You’re accustomed to using iTunes on your Mac or Windows computer for enjoying music or downloading apps. However, when you leave your computer it becomes difficult to access these libraries or even control them. If you are wondering if you can control iTunes from your iPhone, then I’m glad to tell you that it is possible. And in this post, I will show you how to do it.
What’s the benefit of controlling your iTunes library remotely?
Imagine you have connected your computer to home’s speaker systems and you’re listening to music via iTunes. When you need to skip a song or change a playlist, you have to walk all the way to your computer. This could be inconveniencing at times.
With the ability to control your iTunes playlist from your iPhone, you will skip music, change the playlist, and even access the entire library from your iPhone. If the idea of controlling iTunes on Mac, Windows, or Apple TV from your iPhone sounds exciting, then here is how to do it.
How to use iTunes Remote app to control iTunes from your iPhone
You can remote control your iTunes library right from your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. All you need is to download iTunes Remote from App Store first and then follow the instructions below to set up:
- Ensure your computer and your iPhone or iPad are on the same wireless network. If not, make sure to connect them before you proceed
- Turn Home Sharing on to enable pairing iTunes Remote with your libraries
- Open your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch and tap on iTunes Remote
- Tap Settings and Choose Add an iTunes Library. A 4-digit code should appear on your screen
- Click iTunes on your computer
- Click the Remote button
- Enter the 4-digit code shown on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad
- Wait for the devices to pair
How to turn on Home Sharing on iTunes Remote
Perhaps you are stuck at the second step which involves turning on Home Sharing. This is a simple step that should take you long to complete. Below is how you turn on Home sharing on iTunes Remote:
- Open your device and tap on Remote
- Tap Settings
- Find Home Sharing and tap to turn it on
- Enter your Apple ID and Password
- Tap Done
- Select your iTunes library that you want to control. You can select Apple TV too.
While you can use this method to control iTunes library on Apple TV, there is a better method to control Apple TV with your iPhone. This should help you if you are wondering if you can use Apple TV without a remote. On the other hand, if you need to control your iPhone remotely, then here is a post detailing how to control your iPhone from your Mac.
iTunes Remote Control problems
While using Remote Control, you might encounter some problems. I have detailed some of them and worked out solutions.
iTunes Remote button not showing up? Here’s a fix
If you are wondering where is the remote button in iTunes, here is what you should do:
The iTunes remote button is located right on the top left of the iTunes Window. It looks more like a Play button in a dark box. If this doesn’t show up on your iTunes, then you have not started iTunes remote or you haven’t connected the devices to the same home network.
Make sure to reconnect by following the steps highlighted above and the icon will appear again.
By now you should be able to set up iTunes Remote and even fix simple errors including when you can’t find the remote button on iTunes. If you encounter any issues connecting on iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, or even iPhone X, let me know and I will work out a solution for you.
Alex is an IT technician who shares his experiences with Apple devices occasionally. He has a collection of Apple devices (from iPhone 4) and has recently started trying out Android.
IG: @I M_Alex