iTunes is a full featured media player with powerful tools to manage your music library. One of the great features is the ability to share your iTunes library with others on the local network and listen to any available shared libraries. Here’s how to set up iTunes sharing on your local network.
The instructions in this article apply to the desktop versions of iTunes for Mac and Windows. Make sure that you updated iTunes to the latest version .
About iTunes Sharing
iTunes sharing is great for offices, dorms, or homes with multiple computers. Designate up to five computers on a local network (such as your home Wi-Fi network) so they can share their iTunes libraries.
If Shared PC is turned on and iTunes is open, you can play shared items from this PC on other computers on the network, but you cannot import shared items into their libraries. If you want to import items from your iTunes libraries to other computers on your home network, turn on Sharing feature .
You cannot share QuickTime audio files or programs purchased from Audible.com.
How to turn on iTunes sharing
To turn on the iTunes sharing feature:
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Open iTunes preferences by selecting iTunes > » Settings» in the menu bar on a Mac, or » Editing» > » Settings» on PC.
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Select tab » General access » in the settings window.
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Check the box » Share my library on my local network» .
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Select » Share entire library» or » Share Selected Playlists » .
To limit the number of iTunes listeners, check the box next to » Require password» and enter the password.
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If you only want to share part of your library, check the boxes next to each type of content you want to share.
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Select OK, when you’re done.
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You have shared your iTunes library.
How to Find and Use iTunes Shared Libraries
Any shared iTunes libraries that you can access appear in the left sidebar of your iTunes library along with your own music and playlists . Select a shared library to view it as if it were yours.
If the iTunes Library sidebar isn’t showing, select » View» > » Show lateral panel» .