Finder shows limited options for iPhone 16 music transfer

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Level 1

8 points

Finder shows limited options for iPhone 16 music transfer

My husband got an iPhone 16, which he set up using his old iPhone. Now we want to transfer music files manually from Music in my MacBook, but when we connect the phone by cable and choose his phone in Finder, the only option is to set up his phone as a new device, or restore it from an (old) backup. How can we transfer the music files?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 26.3

Posted on Jun 22, 2026 4:43 AM

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Answer 1

WheelieNick

Level 9

59,924 points

Sep 5, 2026 1:10 PM in response to YeshuaLives

To transfer music manually, unlock the iPhone 16, tap Trust on the screen if prompted, and enter the device passcode so that finder recognizes it

Unlocking and Trusting the Device

Connect the iPhone 16 to your MacBook using a USB-C cable.
Leave the iPhone unlocked on the home screen.
Tap Trust on the iPhone and type your passcode.
Look at the Finder sidebar on your MacBook and click on his iPhone under Locations.

Transferring Music Files via Finder

Click the Music tab across the top panel in the Finder window for the connected iPhone.
Check the box for Sync music onto iPhone.
Choose to sync either your entire music library or selected artists, albums, and playlists.
Click Apply in the bottom-right corner to start the manual file transfer.

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