When you connect your iPhone or iPad to a Windows PC, you'll be able to sync to it albums, songs, playlists, movies, TV shows, podcasts, books, audiobooks, photos and videos, contacts and calendars. This article shows you how.

windows icloud hero pc iphone
You can sync your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ to a Windows PC by physically connecting them, but did you know that you can sync your Apple device by having them connected over same Wi-Fi network? The only real difference to the operation is that syncing over Wi-Fi is slower than syncing over a cable.

Note that if you connect an ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ to your Windows PC while the device is syncing over Wi-Fi, the syncing process will continue over the cable. But if you disconnect the device's cable from the computer while syncing, syncing will stop, even if Wi-Fi syncing is on.

To enable syncing over Wi-Fi, you'll first need to connect your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ to your Windows PC using a cable.

If your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ came with a Lightning to USB Cable and your computer has a USB-C port, you'll need to connect the USB end of the cable to a USB-C to USB Adapter (sold separately), or use a USB-C to Lightning Cable (sold separately).

Apple Prefer Lightning Over USB C Feature
If your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ came with a USB-C to Lightning Cable and your computer has a USB port, you'll need to use a Lightning to USB Cable (sold separately).

If your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ came with a USB-C Charge Cable and your computer has a USB port, use a USB-C to USB Adapter and a USB-A cable.

How to Enable iPhone and iPad Wi-Fi Syncing

  1. If you haven't go iTunes on your computer already, go to the Microsoft Store to download and install the latest version of iTunes for Windows.
  2. Connect your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ to your computer using a compatible USB charging cable (see above).
  3. Launch the iTunes app on your PC.
    itunes windows

  4. Click the iPhone button near the top-left of the iTunes window.
  5. Click Summary in the sidebar.
  6. Select the checkbox for Sync with this [device] over Wi-Fi.
  7. Click Apply.

When you disconnect your ‌iPhone‌ or ‌iPad‌ from your computer, the icon for your device will remain in iTunes unless you click the Eject button. If you click Eject, the icon for the device is removed, but Wi-Fi syncing remains turned on.

You can now sync your device wirelessly by connecting it to a charger and plugging it into an electrical outlet. Syncing will begin automatically. Alternately, click the icon for your device in the iTunes app, then click the Sync button.

Tag: Windows

Popular Stories

iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...
apple store down feature

Here's Why the Apple Store is Going Down

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:01 pm PST by
Apple's online store is going down for a few hours on a rolling country-by-country basis right now, but do not get your hopes up for new products. Apple takes its online store down for a few hours ahead of Black Friday every year to tease/prepare for its annual gift card offer with the purchase of select products. The store already went down and came back online in Australia and New Zealand, ...
streaming black friday 2025

Best Black Friday Streaming Deals - Save Big on Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, and More

Thursday November 27, 2025 1:14 pm PST by
We've been focusing on deals on physical products over the past few weeks, but Black Friday is also a great time of year to purchase a streaming membership. Some of the biggest services have great discounts for new and select returning members this week, including Apple TV, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When...
iphone air camera

iPhone Air Flop Sparks Industry Retreat From Ultra-Thin Phones

Thursday November 27, 2025 3:14 am PST by
Apple's disappointing iPhone Air sales are causing major Chinese mobile vendors to scrap or freeze their own ultra-thin phone projects, according to reports coming out of Asia. Since the ‌iPhone Air‌ launched in September, there have been reports of poor sales and manufacturing cuts, while Apple's supply chain has scaled back shipments and production. Apple supplier Foxconn has...
Cyber Monday Deals 2025

Best Cyber Monday Apple Deals Include Big Discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 30, 2025 7:33 am PST by
Now that Black Friday is in the rearview mirror, Cyber Monday discounts have begun appearing online, and you can find popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more at all-time low prices. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may ...
maxresdefault

The MacRumors Show: Apple's Big Plans for iPad Mini 8

Friday November 28, 2025 8:39 am PST by
On this week's episode of The MacRumors Show, we talk through the latest rumors about Apple's upcoming iPad mini 8. Subscribe to The MacRumors Show YouTube channel for more videos The next-generation version of the iPad mini is expected to feature an OLED display, as part of Apple's plan to expand the display technology across many more of its devices. Apple's first OLED device was the Apple...