wish to sync between your iPhone and your computer.

Click the buttons in the interactive below to learn more about syncing your iPhone with iTunes.

Eject Button

Most of the time, you can simply unplug the USB cable from the computer when you're done syncing. However, if you're currently syncing the iPhone, you'll need to click the eject button before removing the cable.

Summary

Here, you'll see an overview for different information about your iPhone, including the available storage space, serial number, and more.

Info

From here, you can choose to sync contacts, calendars, and email accounts from your computer to your iPhone.

Apps

From here, you can customize the apps on your device, including how your apps are arranged and organized.

Music, Movies, TV Shows, and Podcasts

Click these options to decide what music, movies, TV shows, and podcasts from your iTunes library to sync to your iPhone. If you have a lot of music on your computer, you may only want to sync specific playlists, albums, or artists.

Photos

From here, you can choose to sync photos from your computer onto your iPhone. You can sync photos from any folder on your computer. If you have a Mac, you can also sync photos from iPhoto.

Done

Click Done to return to iTunes.

Sync

Click Sync to sync files between your computer and your iPhone.

Back Up Now

Click Back Up Now if you'd like to manually back up the iPhone on your computer. Because your iPhone will be backed up automatically to your computer when syncing or to iCloud (if enabled), you likely won't need to use this option very often.

 

If your computer and your iPhone use the same Wi-Fi network, you can sync your iPhone over Wi-Fi instead of plugging it into the computer. From the iPhone summary page, scroll down to Options and check the box next to Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi.

Screenshot of iTunesSyncing with the iPhone over Wi-Fi
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Syncing to iCloud

You can sync your iPhone wirelessly to iCloud, which will work in the background to sync important information between your mobile devices. For example, you could purchase a song in iTunes on your iPhone, then listen to it on your computer. Or you could create a to-do list on your computer, then keep up with it on your iPhone.

When you sync your iPhone with iCloud, you gain access to several different features, including:

  • iCloud Photo Sharing: This feature syncs your most recent photos between devices. This means you can take a photo on your iPhone, then view it instantly on your iPad or computer. You can also use this feature to privately share photos with your friends and family.
  • Find My iPhone: If your iPhone is ever lost or stolen, this feature can help you find it.
  • Backup and Restore: This feature backs up important files and settings on your iPhone to the cloud, including your apps and messages.

You can use these features on your iPhone and other devices, such as an iPad, Mac, or PC. Review the full list of iCloud Features from Apple to learn more.

An Apple ID is required to use iCloud. You should also review this page from Apple to make sure your device meets the iCloud system requirements.

To set up iCloud:

  1. Tap the Settings icon on the Home screen.
    Screenshot of iPhone displayOpening Settings
  2. Scroll down and select iCloud.
  3. Enter your Apple ID and password, then tap Sign In.
    Screenshot of the iPhoneSigning in to iCloud
  4. A list of iCloud features will appear. Tap the controls to turn each feature on or off, depending on your preferences. We recommend that you keep these features turned on to get the most out of iCloud.
  5. To set up automatic backups to iCloud, tap Storage & Backup.
    Screenshot of the iPhoneTapping Storage & Backup
  6. Turn on the control for iCloud Backup. Your iPhone will now be backed up to iCloud whenever when it is charging, connected to Wi-Fi, and locked.
    Screenshot of the iPhoneTurning on iCloud Backup

Setting up other devices

If you want to use iCloud to sync information between your other devices (for example, iPad, Mac, or PC), you'll also need to set up iCloud on those devices. Review the instructions below as needed:

  • Setting Up iCloud - iPad
  • Setting Up iCloud - Mac
  • Setting Up iCloud - PC

If you purchase something on another device from the iTunes Store or App Store, you may want it to appear automatically on your iPhone. To enable this feature, open Settings, tap iTunes & App Store, then turn on the Music and Apps controls.

Screenshot of the iPhoneEnabling automatic downloads

iCloud.com

Even if you don't have any of your devices, you can still view your important iCloud information online. Simply go to www.iCloud.com and sign in with your Apple ID. From there, you'll be able to view your calendar, locate your device, and perform other functions.

screenshot of iCloud.comiCloud.com