Sync Music and Videos in macOS Catalina

In macOS Catalina, sync music and videos between a Mac and a compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod using Finder rather than iTunes. Before you start, update your device if practical, connect it to the Mac, and decide whether you want to sync selected items or an entire library; syncing can replace content that was added manually.

What You’ll Need

• A Mac running macOS Catalina and a compatible iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
• A USB cable that connects the device to the Mac. Wi-Fi syncing can be enabled later.
• Music and video files available on the Mac, or music available through a supported Apple Music subscription.
• Your device passcode and, if prompted, permission to trust the Mac.
• Enough free storage on the device for the selected content.

Step-by-Step

1. Check where your content is stored. Open the Music app to find music in your library. Open the TV app to check movies and TV shows. If you use another app to store or play video files, confirm that the files are in a format your device supports and that you can locate them in Finder. Items stored only in the cloud may need to be downloaded to the Mac before they can be copied.
2. Connect the device. Use a USB cable to connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to the Mac. Unlock the device. If a prompt asks whether to trust the computer, tap Trust on the device and enter its passcode. If the Mac asks whether to allow the accessory to connect, approve it.
3. Open the device in Finder. Open a Finder window and look for the device under Locations in the sidebar. Select it. If it does not appear, check that the cable is seated, the device is unlocked, and Finder’s sidebar is set to show connected devices. You may also need to approve the connection on the device.
4. Review the device’s general settings. The first time you connect, Finder may show a setup screen. Follow its prompts, and choose whether to back up the device to the Mac or to iCloud if asked. In the device’s General tab, you can enable Show this [device] when on Wi-Fi for later wireless syncing. A first sync is usually simplest over USB.
5. Choose music syncing options. Select the Music tab in the device window. Check Sync music onto [device] to turn on Mac-to-device music syncing. Choose Entire music library to copy everything eligible, or select Selected artists, albums, genres, and playlists and tick the items you want. The selection controls vary with the option you choose.
6. Choose video syncing options. Select the Movies tab to sync movies available to the TV app, or the TV Shows tab to choose shows and episodes. Check the relevant sync option, then choose all eligible items or select individual titles or episodes. Video files that are not available in these tabs may need to be imported into the TV app or transferred using a compatible app and supported file format.
7. Check storage and apply your choices. Look at the device storage indicator at the bottom of the Finder window. If the selected music and videos exceed available space, deselect items or make room on the device. Click Apply if shown, then click Sync. Keep the device connected while Finder copies the content; progress appears in the Finder window.
8. Wait for completion and disconnect safely. Do not unplug the cable during syncing. When Finder indicates the sync is finished, click the eject button next to the device in the sidebar, then disconnect it. Open Music or TV on the device and check that a few selected items play.
9. Enable Wi-Fi syncing if you want it. With the device connected, select it in Finder and open General. Turn on Show this [device] when on Wi-Fi, then click Apply. Later, connect the Mac and device to the same Wi-Fi network, keep the device powered on, and select it in Finder to sync. A cable remains the best option for the initial setup or a large transfer.

Common Mistakes

• Looking for device syncing in iTunes. Catalina moved iPhone, iPad, and iPod management to Finder. Music and TV remain separate apps for their respective libraries.
• Assuming every cloud item is stored locally. A title visible in a library may still need to download before it can sync. Confirm that it is available on the Mac.
• Syncing a whole library unintentionally. Review the selection before applying. If manual music or video was added directly to the device, enabling automatic syncing can remove or replace that content.
• Expecting unsupported videos to appear automatically. Finder’s Movies and TV Shows tabs handle content recognized by the TV app. A file that is in an unsupported format or stored elsewhere might not be listed.
• Unplugging too soon or overlooking storage. Wait for Finder to finish and make sure the device has enough free space. A stalled or incomplete transfer can leave items missing.

Tips

• Start by syncing a small selection. Check playback on the device before choosing a large library.
• Keep the Mac awake and the device connected during a large transfer. A direct USB connection is generally more dependable than Wi-Fi for many files.
• Use descriptive playlists in Music to make selecting groups of tracks easier.
• For videos, check playback on the Mac and confirm the device supports the file’s format before troubleshooting the sync itself.
• Syncing is not the same as making a backup. Use Finder’s backup controls if you also need a copy of device data.

Troubleshooting

The device does not appear in Finder: Unlock it, reconnect the cable, and respond to any trust or accessory prompts. Try another USB port or a cable that supports data, not just charging. In Finder, open Finder > Settings (or Preferences) > Sidebar and make sure connected devices are set to appear. Restarting the Mac and device can also help.

Music or videos are missing: Check the relevant Finder tab and make sure syncing is enabled. Verify that the content exists in the Mac’s Music or TV library, is downloaded locally if needed, and is included in the selected items. Items purchased or managed through a subscription may have restrictions on copying; use the service’s supported playback method when direct syncing is unavailable.

Syncing stops or reports that there is not enough space: Deselect some content, remove unneeded files from the device, and try again. Keep the cable connected, close unnecessary apps, and restart both devices if the transfer repeatedly stops. If the problem continues, try a different data cable or USB port.

Wi-Fi syncing does not work: Connect by USB first and confirm Show this [device] when on Wi-Fi is enabled in Finder’s General tab. Make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and the iPhone or iPad is awake. Reconnect by cable if the device remains unavailable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did iTunes syncing go in Catalina?
Finder now handles device management and syncing. The Music and TV apps hold music and video libraries.

Can I sync only certain songs or videos?
Yes. Choose the selected-content option in the appropriate Finder tab and tick the artists, albums, playlists, movies, shows, or episodes you want.

Does syncing delete content already on my device?
It can. Automatic syncing may replace manually added content in the categories you sync, so review the Finder selections before applying them.

Can I sync music from an Apple Music subscription?
Availability depends on your subscription and account settings. Subscription music is generally accessed through the Music app and may not behave like files you own and can copy freely.

Can I sync videos over Wi-Fi?
Yes, after enabling Wi-Fi syncing in Finder while the device is connected. Both devices must be on the same network, and large transfers are often more reliable over USB.

Why is a video not listed in Finder?
It may not be imported into the TV app, downloaded to the Mac, or compatible with the device. Check its location and format, then use a supported app or format.

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