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User profile for user: CybermanSG
CybermanSG Author
User level: Level 1
1 points

Sync Apps from iphone to itunes changes the apps layout

Hi everyone,

I been trying to sync my iphone with a new install of the itunes but the problem is that it would change the order of the apps and even remove some of my apps folders. I had already done a "transfer purchases" inside itunes so all apps on my iphone is available on my itunes as well.

So the question is how do I maintain the order of my apps and folders when I do a "Sync Apps" for the first time?

It just does not make sense why the order should be change and folder removed if the same apps are available on both iphone and itunes.

Thanks.
CybermanSG

iphone 3gs, iOS 4

Posted on Feb 5, 2011 8:13 AM

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67 replies
User profile for user: sbohan87
sbohan87
User level: Level 1
0 points

Feb 7, 2011 3:41 PM in response to CybermanSG

Also having this problem. I want to sync my iPhone with iTunes but replace Application order/folders etc.. in the iTunes library with what I have on my phone. When unticked the iPhone preview displays the correct folders and order. However when I click on Sync, and ignore the warning, the preview updates to show all Apps as single icons with no folders or structure 😟.

Is there anyway to update the iTunes library with the iPhone data.
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User profile for user: luvlabs
luvlabs
User level: Level 4
3,620 points

Mar 20, 2011 2:12 PM in response to CybermanSG

Plug your iPhone into iTunes, let it sync, and then click on the Apps tab. If you have created folders and arranged pages on the iPhone, iTunes will accept what you have done and update the display as needed. New apps will be loaded to empty pages.

You can move applications to any page, create folders, etc. when you are in iTunes. When you are finished, click "Apply" in the lower right hand corner. iTunes will sync the changes to your phone.
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User profile for user: CaddyBug
CaddyBug
User level: Level 1
0 points

Mar 20, 2011 2:28 PM in response to luvlabs

thanks for the reply...

I click on Apps (without the Sync Apps button on) and I see the folders that are greyed out and are the same layout as on my iPhone. I then click on Sync Apps and get the pop-up message telling me that it's going to replace all my apps on my iPhone. I click ok to sync apps and it then shows a totally different folder layout.

I want it to "learn" the layout that's on my iPhone, not a default iTunes layout. Is there anyway to force it to learn what's on my iPhone? Like this it's unusable...
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User profile for user: Aspertine
Aspertine
User level: Level 1
4 points

Mar 28, 2011 10:52 PM in response to CaddyBug

My actual work around to this is:

1. On my itunes apps tab, I uncheck the sync apps tick box if its already checked. this then previews my current iphone page layout.
2. I check it back again then I click on the apply button to start syncing.
3. However, even before the syncing takes effect, I am already clicking at the cancel "x" button on the status window found on the center part of itunes where it displays the sync progress.

Its not really tricky at all, my synced apps are checked based on my iphone and itunes adopts my iphone layout.

Hope this helps when you figure this out.

Good luck
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User profile for user: supertommy
supertommy
User level: Level 1
0 points

Apr 8, 2011 9:51 AM in response to Aspertine

This solution above from Aspterine does partially work. I tried it using iTunes 10.2.1 on a Mac and after the first 3 steps outlined:

4. I also unchecked Sync Apps and closed iTunes without applying changes.
5. I reopened iTunes and iTunes recognized my layout and where all my apps were.
6. It did put all the apps that I no longer had on my phone onto another page but I just deleted those manually and viola!

Message was edited by: supertommy
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User profile for user: RSAustin
RSAustin
User level: Level 1
0 points

Sep 28, 2011 10:26 AM in response to sofish

@sofish This is the solution. I'm never touching the 'Sync' iTunes buttons again.


Why the heck is that sync function even there? Why would I want iTunes to delete the apps I've downloaded onto my phone or have iTunes constantly rearrange my phone apps?


No one arranges their iPhone apps on their laptop, they arrange their iPhone app on their iPhone.


The phone should be on the top of the hierarchy for app synching because that is where people USE the apps. You can't even open apps with iTunes so iTunes should ALWAYS be subserviant to the apps settings from the iPhone.

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Sync Apps from iphone to itunes changes the apps layout

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