This article will show you how to install iTunes on your Linux computer. iTunes does not support Linux, so you must first install WINE, which can run Windows programs, and then run iTunes there. Keep in mind that your Linux distribution must have a user interface and a browser. ITunes for Linux cannot sync music to Apple devices such as iPhone or iPod.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: How to install WINE
Step 1. Run the program with which you can install other programs
It depends on the Linux distribution, but it is usually found in the dock or in the menu.
- For example, Ubuntu users can click the orange and white icon for the Ubuntu Software program.
- As of August 2018, WINE is not compatible with Ubuntu 18.04. To work around this limitation, install WINE manually (read about this at the end of this section).
Step 2. Click on the search bar
On some Linux distributions, you need to click on the magnifying glass icon.
Step 3. Enter wine
The search for WINE starts.
Step 4. Click on WINE
The WINE page will open.
Step 5. Click Install
You will find this option on the page.
Step 6. Enter your password when prompted
The WINE installation will begin and will take a few minutes.
Keep in mind that if you are using Ubuntu 18.04, you will have to install WINE manually according to the instructions in the next step
Step 7. Install WINE manually
If you cannot find WINE in the software installation program, use a terminal:
- go to https://wiki.winehq.org/Download in your computer's web browser;
- select the link that matches your distribution (eg Fedora);
- follow the instructions on the next page.
Part 2 of 2: How to Install iTunes
Step 1. Download iTunes
Go to https://www.apple.com/en/itunes/download/ in your computer's web browser.
Step 2. Click on the Download link
It's to the right of "Need a 32-bit Windows version?" The iTunes installation file will be downloaded.
- On Ubuntu, click Download (64-bit).
- In some cases, you will need to confirm the download by clicking "Save File" (or a similar button).
- WINE cannot install 64-bit iTunes.
- If you are using Ubuntu, double-click the downloaded file and then follow the instructions on the screen. You don't need PlayOnLinux to install iTunes on Ubuntu.
Step 3. Install PlayOnLinux
This is the service that will link WINE and the iTunes installer:
- open a terminal (press Ctrl + Alt + T if you cannot find the terminal icon);
- type sudo apt install playonlinux and press ↵ Enter;
- enter the password and press ↵ Enter;
- type y when prompted, then press ↵ Enter.
Step 4. Start PlayOnLinux
Type playonlinux in a terminal, then press ↵ Enter.
Step 5. Click Install a program
It's a link on the left side of the page.
Step 6. Find iTunes
Click on the search bar at the top of the window, type itunes and press ↵ Enter.
Step 7. Click on iTunes 12
It's on the left side of the page.
Step 8. Click Install
It's in the lower-right corner of the window.
Step 9. Follow the instructions on the screen
Click Next until you reach the Browse option.
Step 10. Click Browse when prompted
A window will open in which find the downloaded iTunes installation file.
Step 11. Select the iTunes installation file
Click Downloads on the left side of the page, and then double-click the downloaded iTunes file to open it.
Step 12. Click Next
It's near the bottom of the window. The installation of iTunes begins.
Step 13. Wait for iTunes to finish installing
This may take a few minutes. Now use iTunes to play music.
You may be prompted to click Next or select additional options before completing the installation
Advice
- While iTunes won't let you sync music to your iPhone, iPad, or iPod, you can listen to music and watch videos with iTunes.
- To install iTunes on Ubuntu, manually install WINE, double-click the downloaded iTunes file and follow the onscreen instructions. This is the only way to use iTunes on Ubuntu (since Ubuntu 18.04).