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How to transfer music from PC to iPhone without iTunes
If you cannot use iTunes to transfer your music, check out these non-iTunes options to add music from your PC to iPhone easily and quickly.
There are possible ways for Windows users to transfer music from computer to iPhone without iTunes.
If you have a large music library on your Windows PC, you might want to transfer it to your iPhone for offline listening. However, using iTunes to transfer music from PC will overwrite your existing iPhone Music Library. So, is there any way to transfer music from PC to iPhone without iTunes while keeping both your original and newly transferred songs?
This guide explores how to transfer music from PC to iPhone without iTunes in different ways. Whether you're syncing your entire library or adding specific tracks, these non-iTunes solutions offer efficient, seamless music transfer from PC to iPhone without overwriting your data.
To add music to iPhone without iTunes, iPhone Data Transfer is a top choice that can transfer all or a selection of your music across platforms in full quality without any data loss.
Main reasons to transfer music from PC to iPhone without iTunes
While iTunes can transfer music from computer to iPhone on a Windows PC, the process will overwrite all current music content on your phone. Additionally, iTunes only syncs music to an iPhone from its local Library. If you want to transfer your own music from a PC to your iPhone, it's necessary to add it to iTunes Library firstly.
Hence, for better control and easier music transfer across Windows and iOS platforms, many users may choose to add music to iPhone with non-iTunes methods. Below, we've gathered several different options to bypass iTunes and transfer your music from PC to iPhone seamlessly:
How to transfer music from PC to iPhone without iTunes
Add music from PC to iPhone without iTunes via Apple Music
If you have a subscription to Apple Music, using Sync Library can stream your music library across PC and iPhone linked to the same Apple ID, allowing for real-time access and updates. By turning on Sync Library on both source and target platforms, all music you've added, purchased and uploaded from PC will transfer to your iPhone without iTunes wirelessly.
Make sure your devices are signed in with the same Apple ID that you use with your Apple Music subscription. Here's how to transfer music from PC to iPhone without iTunes by Apple Music:
Step 1. Turn on Sync Library in Apple Music on Windows PC.
Open the Apple Music app on your Windows computer.
At the bottom of the sidebar, click on your name and ensure you're signed in with the same Apple ID used for the Apple Music subscription.
Click the 3-dot icon at the top and select Settings from the expanded menu.
Choose General and turn on Sync Library.
Wait for your music library to sync over the network.
Step 2. Enable Sync Library on your iPhone.
Access Apple Music app and tap the photo icon.
Tap Account Settings and make sure it's the same Apple ID with your active subscription.
Navigate to the Settings app and choose Music.
Turn on Sync Library.
Step 3. Download music to your iPhone without iTunes.
Open Apple Music app on your iPhone and wait for it sync the whole library from your PC.
Select an album or a playlist you want, and tap the Download button at the top.
Or select a song, and tap the 3-dot More button next to it and choose Download.
This way, everything in the Apple Music Library on your Windows PC will transfer to your iPhone seamlessly, without the need for iTunes. Similarly, you may also use other streaming apps like YouTube Music to download music to your iPhone for offline listening.
Transfer music from computer to iPhone via iPhone Data Transfer
Whether to sync your entire music library or transfer specific songs that are not purchased through Apple, the iPhone Data Transfer is a one-stop solution, allowing for seamless music transfer between Windows and iOS without using iTunes or overwriting any current data.
This tool offers user-friendly interface and cross-platform compatibility, letting you transfer music from PC to iPhone or vice versa in bulk with simple clicks. Additionally, it supports a wide range of music files, and can automatically recognize incompatible formats and convert them into Apple-supported ones, ensuring smooth playback on iPhone.
For non-purchased songs, MP3s, ringtones, audiobooks, and other local music files, follow these steps to transfer music from Windows PC to iPhone without iTunes syncing directly:
Step 1. Launch iPhone Data Transfer your PC. It's compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10 and earlier Windows OS.
Step 2. Link your iPhone to computer with a proper USB or Lightning cable. If asked, enter your iPhone passcode and tap Trust to trust your computer.
Step 3. Move to the Music tab on the left side. All content in your iPhone's Music Library is now accessible here.
Step 4. Click the Add button at the top and select Add File(s) or Add Folder. This allows you to choose specific songs, playlists, or an entire music folder on your PC and add them directly to your iPhone without using iTunes.
Afterward, all selected music will be transferred from your PC's computer folder to your iPhone's Music Library in no time, without overwriting any current music content you already have. Feel free to open the Music app to enjoy all your favorite tunes without hassle!
YouTube Guide to transfer music from computer to iPhone without iTunes
Download music to iPhone without iTunes from PC via iCloud Drive
Cloud services like iCloud Drive or Google Drive can simplify the music transfer from Windows PC to iPhone without needing to use iTunes or physically connect to a computer. It works by uploading the songs from your PC to cloud storage, and then download the music onto your iPhone locally.
The process relies on a stable network. Make sure there's sufficient cloud storage if you have a large music collection to transfer. Here are the steps on how to download music on iPhone without iTunes from a Windows PC by using iCloud Drive:
Note: To avoid unplayable music transferred to your iPhone, make sure your songs and tracks are all in iOS-compatible audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, M4A, AAC, WAV, etc.
Step 1. Upload music from PC to iCloud Drive.
On your Windows PC, open a browser and go to iCloud.com.
Sign in to iCloud with the same Apple ID and password used on your iPhone.
When you log in, click the Drive option from the iCloud menu.
Check Browse on the left sidebar and click the Upload icon in the top-right corner.
From the pop-up computer folder, navigate to where your local music files are stored.
Select the songs you want to transfer to your iPhone.
Step 2. Download PC music to your iPhone.
Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi or cellular network and open the Files app.
Tap the Browse tab at the bottom and move to the Drive.
Locate the music files you just uploaded, and press to select them all.
Tap the Download option to get all PC music downloaded to your iPhone.
Comparison of non-iTunes music transfer from PC to iPhone
This guide outlines several easy ways to transfer music from your Windows PC to your iPhone without iTunes. Here's a comparison to help you choose the best option:
Cross-Platform Compatibility: All solutions mentioned work seamlessly to transfer music from Windows 10/11 to iPhone without using iTunes.
Flexibility: Apple Music requires syncing your entire library, whereas iPhone Data Transfer and cloud storage services allow you to transfer specific songs or folders.
Connection Requirements: Music streaming apps and cloud services rely on a network connection, while iPhone Data Transfer uses a cable-based connection for direct music transfers between PC and iOS devices.
Transfer Capacity: iPhone Data Transfer supports unlimited bulk music transfers. In contrast, cloud-based options are limited by the available storage space in your cloud account.
Compatibility: All methods outlined are compatible with all iPhones and iPads across all iOS versions. Note that Apple Music or iCloud syncing require an active subscription tied to a single Apple account.
Hopefully, with these useful tools, you're able to transfer all or a selection of your music from PC to iPhone without relying solely on iTunes.
FAQs on transferring music from PC to iPhone
Q1: Why iTunes cannot transfer music to my iPhone?
Check if the iTunes is updated to the latest version.
Confirm your local music files are supported by iTunes.
Make sure to add your own tracks to iTunes Music Library before transferring.
Disable iCloud Music Library if it's enabled on your iPhone.
Q2: How can I manually transfer music from my computer to my iPhone?
To manually transfer your desired songs from computer to iPhone instead of syncing the entire music library, here are a few options:
Use iPhone Data Transfer to select and transfer specific songs, playlists or music folders.
Upload music files from computer to cloud storage, such as iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or OneDrive, and then download them to iPhone.
Sync with iTunes by connecting your iPhone and choosing Manually Manage Music and Videos.
Q3: Is there a free way to transfer music from PC to iPhone without iTunes?
Cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox offer free cloud storage space that is available to upload and download PC music to iPhone. Third-party tools like iPhone Data Transfer provides free trial to move music between Windows and iOS directly.
Q4: How to put my entire music library onto my iPhone?
iTunes is a free way to sync the entire music library from PC to iPhone, but it replaces all current data in your Music app.
To prevent data loss, music streaming services like Apple Music or YouTube Music can sync entire music library across devices. For a more convenient solution, iPhone Data Transfer enables seamless transfer for moving all music files to an iPhone from a PC, Mac, or iOS device in one click.
