ITunes wants to erase everything on my iPhone

Been scouring the net for solutions but couldn't find anything.
Recently got a new computer, and want to sync my iPhone with the new iTunes, and iTunes says that I'll need to erase everything on my iPhone.
How do I make iTunes "follow" my iPhone, instead of having my iPhone "follow" iTunes, if you know what I mean?
I absolutely need everything on the iPhone, don't need anything in iTunes, so it makes no sense to wipe out my iPhone instead of wipe out iTunes.
To be clear, I've read threads about the "Manually manage my songs" option, but that's not what I'm asking about.
Hope someone could help me out, thanks!

If the content is only on your phone(bad idea! as the iTunes content sync is ONE WAY: COMPUTER TO PHONE), do the following:
1. Disable auto sync when an ipod/iphone is connected under preferences in iTunes(under the edit menu if using Windows).
2. Connect your phone, DO NOT SYNC.
3. Store>Authorize this Computer.
4. File>Transfer Purchases(all of the purchased content on your phone will be transferred to your new computer's iTunes library).
Before you do anything else, put one contact and one calendar entry in whatever supported applications you use for contact & calendar syncing on your computer. This will ensure you get a merge or replace prompt when you do sync. Select merge.
For music you ripped on your own & photos synced to your phone, you will have to use third party software to extract these from your phone BEFORE you sync or do anything else, as Apple makes no provision to do so. Here's one choice to do so:
http://www.wideanglesoftware.com/touchcopy/index.php?gclid=CImvgOSb2qUCFY5N2god5 y-lng

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Confused about synching multiple phones to the same computer with different content: itunes wants to erase everything??

I have had an i5 for some time, but my partner just bought one to replace her 3GS. We both synch to my itunes, and have been doing so for as long as I can recall. When we got her i5, we backed up her 3GS and reloaded the content into her i5. So far so good. Now, this couple of weeks later, I decided I wanted to put some of the movies, music, etc. that I have on my itunes library on her phone. I had previous installed some of the apps that I have there without trouble. However, when I tell my itunes to put movies (etc) onto her phone, it warns me (upon apply) that this phone has been sync'ed to another itunes, and that I can do what I am asking, but it will erase everything on the phone now! I cancelled this op at this point.
As far as I know neither of us has sync'ed her phone to any other itunes, although she has probably downloaded stuff directly into the phone using the onboard itunes. Is that what it's warning me about? Is there any way to either pull the content off the phone, or merge the content with what she had locally downloaded? If not, I'm willing to sacrifice the few things that she had locally loaded as long as it's not going to, for example, erase all her photos, and contacts, and everything else as well at the same time!
This is all rather confusing to me. It's actually rather confusing that one can synch multiple devices with different settings at all, and I'm extremely surprised that it works at all. Can someone clarify what's going on here? What I should/shouldn't do? What I can/can't do?
Thanks in advance!

First make sure you have authorised the iTunes computer you are using for all of the associated apple ID's via the Store Menu>Authorise this computer and enter the apple ID and password used on the phone (repeat for as many apple ID's are in use on the phone).
Then right-click (or Control Click) on the name of the phone and select Transfer Purchases (this can also be found under File>Device>Transfer purchases). This will back up all of the purchases on the device to your computer, then when you sync with the phone it will put them back on even though it has just removed them.
Its a round about way of doing it but she shouldn't loose anything as long as the computer is authorised for all of the apple ID's used on the phone

Itunes wants to erase everything on my ipad!

I had to reinstall itunes (as a result of reinstalling a new OS on my laptop). Now when I attach my ipad, my only synch choice is for itunes to erase all the music on the ipad and nearly all of the apps that have been added (and paid for). How do I change itunes to sync in both directions? That is 'synch' is not a single directional event!! Or shouldn't be.
Thanks.
Regards,
Todd

tachi0432 wrote:
I had to reinstall itunes (as a result of reinstalling a new OS on my laptop). Now when I attach my ipad, my only synch choice is for itunes to erase all the music on the ipad and nearly all of the apps that have been added (and paid for). How do I change itunes to sync in both directions? That is 'synch' is not a single directional event!! Or shouldn't be.
Thanks.
Regards,
Todd
In addition to the above answer, the paid apps you lost can be redownloaded for free using the same itunes store account as the original purchase.
Also, turn off auto-sync and then "Transfer purchases from iPad" with the ipad connected.
Autosync can be turned off at: Edit, Preferences, Devices.

Hard drive crashed! Now itunes wants to erase ipod in order to sync?

My hard drive crashed and I lost my itunes library. Now, when I want to sync the ipod with new music I've purchased it looks like itunes wants to erase everything on my ipod first. Am I correct? I've already transfered the purchased music to the new hard drive from my ipod, but can't figure out how, or if it is possible, to transfer the rest of the music. What's my best option to hold onto my playlists etc. and be able to sync ipod to itunes library on new hard drive? Thanks.

1). Connect your iPod to your computer. When you get the message that it is linked to a different library and asking if you want to link to this one and replace all your songs etc, press "Cancel".
2). When your iPod appears in the iTunes source list change the update setting to manual, that will let you use your iPod without the risk of accidentally erasing it. Check the "manually manage music and videos" box in Summary then press the Apply button. Also when using most of the utilities listed below your iPod needs to be enabled for disc use, changing to manual update will do this by default: Managing content manually on iPod and iPhone
3). Once you are safely connected there are a few things you can do to restore the rest of your music from the iPod not just the purchased tracks. There are a number of third party utilities that you can use to retrieve the music files and playlists from your iPod. I use Senuti but have a look at the web pages and documentation for the others too, you'll find that they have varying degrees of functionality and some will transfer movies, videos, photos and games as well. This is just a small selection of what's available, you can read reviews and comparisons of some of them here:
Wired News - Rescue Your Stranded Tunes
Comparison of iPod managers
Senuti Mac Only (iPod Touch & iPhone compatible)
PodView Mac Only
PodWorks Mac Only
iPodDisk PPC Mac Only (experimental version available for Intel Macs)
TuneAid Mac only (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPodRip Mac & Windows
YamiPod Mac & Windows
iPod Music Liberator Mac & Windows
iGadget Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
Floola Mac & Windows
Music Rescue Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iRepo Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
iPod Access Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
TouchCopy Mac & Windows (iPhone and iPod Touch compatible)
There's also a manual method of copying songs from your iPod to a Mac or PC. The procedure is a bit involved and won't recover playlists but if you're interested it's available on page 2 at this link: Copying Content from your iPod to your Computer - The Definitive Guide
4). Whichever of these retrieval methods you choose, keep your iPod in manual mode until you have reloaded your iTunes and you are happy with your playlists etc then it will be safe to return it auto-sync.
5). I would also advise that you get yourself an external hard drive and back your stuff up, relying on an iPod as your sole backup is not a good idea and external drives are comparatively inexpensive these days, you can get loads of storage for a reasonable outlay: Back up your iTunes library by copying to an external hard drive

I got an iphone 4. I had to update my macbook pro to Lepard just to sync. I updated to lepard. Now when I try to sync itunes does not recognize my new iphone 4 as mine and wants to erase everything I have bought using the phone.

I upgraded from Iphone 3g to iphone 4. I had to update my macbook pro to Lepard just to sync. the **** thing with the new iphone 4. I bought and updated to lepard. Now when I try to sync itunes does not recognize my new iphone 4 as mine and wants to erase everything I have bought using the phone before it will sync! It says everything on the phone now will be cleared in order to sync it with my existing info on the computer from my previous iphone. How can I just get everything from my current iphone 4 into itunes, basically add it to the info from my previous iphone 3g that is currently in my itunes? I dont want to lose what I have on my phone currently....I paid money for half the apps for crying out loud.
I was so frustrated by this when I first bought the phone that I just pushed it out of my mind and NEVER synced it. Please help...

Nope - you cannot restore a backup from a newer iOS version on to a device running an older iOS version. The reverse works, but in your case to use your backup, you must update to iOS 7.0.3 - no other option if you want to use that backup.

My iphone / mac no longer recognize they are the same Itunes library. When I try to sync my phone now, it wants to erase everything and replace it with the computers itunes library. I have purchased items on the phone I don't want to erase

My iphone / mac no longer recognize they are the same Itunes library. When I try to sync my phone now, it wants to erase everything and replace it with the computers itunes library. I have purchased items on the phone I don't want to erase them from the phone. The phone backs up fine, but won't sync.

File>Devices>Transfer Purchases from "iPhone" and then sync.

Had 3G, moved to 3GS. Backed up 3G and restored 3GS from backup with no problem. When I want to add songs, I get itunes message that the new iphone is synced to another computer and now wants to erase everything. How can I add music?

Had 3G, moved to 3GS. Backed up 3G and restored 3GS from backup with no problem on a Dell computer. But now when I want to add songs, I get itunes message of death that the new iphone is synced to another computer and now wants to erase everything. How can I add music without erasing everything on my new iphone?

Yes, I was aware of this but the phrase "Any items imported from audio CDs or acquired from other sources will not copy from your device to the iTunes library." is what worries me. Will this eliminate my Notes, Calendar Events, etc or will it apply mostly just to the music?

I bought a new computer, and iTunes doesn't have my music or anything on there. I want to get everything on my iPhone to my new computer/itunes. But no matter what i do, it won't let me. My desktop has everything, and I want all that on my laptop..

I bought a new computer, and downloaded iTunes, therefore the new itunes doesn't have my music or anything on there. I want to get everything on my iPhone to my new computer/itunes. But no matter what I do, it won't let me. My desktop has everything that my phone has on it, I just want it all moved to my laptop. Does that make sense? I could really use some help. I don't live with this desktop anymore so I need to be able to use my laptops itunes. Please help me. Thanks in advance!

These are two possible approaches that will normally work to move an existing library to a new computer.
Method 1
Backup the library with this User Tip.
Deauthorize the old computer if you no longer want to access protected content on it.
Restore the backup to your new computer using the same tool used to back it up.
Keep your backup up-to-date in future.
Method 2
Connect the two computers to the same network. Share your <User's Music> folder from the old computer and copy the entire iTunes library folder into the <User's Music> folder on the new one. Again, deauthorize the old computer if no longer required.
Both methods should give the new computer a working clone of the library that was on the old one. As far as iTunes is concerned this is still the "home" library for your devices so you shouldn't have any issues with iTunes wanting to erase and reload.
I'd recommend method 1 since it establishes an ongoing backup for your library.
Note if you have iOS devices and haven't moved your contacts and calendar items across then you should create one dummy entry of each in your new profile and iTunes should merge the existing data from the device.
If your media folder has been split out from the main iTunes folder you may need to do some preparatory work to make it easier to move. See make a split library portable.
Should you be in the unfortunate position where you are no longer able to access your original library or a backup then then seeRecover your iTunes library from your iPod or iOS device for advice on how to set up your devices with a new library with the maximum preservation of data.
tt2

HT1296 If I want to sync my iPhone to my new MacBookPro that was previously synced with a different computer, will it erase everything from my iPhone?

If I want to sync my iPhone to my new MacBookPro that was previously synced with a different computer, will it erase everything from my iPhone?

Yes, unless you first transfer a copy of your iTunes folder from the old computer to the new one.
Downloading past purchases from the App Store, iBookstore, and iTunes Store
How to dowload purchased music

HT5622 I am the owner of my iPhone 4 and it had not been updating and allowing me to download apps. So I decided to do factory setting, before doing so I had backed up my phone on my computer then I had erased everything from my iphone. But now I want to

I am the owner of my iPhone 4 and it had not been updating and allowing me to download apps. So I decided to do factory setting, before doing so I had backed up my phone on my computer then I had erased everything from my iphone. But now I want to start everything from the beginning, and on my setting my Apple ID is present however when I put my password in it doesn't let me log in. The message that I receive says that I would have to remove my Apple ID as it will not let me log in with that I'd even though I am the original owner, I have tried everything on find my iPhone as well, even there my Apple ID not showing on the devise.
If anyone has had a similar experience could you please advise me on what to do,
Thanks

You must have the credentials that were used to turn on Find my iPhone on the device. Without them, you can not get past the activation lock.

I need to sync my iPhone to new user id on the same mac. How do I keep my iPhone contacts and music library? I tried to sync and iTunes wanted to erase both.

I need to sync my iPhone to new user id on the same mac. How do I keep my iPhone contacts and music library? I tried to sync and iTunes wanted to erase both.

When you say a new user ID, are you referring to your Apple ID that you use to make purchases in the iTunes Store, etc? Or are you talking about a new user account on the same Mac?
iTunes alternatives
http://www.wideanglesoftware.com/touchcopy/index.php
http://www.ecamm.com/mac/phoneview/
http://www.copytrans.net/

I erased everything on my iphone and lost all my contacts pictures and everything how do i get all that back from my itunes account??

I erased everything on my iphone and lost all my contacts pictures and everything else how do i get the contacts and pictures back from my itunes account?? ive tried restore its like it gave me a whole new iphone thing.

If you plug in the iPhone to your computer, any contacts ect that you synced with your computer with sync back with the iPhone when it is selected in the iTunes menu under info. Anything that was added without syncing was lost, I'm sorry. A good future solution is to get iOS 5 when it comes out this fall, so you don't need to manually sync contacts, its automatic!
Best Regards
Mark

I have just bought a new mac book, and I want to start from scratch by syncing the content of my iPhone, but each time I try it wants to delete everything on the iPhone and replace by what on the new iTunes library, i.e. nothing! can I do the reverse?

I have just bought a new mac book, and I want to start from scratch by syncing the content of my iPhone, but each time I try it wants to delete everything on the iPhone and replace by what's on the new iTunes library, i.e. nothing! can I do the reverse, i.e. importing all my iphone's stuff on the new computer?

You need to copy some files and your iTunes folder to the new computer. Do you have a backup of your old computer (or still have the old computer?) Was the old computer a Mac or PC?
MacWorld - Move an iTunes library from a Windows PC to a Mac
Back up your iTunes library by copying to an external hard drive
iTunes- How to move your music to a new computer

I just bought new computer and redownloaded itunes. Will it erase everything on my iphone when plug into the new computer?

I just bought new computer and redownloaded itunes. Will it erase everything on my iphone when plug into the new computer?

Yes, it will.
Copy everything from your old computer, or your backup copy of your old computer, to your new one.

IPod classic ,touch,and iPhone all have a windows based library from a crashed hp .went with a new mac , want to transfer my library iTunes wants to erase and sync , how do i avoid this

iPod classic ,touch,and iPhone all have a windows based library from a crashed hp .went with a new mac , want to transfer my library iTunes wants to erase and sync , how do i avoid this

Copy your iTunes Library from your Old computer, or it’s Backup, to your New computer...
See Here for one way
iTunes: How to move your music to a new computer
Or...
From your Old Computer... Copy your ENTIRE iTunes FOLDER to an External Drive... and then from the External Drive to your New Computer..
An Added Bonus is that you will then have a Backup of iTunes...
Backup iTunes to an External Drive
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1751
Move iTunes Library from PC to MAC
http://www.macworld.com/article/146958/2010/03/move_itunes_windows_mac.html
Conversely you can use your iPod Classic...
See Here:
Using your iPod to move your music to a new computer
From Here
http://www.apple.com/support/ipodclassic/

ITunes wants to erase everything on my iPhone

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