How to connect iPad to iTunes (with pictures)

This article will show you how to sync iPad with iTunes on a Windows or Mac OS X computer. If you connect your iPad to your computer using a USB cable, you can set up wireless syncing, eliminating the need for a cable.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Using a USB cable

Step 1. Launch iTunes on your computer

On Windows, the iTunes icon is in the Start menu (sometimes in the All Apps folder). On Mac OS X, click the musical note icon in the dock at the bottom of the screen.

If you don't have iTunes on your computer, download it for free at

Step 2. Connect iPad to computer using USB cable

Use the cable that came with your iPad (or equivalent). After a few seconds, an iPad-shaped icon will appear in the upper left corner of iTunes (to the right of the drop-down menu).

Step 3. Click on the iPad-shaped icon

You will find it in the top left corner of iTunes next to the dropdown menu. Your iPad's name will appear at the top of the left pane.

If you don't see this icon, make sure your iPad is turned on and unlocked.
If the iPad says “Trust this computer”, click “Trust” and follow the instructions on the screen.

Step 4. Select the type of content you want to sync

The types will appear in the Settings section at the top of the left column.

For example, if you want to sync audio files, click Music to open the corresponding settings in the main panel.
To view additional options, click Browse in the left pane, and then select (or deselect) options under Options.

Step 5. Set up synchronization

In the main (right) pane, check the boxes next to the desired settings and / or uncheck the boxes for the content you do not want to sync.

Step 6. Click Apply when you change the sync settings

It's in the lower-right corner of iTunes. If you haven't made any changes, click Sync (also in the lower right corner).

Step 7. Click Finish when you're ready to disconnect your iPod from your computer

It's a button in the lower right corner.

Step 8. Click "Check Out"

It's next to the iPad's name in the top-left corner of iTunes. The left panel will close - now the iPad can be disconnected from the computer.

Method 2 of 2: Using a wireless connection

Step 1. Connect iPad to the same wireless network as your iTunes computer

Only then can this wireless network be used to sync content between devices without a USB cable. To connect iPad to a wireless network:

Launch the Settings app
Iphonesettingsappicon
Click Wi-Fi.
Click on the desired network name, and then enter the password (if prompted).
When the device connects to the network, a blue checkmark appears next to its name.

Step 2. Launch iTunes on your computer

On Windows, the iTunes icon is in the Start menu (sometimes in the All Apps folder). On Mac OS X, click the musical note icon in the dock at the bottom of the screen.

If you don't have iTunes on your computer, download it for free at

Step 3. Connect iPad to computer using USB cable

Use the cable that came with your iPad (or equivalent). After a few seconds, an iPad-shaped icon will appear in the upper left corner of iTunes (to the right of the drop-down menu).

Step 4. Click on the iPad-shaped icon

You will find it in the top left corner of iTunes next to the dropdown menu. Your iPad's name will appear at the top of the left pane.

If you don't see this icon, make sure your iPad is turned on and unlocked.
If the iPad says “Trust this computer”, click “Trust” and follow the instructions on the screen.

Step 5. Click Browse

It's the first option on the left panel (named iPad) under Settings.

Step 6. Check the box next to "Sync with iPad over Wi-Fi"

It's in the Options section at the bottom of the right pane.

Step 7. Click Apply

It's a button in the lower-right corner of iTunes (next to the Done button). The iPad is now set to sync with iTunes over your current wireless network.