Transfer iTunes Music to iPhone Without Syncing - 4 Easy Ways

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.

Kelsey by Kelsey Updated October 24, 2025
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Can You Transfer Music from iTunes to iPhone Without Syncing?

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.

1. Add Music from iTunes to iPhone Without Syncing [Easiest]

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.

FoneTool

A professional iOS data management tool that simplifies file transfers

  • Quickly move iTunes music to your iPhone with a few clicks.
  • Easily transfer music from PC to iPhone, iPhone to PC, iPhone to iPhone.
  • Supports unpurchased and purchased music, without limiting transfer size.
  • Transfer photos, videos, address books, etc., without sync or deletion.
  • Widely available for all iOS devices, supporting the latest iOS versions.

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.

FoneTool Phone Transfer menu showing PC to iPhone option

Step 3. Drag and drop the desired songs directly from your iTunes library into the FoneTool window.

Dragging music files from iTunes into the FoneTool interface

Step 4. Review your selected music and click Start Transfer to add the songs to your iPhone.

FoneTool transfer screen with Start Transfer button highlighted

2. Manually Transfer Music from iTunes to iPhone without Syncing

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.

iTunes Summary page with manual management option selected

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.

  • Ensure the "Sync Music" option is disabled in your device's Music settings to prevent automatic deletion.

3. Transfer Music from PC to iPhone No Sync with Google Drive

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.

Uploading music files to Google Drive from a computer

Step 3. On your iPhone, open the Google Drive app, locate the uploaded music files, and download them to your device.

4. Enable iCloud Music Library to Add iTunes Music to iPhone

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.

iTunes Preferences window with iCloud Music Library option enabled

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.

iPhone Music settings with Sync Library toggle switched on

Summary

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.

FAQs on iTunes Music Transfer

FoneTool - All-in-one iPhone Data Manager

Transfer, backup and manage data on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch in an easy way.

  • iOS 26 Compatible
  • iPhone 17 Supported

Free iPhone Manager - FoneTool

  • Full/Selective Backup iPhone
  • Transfer between iPhone and PC
  • 1-Click Transfer iPhone to iPhone
  • WhatsApp Backup & Transfer
  • Fully compatible with iOS 26
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