Minimum requirements for WiFi sync to iTunes

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Level 6

12,183 points

Minimum requirements for WiFi sync to iTunes

I have been at my wits end trying to figure our the requirements to enable WiFi sync of the iPhone to the Mac

It was working fine until about a week ago when it just stopped IOW when I disconnect the cord - the phone image disappears from iTunes

What I have tried -

1. Reset all settings on the iPhone

2. Stopped AppleMobileDeviceHelper on the MBP and restarted it

3. UN checked the sync over wi fi box - restarted the phone and the computer and re checked the box

4. Made sure internet and bluetooth sharing is enabled in System Preferences

5. Completely deleted the device from iTunes and then rebooted both devices and re enabled it

iPhone 6 Plus, iOS 9.2

Posted on Apr 26, 2016 8:19 AM

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Answer 1

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,307 points

Apr 26, 2016 8:25 AM in response to ManSinha

Did you already check this?

If you can't set iTunes to sync over Wi-Fi, or if sync doesn't work:

Restart your computer and iOS device.

Make sure that your computer and iOS device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Syncing doesn't work over an Ethernet to Wi-Fi connection.

Check your firewall settings. If you use security or firewall software on your computer or router, you can get help with security software. You can also contact the router's manufacturer or check the documentation to learn how to open TCP ports 123 and 3689 and UDP ports 123 and 5353.

copied from: Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes using Wi-Fi - Apple Support

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Answer 2

modular747

Level 6

19,674 points

Apr 26, 2016 8:25 AM in response to ManSinha

Did you try restarting your router?

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Answer 3

javaliga

Level 10

120,179 points

Apr 26, 2016 8:40 AM in response to ManSinha

You probably know more about it than I do, but could it have something to do with the Bonjour service?

About Wake on Demand and Bonjour Sleep Proxy - Apple Support

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Answer 4

ManSinha Author

Level 6

12,183 points

Apr 26, 2016 9:31 AM in response to Ingo2711

Hi Ingo2711

Thanks for the answer

Ingo2711 wrote:

Did you already check this?

If you can't set iTunes to sync over Wi-Fi, or if sync doesn't work:

Restart your computer and iOS device. Yes I have several times 🙂

Make sure that your computer and iOS device are on the same Wi-Fi network. Syncing doesn't work over an Ethernet to Wi-Fi connection. Yes it only used to work at home - never at work

Check your firewall settings. If you use security or firewall software on your computer or router, you can get help with security software. You can also contact the router's manufacturer or check the documentation to learn how to open TCP ports 123 and 3689 and UDP ports 123 and 5353. This I shall look into but I faithfully read OGELTHORPE and Linc Davis posts and do not have any firewall or anti virus on the MBP

copied from: Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes using Wi-Fi - Apple Support

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Answer 5

ManSinha Author

Level 6

12,183 points

Apr 26, 2016 9:36 AM in response to javaliga

Nope - that was not it

Good thought though - but it pertains as I read it mainly to low power states and I almost always have the Mag safe plugged in (have one for every room 😝)

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Answer 6

Ingo2711

Level 10

80,307 points

Apr 26, 2016 10:06 AM in response to ManSinha

Yes, the Firewall part only refers to PC AV programs and Firewall settings for Windows😉

Just to make sure, you did connect the iPhone via USB cable, before you selected the Wi-Fi sync option and disconnected the USB cable after that?

Plus, the iPhone has to be charged during the syncing process.

Set iTunes to sync your iOS device over Wi-Fi

Open iTunes. Make sure that you have the latest version.

Use the USB cable that came with your iOS device to connect it to your computer.

In iTunes, find and then click your iOS device.

On the Summary tab, select "Sync with this [device] over Wi-Fi."

Click Apply, then disconnect the USB cable.

Choose which items you want to sync, then click sync.

When the computer and the iOS device are on the same Wi-Fi network, the iOS device appears in iTunes. The iOS device syncs automatically whenever it charges and iTunes is open on the computer. Learn more about

Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes using Wi-Fi - Apple Support

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Answer 7

ManSinha Author

Level 6

12,183 points

Apr 26, 2016 10:07 AM in response to modular747

Boy that did the trick - i just got downstairs after dong some chores to see the iPhone displayed in iTunes without a cord - beautiful!

Thanks modular747

Do you have a sense what may have happened? I can think of a few things but love to hear your take!

Thanks again!

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Answer 8

modular747

Level 6

19,674 points

Apr 26, 2016 10:09 AM in response to ManSinha

You're welcome. Router timing glitches can cause various weird effects besides complete loss of connection.

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Answer 9

Demo

Level 10

166,747 points

Apr 26, 2016 10:12 AM in response to ManSinha

Are you trying to auto sync when the phone is plugged in, the screen is locked, etc, etc.... I never auto sync, never have, never will and I have great susccessful with syncing over WiFi with my iPhone, iPads and iPod Touch 5th generation.

As a test, launch iTunes and go to iTunes>Preferences>Devices>Prevent iPods, iPhones and iPads from automatically syncing. Click OK, quit iTunes. Reboot the Mac. Restart the phone as well. Now launch iTunes again. Connect the phone with the cable. Click on the phone to select it. Deselect the sync over WiFi option. Click on Apply if needed. Now sync the phone. After you sync, reselect the sync over WiFi option and click on Apply. Eject the phone and try again over wifi.

NM. That's what I get for typing a detailed reply. 😁 Glad you got it fixed.

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