How can I transfer music from iTunes to my iPhone now that the phone no longer appears in iTunes?

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Level 1

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How can I transfer music from iTunes to my iPhone now that the phone no longer appears in iTunes?

I can not figure out how to transfer music files to my phone from iTunes since things were updated to no longer function as they used to. (For the record, I am running OS 10.13.6 (High Sierra), iTunes 12.8.2.3, with an iPhone SE running the latest iOS.) I can see my music and playlists through "Home Sharing", but I assume that will only work as long as I am on my home network. How might I be able to transfer the files to the phone to listen offline when I am away from home?

iPhone SE, iOS 14

Posted on Apr 25, 2021 4:15 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

274,516 points

Apr 26, 2021 7:47 AM in response to gmel

For iOS 14 you need iTunes 12.8.2.3 or better running on OS X 10.11.6 or better. See How to upgrade to OS X El Capitan - Apple Support if required.

Assuming a suitable version of iTunes is in place then in Finder use the menu item Go > Go to Folder..., copy the following text, paste it into the dialog box and press enter:

/System/Library/PrivateFrameworks/MobileDevice.framework/Versions/Current/Resources

Unlock your device and connect it to USB. Double click on MobileDeviceUpdater in the folder that has opened. It should notify you of a software update. Install it and iTunes should hopefully recognize your device.

If these steps haven't worked you can also try reinstalling iTunes 12.8.2.3 while your device is connected and unlocked.

tt2

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Answer 2

turingtest2

Level 10

274,516 points

Apr 27, 2021 1:25 AM in response to gmel

You're welcome. 🙂

And thanks for detail on the new version. Weirdly I'd checked the iTunes download page and was sure it was still showing the 12.8.2.3 build. The page https://support.apple.com/kb/dl1977 says it was updated in 2019 which might have led to my confusion.

tt2

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Answer 3

Apr 26, 2021 1:48 AM in response to gmel

Hi,

Read this If your computer doesn't recognise your iPhone, iPad or iPod – Apple Support

Jim

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Answer 4

gmel Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 26, 2021 8:01 PM in response to turingtest2

Not a typo:

Just updated today.

I had already restarted both things, but that did not work initially. However, I just tried again, and while nothing happened, the phone is now appearing in iTunes for whatever reason. Something finally worked. So thank you for your assistance.

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Answer 5

gmel Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 26, 2021 5:30 PM in response to turingtest2

Thank you. I meet the requirements you list above (iOS 14.4.2, iTunes 12.8.3.1, OSX 10.13.6), but I tried this and nothing happens when I double-click MobileDeviceUpdater. It appears in my Activity Monitor, but there is no "update" notification at all, and no indication that anything is happening (phone is plugged in directly to built-in USB and unlocked).

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Answer 6

turingtest2

Level 10

274,516 points

Apr 26, 2021 6:51 PM in response to gmel

Reboot your computer and device and try again. I'm told it can sometimes take quite a long time before the update prompt appears. Failing that try reinstalling iTunes 12.8.2.3 (I'm assuming 12.8.3.1 is a typo), then try once more.

tt2

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How can I transfer music from iTunes to my iPhone now that the phone no longer appears in iTunes?

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