How to sync 2 computers iTunes libraries.

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Level 1

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How to sync 2 computers iTunes libraries.

I have a MacBook Pro that is my main machine and a Mac Mini hooked up to my TV. Is there a way to sync the iTunes libraries between the 2? I have been doing it manually (ie transferring files via wifi from one to the other.) Is there a way to set it up to do it automatically or a manual one-click sync even? I want to be able to have each machine have a stand alone library since I often take the laptop for trips, etc. I can share files back and forth right now over the wifi with homesharing, but I want each machine to have it's own copy of each movie, song etc? What is the easiest way to do this or is manual the only way?

Posted on Feb 3, 2015 3:53 AM

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Answer 1

Limnos

Level 10

411,187 points

Feb 3, 2015 6:35 AM in response to ebyson

iTunes: How to share music and video - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2688 - about Music Sharing and Home Sharing

Home Sharing Support page - http://www.apple.com/support/homesharing/

iTunes: Setting up Home Sharing on your computer - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4620

Understanding Home Sharing - http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3819

Note, some of the automatic updating only works for items purchased from the iTunes Store (of course).

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Answer 2

ebyson Author

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Feb 4, 2015 2:56 AM in response to Limnos

Thanks, that did help with a few issues, but it doesn't fully answer my question. Or maybe it does and that is the best way to do it. Still looking for an easy way to sync the two libraries. Homesharing is a good start and will auto sync new iTunes purchases, but what about syncing older stuff and non purchased items? I went through and manually did it for now, but that requires manually importing the items into each computer. Is this this easiest way? Thanks!

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Answer 3

ebyson Author

Level 1

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Feb 4, 2015 3:23 AM in response to ebyson

I take part of my above reply back. It took a little while to start up, but it looks like it will transfer older stuff, at least older purchases. I'll have to wait for it to finish before I can tell if it transfers everything in the libraries or just iTunes purchases.

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Answer 4

Limnos

Level 10

411,187 points

Feb 4, 2015 5:56 AM in response to ebyson

I think automatically it just does purchases but you can manually tell it to copy other things. Note, it is just copying media, not the actual complete library which is a host of other things such as playlists. There are different ways to do this but none are 100% satisfactory.

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