Allan123
Level 1 (83 points)
iOS Apps

Q: Does Syncing my iPhone on Recently Restored Laptop Delete my iPhone Content?

I have recently done a factory restore of my laptop. Now when I start trying to sync my iphone with iTunes I get a worrying message iTunes Warning.jpg.

 

As it happens I saved all my music and reinstalled it following my restore, but I am concerned about losing all the other content and settings on my phone, which I didn't realise I should have saved before, if I try to sync.


I am truly incensed with what Apple have done here. The meaning of synchronisation is the sharing of information between units and NOT just one overriding the other, presumably so that Apple can force you to lose any music that wasn't purchased from them.


All I can say is that most people are not fools and will resent this customer abuse, as I do, and make it more likely that we will avoid purchasing future products from them.


But for now I'm stuck with it and wish to avoid losing my existing content on my iPhone.


Help please.

Acer Aspire

Posted on Jul 1, 2016 7:02 AM

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Allan123

Q: Does Syncing my iPhone on Recently Restored Laptop Delete my iPhone Content?

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  • by javaliga,Helpful

    javaliga javaliga Jul 1, 2016 8:15 AM in response to Allan123
    Level 4 (3,810 points)
    iCloud
    Jul 1, 2016 8:15 AM in response to Allan123

    The message may be a little misleading although it is precisely correct.  It ONLY refers to what is in your iTunes LIBRARY (music, apps, audio books, etc.) and not any other content and setting on your phone.

     

    For various reasons, devices can only sync to one library at a time, as the message says.  As long as your iTunes library contains all your past purchases and things like previous CD imports, you should be OK.  iTunes will erase the music library on the device but restore it with the identical library (since you said you saved all your music and reinstalled it on your laptop).

     

    I don't work for Apple and can't speak for them.  But I suspect that if Apple was to allow the combining of libraries or "sharing synchronization of information between units" (as you put it) it might create licensing problems with purchases made through the iTunes & App Store.  I don't believe it is Apples intent to force you to lose any music that wasn't purchased from them.  You can always download previous purchases:

     

    Download your past purchases - Apple Support

     

    or import your CDs (as long as you still have them).

  • by Allan123,

    Allan123 Allan123 Jul 1, 2016 8:18 AM in response to javaliga
    Level 1 (83 points)
    iOS Apps
    Jul 1, 2016 8:18 AM in response to javaliga

    Thanks Java,

    What I was most concerned about is my contacts, messages, and all the other information stored in my various apps. I want to be sure I am not going to lose this if I try to sync. Do you know what happens with these in this situation?

    Cheers