Noble Green

Q: Syncing iTunes between Apple devices without iCloud

Hi,

 

I'd like to sync my iTunes library between my Mac and my Macbook Air.  I've tried connecting via a Thunderbolt cable, but the icon doesn't appear in iTunes.  I believe to sync iTunes via iCloud, you have to pay a monthly subscription.  Is this correct?  Is the only way to do this via a USB to USB cable between the two devices?  

iMac (27-inch, Late 2012), iOS 10

Posted on Sep 19, 2016 1:01 PM

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Q: Syncing iTunes between Apple devices without iCloud

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  • by Limnos,Helpful

    Limnos Limnos Sep 20, 2016 3:10 AM in response to Noble Green
    Level 9 (54,041 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 20, 2016 3:10 AM in response to Noble Green

    I use an older computer but I don't think sharing files can be done simply with USB or Tuunderbolt.  It can be done using File Sharing which is set up in system preferences.  Still, I don't know that this is the ultimate solution for your desired outcome, particularly if you wish to "sync" your library. For iTunes on computers there is not such feature as "syncing" other than making sure you have personally copied all the files from one to the other so they are identical on both computers, or using a common repository and only run iTunes on one computer at a time.  There are too many possibilities to list them all here so it would help to have exact detail from you what you want to do (not that we can guarantee it will be possible).  Oh, yes, Apple's official solution would be using iCloud. Even then it isn't perfect syncing as far as computers are concerned.  Match has an annual subscription.

  • by Jimzgoldfinch,

    Jimzgoldfinch Jimzgoldfinch Sep 19, 2016 2:38 PM in response to Noble Green
    Level 6 (9,249 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 19, 2016 2:38 PM in response to Noble Green

    Hi,

    You don't need to subscribe to Apple Music or iTunes Match

    Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch with iTunes on your computer using USB - Apple Support

     

    Jim

  • by Noble Green,

    Noble Green Noble Green Sep 20, 2016 3:13 AM in response to Limnos
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 20, 2016 3:13 AM in response to Limnos

    Thanks Limnos.  As per Jim's response, before I progress further I'm going to try a USB to USB connection and see.

  • by Jimzgoldfinch,Apple recommended

    Jimzgoldfinch Jimzgoldfinch Sep 20, 2016 4:28 AM in response to Noble Green
    Level 6 (9,249 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 20, 2016 4:28 AM in response to Noble Green

    Hi,

    I think I misread your original post. I gave you a link for syncing iOS devices.

    You could use iTunes 12 for Mac: Use Home Sharing to import items from another iTunes library  but this does not sync play counts or ratings.

     

    You best solution is to subscribe to itunes Match - annual subscription. Keep your main library on your main computer and you will have your matched, uploaded or purchased tracks to stream or download on your other computer. Alternatively use Apple Music for a monthly subscription.

     

    Jim

  • by Noble Green,

    Noble Green Noble Green Sep 23, 2016 2:02 PM in response to Jimzgoldfinch
    Level 1 (8 points)
    iTunes
    Sep 23, 2016 2:02 PM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

    Thanks all, I tried the USB to USB (Mac to Mac Book Air), but the icon did not come up on my Mac (even after all suggested actions).  I'll therefore use iTunes Match which is the most cost effective for my needs.