Sync Iphone with two computers

Question

Sync Iphone with two computers

Hey all,

I've bought an Iphone recently and would like to sync it with two computers, that is keep the same content on both my work and home pc.
As far as I've searched... it seems that this is not possible, but really? There's no way around?

Thanks!

PC, Windows 7

Posted on Jun 10, 2010 4:48 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

DaVBMan

Level 6

9,280 points

Jun 10, 2010 4:55 AM in response to Gustavo Calonio

No fully.
As documented in the manual, it can sync Music/Videos (media) with one computer. It can sync Calendars/Contacts (data) with multiple.

As to why. Simply to deal with copyright holders. When iTunes and iPods came out, they had to prove to studios and record labels that not only can DRM help stop stealing of music/movies, but they can also limit how the files are moved around to keep control. If they didn't do this, the music/movie industry would never agree. So it is imposed onto them.

Remember, when you buy music/movies you are buying a license to watch/listen, you really don't fully own it to do as you wish.

There is nothing stopping you from moving files around with a thumbdrive if you want files on two different computers. The iPhone is not intended to be a backup device or file transfer device.

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Answer 2

Jun 10, 2010 5:11 AM in response to Gustavo Calonio

Yeah, after posting that I found someone talking about that, copying the files.

But what do I have to copy? That Itunes folder that it creates on "My Music"? Then I have to replace that folder on every computer I want to keep the same library, is that so?

Thanks again!

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Answer 3

Greg222

Level 1

0 points

Jun 14, 2010 1:23 PM in response to Gustavo Calonio

My problem is with syncing apps to two computers (I don't have much music). I arrange my apps the way I like on my home computer and sync it to my iPhone. Then when I go to the office and plug in the iPhone, two things happen. First, if I click "Sync Apps" on iTunes, I get the message "Are you sure you want to sync applications? All existing applications and their data on the iPhone “Greg's iPhone” will be replaced with applications from this iTunes library.". That kind of scares me, because I don't want to loose all my data from my iphone. Second, and what's most frustrating, is that it will rearrange all my apps on my iPhone.

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Answer 4

Jun 14, 2010 1:43 PM in response to Greg222

In regards to iTunes content, you can sync an iPhone with iTunes on a single computer only, and this includes 3rd party apps.

All apps needs to be available in iTunes on a single computer only, and the same for music, movies, TV shows, and podcasts.

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Answer 5

Greg222

Level 1

0 points

Jun 14, 2010 1:54 PM in response to Allan Sampson

What is the authorize and deauthorize for? I always assumed (which I guess is wrong now) that I could connect to more than one computer (up to 5?)

Greg

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Answer 6

Jun 14, 2010 1:57 PM in response to Greg222

You can authorize up to 5 computers with the same iTunes account with iTunes, but there is no limit for the number of computers you can connect an iPhone to. Authorizing a computer with your iTunes account with iTunes should not be required to sync contacts and calendar events only with a supported a supported application.

There is no device limit for the number of iPods, iPhones, and iPads that can be synced with the same iTunes library and iTunes account on the same computer.

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Answer 7

Greg222

Level 1

0 points

Jun 14, 2010 2:13 PM in response to Allan Sampson

Thanks Allen for the clairification. So the way I understand it (assuming my main PC will be my home PC) is that on my office PC don't attempt to sync anything on it or from it in regards to apps.

Greg

Message was edited by: Greg222

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Answer 8

AshApple

Level 1

0 points

Jun 22, 2010 12:58 PM in response to Greg222

I am dealing with this same issue and am looking for a solution. My office is forcing me to set up my email account through IMAP rather than exchange. As a result, I have to plug my phone into my office computer to get my calendar and contacts. However, I would like to be able to sync my music and my apps with my home computer. Is this possible?

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Answer 9

Jun 26, 2010 3:15 AM in response to AshApple

I have the same issue with my iPad. Not sure where I've synced it the first time, probably
in the office.

What happens if I say "yes" and wipe out all my apps on the iPad? Can I re-download them
for free? In fact I use the same iTunes Store account.

THANKS

-M

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Answer 10

Synoawk

Level 1

0 points

Jun 28, 2010 7:58 AM in response to Allan Sampson

what if the HDD of the computer i used to sync my phone with broke ? how i can fix that without losing app data and everything ?

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Answer 11

vivC

Level 1

0 points

Jul 8, 2010 3:22 PM in response to Gustavo Calonio

My iP4 is synced to my home iTunes but my work iTunes is up to date with the apps/music/videos I've purchased on my iP4. When I connect at work, I just go to File/Transfer purchases from iphone and it works for me. Key is I buy everything on my iP4. And since I've authorized both computers, I can play all the purchased songs.

I'm on Google apps mail for work using IMAP and iTunes provides the option to sync contacts with Google so no problem there. Cal is also synced using Google.

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Answer 12

BigJas

Level 1

0 points

Aug 16, 2010 12:36 AM in response to Synoawk

I have had this very problem happen to me.
I am told the only option is to make note of my apps and then reinstall them (no charge as you have already brought them).
Then you will need to reinstall you music which hopefully you will have had you a back up of your music on an external HDD
Finally you will need to sign up for "mobile me" which is free for 60days. This will allow you to sync you contacts and calenders. There is a cost for mobile me after this period.

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Answer 13

Aug 20, 2010 3:04 AM in response to Gustavo Calonio

I accurately read Allan's answers to this and related posts, but still hope there is some solution to the problem of syncing iPhone to 2 computers in my case.
I sync my Music, Books, Photos and Apps from my home desktop PC.
I sync Contacts and Calendars to my work exchange by wireless connection.
Now I am going to a trip for a month with the Eee PC that will be in my hands for this period (I borrow it from my son and will return to him when I am back).
For this period I want the Eee to be the computer syncing at least Apps and Photos.
When I am back I want to be able to sync with my home PC again.
I don't know how to do this with minimum loss.
Some of my applications - eWallet, iSpend, GPS application, ... - have a lot of data inside.
I fill I am loosing all that. Any suggestion?

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Answer 14

crh24

Level 3

930 points

Aug 20, 2010 3:40 PM in response to foresight

There is no *Apple supported* way to sync the same iDevice with two different computers but you can do so. It requires looking at data in two files on computer 1 and transferring that data to the same two files on computer two. One is a binary file so it is not for the novice.

It does work better if you have duplicated the iTunes content so both computers have the same information, but you can get by with a careful setting of the sync options on each computer.

Google is your friend. Search for "sync iphone with two computers"

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Answer 15

Aug 27, 2010 3:23 AM in response to crh24

Thanks, seems to be hopeless situation 😟 Once I tried to change the binary as described in the Internet and this had side effects.

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