Move your library to another computer

There are a few ways to transfer your iTunes library from one computer to another:

  • When you get a new Mac, use Setup Assistant to move files—including your iTunes files—from your old computer to the new one.

  • Connect computers (over a wireless network or with a cable) and copy your iTunes files from one computer to the other.

  • Use a portable drive or iPod to transfer iTunes files.

Copy iTunes Store purchases from your iPod, iPhone, or iPad to a computer

  1. Connect the device to the destination computer.

  2. Make sure the destination computer (the one you want to transfer items to) is authorized to play iTunes Store purchases (choose Store > Authorize Computer and then click Authorize).

  3. Do one of the following:

    • If the iPod, iPhone, or iPad is synced with another computer, or is an iPod shuffle: Click Transfer Purchases in the window that appears.

    • If the iPod, iPhone, or iPad is set up to manually manage items: Choose the device from the Devices pop-up menu near the top of the iTunes window, and choose File > Transfer Purchases From iPod (or iPhone or iPad).

You can play iTunes Plus songs on any number of computers; you can play other iTunes Store purchases on up to five authorized computers.

Before you sell or give away a computer, don’t forget to deauthorize it (choose Store > Deauthorize Computer).