How do I sync a new iPad that I've already started using, and don't want to lose the data?

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Level 1

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How do I sync a new iPad that I've already started using, and don't want to lose the data?

I have a new-ish iPad that I have started using without syncing to iTunes.

I now need to sync iBooks, if that is possible, with my iPhone. I gather that the best way to do this is to link the iPad and iPhone up with iTunes.

When I plug the iPad into my iMac, it appears as though it will delete all the existing content on my iPad as it thinks it is a brand new, unused iPad. I don't want this.

How do I connect the iPad to iTunes for the first time, without it erasing what I already have on it?

iPad, iOS 6.1.3

Posted on May 7, 2013 12:51 AM

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Answer 1

Diavonex

Level 9

67,217 points

May 7, 2013 12:52 AM in response to Londonfella

Make sure all contents are transferred

Transfer purchases

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

How to backup

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1766

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Answer 2

Londonfella Author

Level 1

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May 7, 2013 12:55 AM in response to Diavonex

Thanks - that doesn't really help me though as when I try and authorise my iTunes, it just says that iTunes is already authorised for 4 devices, although it doesn't show me which ones or give me the option to add another.

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Answer 3

Diavonex

Level 9

67,217 points

May 7, 2013 1:00 AM in response to Londonfella

Manage Device

iTune Store (computer)>Sign-in Account>Manage Device>Remove Device

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Answer 4

King_Penguin

Level 10

334,144 points

May 7, 2013 1:07 AM in response to Londonfella

You may also find this page helpful, it has info about syncing to a new computer : https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3141

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Answer 5

Londonfella Author

Level 1

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May 7, 2013 1:08 AM in response to Diavonex

Ok I can now see where 2 of the 4 authorised devices are shown. This does not however show me how to authorise my iPad without wiping it.

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Answer 6

Diavonex

Level 9

67,217 points

May 7, 2013 1:13 AM in response to Londonfella

Authorize and deauthorize computer

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1420

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Answer 7

Londonfella Author

Level 1

10 points

May 7, 2013 1:16 AM in response to Diavonex

Sorry if I'm sounding a bit thick here - but that doesn't help either. I get how to authorise my computer (ie iMac - it is already authorised).

I'm trying to authorise my iPad.

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Answer 8

King_Penguin

Level 10

334,144 points

May 7, 2013 1:19 AM in response to Londonfella

An iPad doesn't need to be authorised, only computer's are authorised and deauthorised.

See if the link that I gave helps.

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Answer 9

Londonfella Author

Level 1

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May 7, 2013 1:21 AM in response to King_Penguin

Ok thanks, will give it a try. I am just a bit nervous about re-setting the ipad as there is already data on there I don't want to lose. So just to check, if I transfer the purchases from the iPad, all apps and their data will be retained?

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Answer 10

Diavonex

Level 9

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May 7, 2013 1:22 AM in response to Londonfella

Authorization only apply to computers.

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Answer 11

Londonfella Author

Level 1

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May 7, 2013 7:03 AM in response to Diavonex

Sadly, none of this works.

I have backed up using PhoneView and iCloud. When I plug the iPad in, I can't access anything other than a binary option that says 'set up as a new iPad' or restore from a previous back-up. Sadly, none of the iCloud back-ups that I have done from my iPad appear in the list.

Looking at the list provided above, I can only do steps 1-3.

4. Store>Authorize this computer.

- This doesn't work. A pop-up appears saying that I have already authorised 4 devices. It won't let me do anything else with this.

5. File>Transfer Purchases(To make sure all purchased content on your phone will be in your iTunes library).

- Greyed out - can't do this.

- None of the things below therefore work either.

6. Right click your phone in the left device pane & select "Reset warnings".

7. Right click again and select "Backup".

8. Right click again & select "Restore from Backup", select the backup you just made. When prompted to create another backup, decline.

9. This MUST be followed by a sync to restore your iTunes content, which you select from the various tabs, You'll get a popup regarding your contacts & calendars asking to merge or replace, select "Merge".

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Answer 12

King_Penguin

Level 10

334,144 points

May 7, 2013 7:28 AM in response to Londonfella

If your account is already authorised on that computer's iTunes then step 4 isn't needed - if I try to authorise my account by typing in its password on the Store > Authorise This Computer mene option then I get a popup saying the computer is already authorised.

Your iCloud backups won't appear on the list, your computer's iTunes only shows the backups that have been taken on that computer.

You've ticked the tickbox on the Devices tab to turn off auto-syncing ? And if you then connect the iPad you are not able to close the 'set up as new / restore from backup' popup - it's been a while since I connected a device to a new computer and I can't remember what the popup looks like

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Answer 13

Londonfella Author

Level 1

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May 7, 2013 7:56 AM in response to King_Penguin

Thanks - this is what I am seeing when I plug it in (hopefully this image will show up)

I have ticked the box where it says 'prevent ipods, ipads and iphones from syncing automatically'.

The only options are 'set up as new iPad' or 'restore from back-up'

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Answer 14

JDfunky

Level 2

229 points

May 13, 2013 5:37 PM in response to Londonfella

Hi Londonfella.

A fella at work here had the same issue. He did go ahead with the "set up as a new iPad" option. It straight away did a sync (and thus a back up) of his iPad. It didn't erase it, just backed it up. iTunes then came up with a message saying "this computer is no longer authorized for apps that are installed on this iPad. Would you like to authorize it for items purchased from the iTunes store? If you do not authorize it, 14 apps will be deleted from this iPad" (there is an option to cancel the process at this stage.)

Well that was weird because that computer WAS already authorized. We figured nothing to lose, so selected the "Authorize" button. It then came up to enter his AppleID and password. He did so... and got the message "This computer is already authorized" !! Go figure.

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Answer 15

Londonfella Author

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May 27, 2013 1:28 AM in response to JDfunky

Thanks - I tried that and it seems to have worked. Cheers!

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