Manually manage music without deleting content from iPhone

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Level 1

8 points

Manually manage music without deleting content from iPhone

HI there.

I recently bought a MacBook Air (which is awesome, by the way) to replace my aging Windows/Linux based laptop. I wanted to add some more music and videos to my iPhone 4, so I changed the option in iTunes to manage the content manually. After I apply the setting, I get a message stating: "This iPhone is synced with another iTunes Library. Do you want to erase this iPhone and sync with this iTunes library?"

Since I don't want all of my content erased off of my iPhone, what should I do? I could have sworn I've deauthorized my iTunes username on my old computer, so I thought that would have taken care of this. I really don't want to have to add all of my content all over again, but I suppose if I have to, I will. What kind of options do I have here? Thanks in advance!

MacBook Air, Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on Aug 9, 2011 9:03 AM

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Answer 1

varjak paw

Level 10

182,662 points

Aug 9, 2011 9:26 AM in response to The_Dan_x

Whether or not you use manual management, and iPhone (or any iOS device) can only be synched with one iTunes library at a time. The best method is usually to transfer the entire iTunes library from your old computer to your new one. Then the iPhone will (under normal circumstances) still think it's synchronizing to the same library. Instructions on transferring the library from your old computer to your new one can be found in other threads in this forum, but post back if you can't find them.

Otherwise, you have to copy all your content from the iPhone to the new iTunes library before you allow it to sync or everything will be erased. See this support article:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1848

For content not purchased from the iTunes Store, check out this post from Zevoneer for some iPod/iPhone media recovery options:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10570955#10570955

Regards.

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Answer 2

The_Dan_x Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 25, 2011 1:46 AM in response to varjak paw

I've let this set for a few months and just haven't gotten around to doing this because I had a few more questions. When referring to my iTunes library, is it ONLY talking about music and videos? Or is it also talking about my contacts, apps, calendars, etc.? If so, would performing a backup of my phone, enable me to keep all of that information, including my music and videos? I just don't want ot have a completely blank iPhone, missing my contacts and apps, mainly. Getting my purchased music and adding other music from CDs and whatnot shouldn't be too much of a problem. I'm just a little hesitant about this. Any further advice would be helpful. Thanks!

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Answer 3

Sep 25, 2011 2:16 AM in response to The_Dan_x

It refers to all content on the iPhone.

To prevent a sync hold down the 'option' and 'command' keys together when plugging in the iPhone/iPod - keep the keys down until the you iPhone appears in the Devices list of iTunes.

You can use a program such as PhoneView from http://www.ecamm.com/mac/phoneview/ to see and transfer the contents to iTunes.

MJ

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Answer 4

The_Dan_x Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 25, 2011 3:26 AM in response to Mike Johnson12

I already have my iTunes set up so it doesn't automatically sync, but have manually synced and transfered purchases from my phone to iTunes on my Mac. So basically, unless I copy my stuff from my iPhone to my computer, EVERYTHING (contacts, music, etc) will be gone? It will be as if I have a new phone with NOTHING on it? If that's the case, it definitely seems to go against the iOS mantra, "It just works."

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Answer 5

Sep 25, 2011 4:33 AM in response to The_Dan_x

It does just work - the way it has been designed. The way it works might not be how you want it to work - that is why there are after market programs that will help you get things to work your way. Did you look at PhoneView? You can export your iPhone contacts as a v-card then put them into your address book on the computer.

If all the content is on the computer what is the problem?

The iPod/iPhone etc were originally designed to be one way conduits - then the ability to transfer purchases was added. With iOS 5 it appears that the requirement to be linked to one master computer will go away if you move to the iCloud.

If you will wait a few more weeks - look as this about iOS 5 - http://www.apple.com/ios/ios5/features.html

MJ

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