How To Stop ITunes From Opening Up?

Do you ever find that iTunes opens up on your computer whenever you connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod? If so, then read on to find out how to stop it.

For iPhone users, one of the most frustrating obstacles is the smartphone’s non-expandable memory. Although iCloud lets you upload your files from your device to an Apple server, it is easier to transfer itunes library to your computer directly to free some storage space.

However, by doing that, the iTunes program will constantly open automatically. You may need the program only when transferring media files. Therefore, it can be annoying when it keeps opening since the computer program can take a portion of the operating resources. Besides, closing it down can feel tiresome.

So, how do we stop the iTunes from opening unnecessarily? Before that, let us understand why it keeps on opening.

Why Does iTunes Keep Opening Up?

Initially, after installation, the iTunes program is already designed to open immediately when an Apple gadget, such as the iPhone, is directly connected to the computer using the cable. If you are unfamiliar with the iTunes functionality, then you might spend a lot of time looking for the options to disable the unnecessary opening.

Another reason for this issue is the bug in the software. Each time there’s an iOS update available for the iPhone, expect that there will be an update for the iTunes also available. Outdated software can cause incompatibility or random issues towards an updated smartphone. 

How to Stop iTunes From Opening?

To stop iTunes from opening, there are 4 methods you can try. Some of these methods translate differently for macOS and Windows since both devices have different designs. You can just simply follow the step-by-step methods below.

Turning off the remote syncing

Remote syncing happens when iTunes want to access the contents of your iPhone and have them displayed on the program. It is usually set to automatically operate depending on the iTunes version.

From the iTunes program, click on “Edit” (for Windows) or “iTunes” (for macOS) found on top-left corner.

   From its menu, select “Preferences”.

For macOS

For Windows

1. Click the tab “Devices”.
2. Check the box “Prevent iPods, iPhones and iPads from syncing automatically”.
3. Click “OK”, close iTunes and reopen the program.
   

For macOS

For Windows

Disabling iTunes During Startup

The iTunes may be designed to initially open upon the OS startup. So, whenever you connect an iPhone through the cable, the iTunes will automatically pop out on the screen since it is already running in the background.

For macOS:

1. Open the menu on the Apple’s icon logo.
2. Select “System Preferences”.
   
3. Click on the “Users & Groups”.
4. Select the account.
5. Select “Login Items”.
6. Find “iTunesHelper” while scrolling down and uncheck it.
7. Restart your macOS and observe the changes.
   

For Windows 10:

1. Press the keys “Windows logo” and letter “X” at the same time.
2. Select “Task Manager” on the list.
3. Choose the “Start-Up” tab and locate “iTunes Mobile Device Helper” and “iTunes Helper”.
4. Click “Disable” on both tabs using the button below of the window. 
5. Restart your Windows and observe the changes.
   

Updating iTunes

Outdated iTunes might cause some problems later. The best course of action is to update the iTunes to the latest version available.

1. From the iTunes program, click on “Help” (for Windows) or “iTunes” (for macOS) found on top-left corner.
2. Select “Check for Updates”.
   
3. If there is the latest version of iTunes downloadable, have it downloaded by selecting “Download iTunes”.
4. Restart the iTunes program to check if the updates have taken effect. 

Disabling Local Sharing

Some PCs are configured to have a local sharing network. This can cause opening of programs unnecessarily, such as iTunes, when a device capable of sharing locally is attached, like the smartphone. Disabling the sharing feature might do the trick.

1. From the iTunes program, click on “Edit” (for Windows) or “iTunes” (for macOS) found on top-left corner.
2. From its menu, select “Preferences”.
3. Click the tab “Sharing”.
4. Uncheck the box “Share my library on my local network”.
5. Click “OK”, close iTunes and reopen the program.
   

For macOS

For Windows

Summary: Stop iTunes from opening up

• Right click on the iTunes icon.
• Select "Show Contents".
• Navigate to "Contents" > "MacOS" and look for a file called iTunesHelper.
• Open System Preferences.
• Click Users & Groups.
• Click your own username in the left-hand panel of the window.
• Click Login Items at the top of the right-hand panel.
• You should see iTunesHelper listed here.
• Select it and click the minus sign to delete it.

Conclusion

If the methods mentioned above do not work, the last resort might be to uninstall iTunes, clear any residual contents and then reinstall it back. Once it is reinstalled, repeat the methods again to stop the unnecessary opening of the program.