How to Use the iTunes Remote App

Take remote control of iTunes from your iPad or iPhone

What to Know

  • Connect your computer with iTunes to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
  • Make sure Home Sharing is turned on in iTunes on your computer before you begin.
  • Install the iTunes Remote app, sign in, and follow the on-screen setup instructions.

iTunes Remote is a free iPhone and iPad app that remotely controls iTunes from anywhere in your house. Connect to Wi-Fi and control playback, browse your music, make playlists, search your library, and more. Use the iTunes Remote app to stream your iTunes library to your AirPlay speakers or play music from iTunes on your computer. It works on both macOS and Windows.

How to Use the iTunes Remote App

It's easy to start using the iTunes Remote app. Enable Home Sharing on both your computer and the iTunes Remote app, then log in to your Apple ID on both to connect to your library.

  1. Install the iTunes Remote app.

  2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to the same Wi-Fi network where iTunes is connected.

  3. Open iTunes Remote and choose Set Up Home Sharing. Sign in with your Apple ID if asked.

    iTunes Remote app on iPhone with iTunes Home Sharing path highlighted
  4. Open iTunes on your computer and go to File > Home Sharing to ensure that Home Sharing is on there. If it isn't, select Turn On Home Sharing and sign in with your Apple ID.

    iTunes on a Mac with the Turn Off Home Sharing menu option highlighted
  5. Return to the iTunes Remote app and select the iTunes library you want to reach. From there, choose to see songs based on playlists, artists, or albums. Or, search for music.

  6. Tap a song in the Remote app to play it on your computer. You can pause, skip, and shuffle, just like in iTunes.

    Browsing an iTunes library using the iTunes Remote app on an iPhone
  7. If you can't connect to your iTunes library from your phone or tablet, make sure iTunes is running on the computer. If it isn't, your iPhone or iPad won't be able to reach your music.

To connect to more than one iTunes library, open the iTunes Remote app, tap Settings, then tap Add an iTunes Library. Use the instructions on that screen to pair the app with another computer or Apple TV.

iTunes Remote app on an iPhone with Settings and Add an iTunes Library options highlighted
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