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10 Tech How-To

How to Transfer Music to iPhone 13: Easy Steps

Guide 10-35564 · Updated · Step by step

This guide walks you through the different ways to put music on your iPhone 13, whether you want to sync your existing iTunes library, use Apple Music, or transfer files from a computer. You’ll learn the exact steps for each method, what to do if something goes wrong, and answers to common questions. No special technical skills are needed—just follow the steps for the method that fits your situation.

What You’ll Need

  • An iPhone 13 with the latest iOS (check in Settings > General > Software Update).
  • A computer (Windows or Mac) with iTunes installed (Windows) or the Music app (macOS Catalina or later).
  • A USB cable that came with your iPhone (or a certified third-party cable).
  • Your Apple ID and password for Apple Music or iTunes Store purchases.
  • If using Wi-Fi syncing: your computer and iPhone on the same Wi-Fi network.

Step-by-Step

  1. Decide which method fits you:
    • Apple Music subscription: Stream and download songs directly on the iPhone—no computer needed.
    • Sync from computer: Transfer your existing music library (MP3, AAC, etc.) from iTunes or the Music app.
    • Transfer via third-party apps: Use apps like Documents by Readdle or VLC to move files over Wi-Fi or cloud storage.
  2. For Apple Music (subscription):
    1. Open the Music app on your iPhone 13.
    2. Tap “Listen Now” or “Browse” to find music.
    3. Tap the + (plus) icon on a song, album, or playlist to add it to your library.
    4. To download for offline listening, tap the cloud download icon (a cloud with a down arrow) next to the item.
  3. For syncing from a computer (Windows or Mac):
    1. Connect your iPhone 13 to your computer using the USB cable.
    2. Open iTunes (Windows) or the Music app (Mac). If prompted, trust this computer on your iPhone.
    3. Click the device icon that appears near the top-left of the window (iTunes) or in the sidebar (Music).
    4. In the left sidebar, click “Music” under the device’s settings.
    5. Check the box “Sync Music” and choose whether to sync entire library or selected playlists/artists/albums.
    6. Click “Apply” or “Sync” in the bottom-right corner. Wait for the sync to finish.
    7. Once done, safely eject your iPhone (click the eject icon) and disconnect.
  4. For transferring files via third-party apps (e.g., Documents by Readdle):
    1. Install the app on your iPhone from the App Store.
    2. Open the app and go to the “Connect” or “Wi-Fi Transfer” section.
    3. Follow the on-screen instructions to access the app’s web interface from your computer’s browser (usually by entering a URL like http://192.168.x.x:8080).
    4. Drag and drop music files into the browser window, or use the upload button.
    5. Once uploaded, the files appear in the app. You can play them directly or add them to your Music library via the Share sheet.

Common Mistakes

  • Not checking the “Sync Music” box: Many people connect their iPhone and expect it to sync automatically, but the option must be enabled in the device settings.
  • Using a non-certified cable: Some third-party cables only charge and don’t transfer data. Use the original cable or a MFi-certified one.
  • Forgetting to trust the computer: When you first connect, your iPhone asks “Trust This Computer?” If you tap “Don’t Trust,” the computer won’t see your device. Disconnect and reconnect to retry.
  • Syncing over Wi-Fi without enabling it: Wi-Fi sync is a separate setting. In iTunes/Music, go to device settings > Summary > check “Sync with this iPhone over Wi-Fi.”
  • Assuming Apple Music is free: Apple Music requires a subscription. If you don’t have one, you’ll only see your purchased music or synced files.

Tips

  • Use iCloud Music Library: If you have Apple Music, enable “Sync Library” in Settings > Music. This keeps your library updated across all devices.
  • Create smart playlists: In iTunes/Music, smart playlists can automatically update based on rules (e.g., songs you haven’t listened to in a month). Sync these to your iPhone.
  • Convert high-res files: If you have FLAC files, iTunes/Music won’t sync them directly. Convert them to ALAC or MP3 first (File > Convert > Create MP3 Version).
  • Free up space: Before a large sync, check iPhone storage (Settings > General > iPhone Storage) to ensure enough free space.
  • Use the Files app: For quick transfers, you can save music to iCloud Drive or other cloud storage and access it in the Files app on your iPhone.

Troubleshooting

  • iPhone not showing in iTunes/Music:
    • Try a different USB port or cable.
    • Restart both your iPhone and computer.
    • On Windows, update the Apple Mobile Device USB driver (Device Manager > Portable Devices > Apple iPhone > Update Driver).
  • Sync fails halfway:
    • Disconnect and reconnect, then try again.
    • Check if your iPhone storage is full—delete some apps or photos.
    • Update iTunes/Music to the latest version.
  • Music doesn’t appear after sync:
    • Make sure you checked “Sync Music” and selected the right items.
    • Check if your iPhone is set to show only downloaded music (Music app > Library > Downloaded).
    • If using Apple Music, ensure “Sync Library” is on (Settings > Music).
  • DRM-protected files won’t play:
    • Old iTunes purchases with DRM can only be played on authorized computers. Authorize your computer (Account > Authorizations > Authorize This Computer) and re-sync.
  • Wi-Fi sync not working:
    • Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network.
    • Turn off Wi-Fi on your iPhone and turn it back on.
    • Restart the Music app or iTunes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I transfer music from a friend’s computer without erasing my music?
A: Yes, but you need to enable “Manually manage music” in the device’s Summary settings. Then you can drag and drop specific songs without syncing the whole library.

Q: Does syncing remove music already on my iPhone?
A: If you uncheck “Sync Music” and sync, it will remove all synced music. But music downloaded from Apple Music or purchased from iTunes Store is not affected by syncing.

Q: Can I transfer music from Android to iPhone 13?
A: Yes, use a computer as a bridge: copy music from Android to computer, then sync to iPhone via iTunes/Music. Alternatively, use cloud storage and the Files app.

Q: Why does my iPhone say “Cannot Sync”?
A: This often happens due to outdated software or a connection issue. Update iTunes/Music, restart both devices, and try a different cable.

Q: Is there a way to transfer music without a computer?
A: Yes, with Apple Music (subscription) you can download songs directly. For files you already own, use cloud services (iCloud Drive, Dropbox) and save them to the Files app, then open in Music player apps.

Q: Can I use AirDrop to transfer music from Mac to iPhone?
A: Yes, AirDrop works for music files (MP3, M4A, etc.) from a Mac. Just select the file, share via AirDrop, and choose your iPhone. The song will appear in the Files app, not directly in the Music library—you’ll need to add it via the Music app’s “Add to Library” option if supported.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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