Learn how to transfer music from iTunes to iPhone without syncing with the step-by-step guide, here are 4 simple and effective methods, allowing you to enjoy your favorite music on iPhone.
Yes, you can add music from iTunes to your iPhone without syncing your entire library. You may have a lot of songs on iTunes, but only want to play some on your iPhone. Transferring music from iTunes to iPhone without syncing the entire library is a common need to avoid replacing existing songs. Avoiding a full sync helps prevent several issues:
Prevents Data Loss: Existing music on your iPhone not in the iTunes library will be deleted during a full sync.
Saves Storage Space: Syncing only the songs you want avoids filling your iPhone's storage with unnecessary files.
Offers More Flexibility: It allows you to manage custom playlists and music collections more freely.
Explore the 4 effective methods below to learn how to transfer music to your iPhone without syncing.
The easiest way to selectively transfer music is by using a dedicated iOS transfer tool like FoneTool. It lets you choose exactly which songs to move without overwriting existing data on your device.
A professional iOS data management tool that simplifies file transfers
100% Secure
How to easily transfer iTunes music to iPhone without syncing:
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC via USB. Launch FoneTool - it will automatically detect your device.
Step 2. Navigate to Phone Transfer > PC to iPhone and click Get Started.
Step 3. Drag and drop the desired songs directly from your iTunes library into the FoneTool window.
Step 4. Review your selected music and click Start Transfer to add the songs to your iPhone.
iTunes itself offers a manual management option, allowing you to add specific songs instead of syncing the entire library.
Step 1. Connect your iPhone to your PC and open iTunes. Click the device icon.
Step 2. Go to the Summary tab and check the box for Manually manage music and videos. Click Apply.
Step 3. In your iTunes library, select the songs you want, then drag them to your iPhone's name in the left sidebar.
🧩Tips:
Hold down the Ctrl key (or Cmd on Mac) to select multiple songs at once.
Cloud services like Google Drive provide a wireless alternative to transfer iTunes music without using iTunes for the transfer itself.
Step 1. On your computer, go to the Google Drive website and sign in.
Step 2. Click + New > File upload and select the music files from your iTunes folder.
Step 3. On your iPhone, open the Google Drive app, locate the uploaded music files, and download them to your device.
For music purchased through iTunes or Apple Music, enabling iCloud Music Library (Sync Library) provides seamless access across devices.
⚠️ Note: This method typically only works for music purchased from Apple and does not support transferring DRM-protected songs from other sources.
Step 1. On your computer, open iTunes. Go to Preferences > General.
Step 2. Check the box next to iCloud Music Library to enable it and click OK.
Step 3. On your iPhone, go to Settings > Music.
Step 4. Toggle on Sync Library. Your subscribed iTunes music will now be available on your iPhone.
These 4 methods effectively solve how to transfer music from iTunes to iPhone without syncing. For the easiest and most selective transfer, a professional tool like FoneTool is recommended. Alternatively, you can use iTunes' manual management, Google Drive, or iCloud Music Library. Choose the method that best fits your needs.
Yes, tools like FoneTool allow you to transfer both purchased and unpurchased music from your iTunes library to your iPhone without syncing.
If you use the standard sync method, yes. To avoid this, use the "Manually manage music" option in iTunes or a third-party tool like FoneTool that doesn't require syncing.
Songs with DRM protection (Digital Rights Management) cannot be freely transferred between devices. The iCloud Music Library method only works for music purchased through Apple.