Joe P.
Level 2 (304 points)
Wireless

Q: Can I sync iPhone over Wi-Fi if my Mac is on ethernet?

My iMac and iOS devices are all connected to the same network. The iMac is connected via ethernet cable (Wi-Fi is off) and everything else is on Wi-Fi. Can I sync my iPhone and iPad over Wi-Fi if the Mac is on a wired connection? I swear I used to do this all the time but now I can't get it to work. Thanks.

Posted on Oct 21, 2015 6:50 AM

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Joe P.

Q: Can I sync iPhone over Wi-Fi if my Mac is on ethernet?

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  • by Demo,

    Demo Demo Oct 21, 2015 7:24 AM in response to Joe P.
    Level 10 (95,464 points)
    iPad
    Oct 21, 2015 7:24 AM in response to Joe P.

    The Mac has to be on the WiFi network as well in order to sync over WiFi.

  • by Joe P.,

    Joe P. Joe P. Oct 21, 2015 7:36 AM in response to Demo
    Level 2 (304 points)
    Wireless
    Oct 21, 2015 7:36 AM in response to Demo

    So if I'd rather use ethernet for my iMac, I can't sync over Wi-Fi? It used to work but I just got a new iMac, which replaced another.

  • by Demo,

    Demo Demo Oct 21, 2015 8:51 AM in response to Joe P.
    Level 10 (95,464 points)
    iPad
    Oct 21, 2015 8:51 AM in response to Joe P.

    This is a situation where I have to take your word for it about the ability to sync if the Mac is connected via Ethernet. As far as I know, all of the devices have to be on the same WiFi network. My MacBook Pro has always been on WiFi since I have been syncing my iOS devices over WiFi.

  • by Meg St._Clair,

    Meg St._Clair Meg St._Clair Oct 21, 2015 9:06 AM in response to Joe P.
    Level 9 (58,912 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 21, 2015 9:06 AM in response to Joe P.

    Joe P. wrote:

     

    So if I'd rather use ethernet for my iMac, I can't sync over Wi-Fi? It used to work but I just got a new iMac, which replaced another.

    To the best of my knowledge, you've never been able to sync an iOS device over Ethernet. It's either WiFi or USB. Like Demo, I can't think how you could have gotten it to work before. The support article does not indicate that Ethernet is an option:

     

    Sync your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch with iTunes using Wi-Fi - Apple Support

  • by Lawrence Finch,

    Lawrence Finch Lawrence Finch Oct 21, 2015 9:17 AM in response to Joe P.
    Level 8 (37,982 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 21, 2015 9:17 AM in response to Joe P.

    Joe P. wrote:

     

    So if I'd rather use ethernet for my iMac, I can't sync over Wi-Fi? It used to work but I just got a new iMac, which replaced another.

    If the computer is hard wired to the router and is on the same subnet as the WiFi network connection to the iPhone (that is the first 3 triads of the IP address are the same, for example, 192.168.1.10 and 192.168.1.11) you should be able to sync over the network. But I've never tried it. WiFi sync can be flakey at times, so basic diagnostic steps include restart your computer, reset the iPhone (Hold HOME and SLEEP buttons until an Apple logo appears) and quit and relaunch iTunes. Also, connect the phone using a USB cable and toggle the checkbox for WiFi sync. And remember you need the latest version of iTunes (currently 12.3).