It’s always frustrating when something as powerful and easy to use as Home Sharing doesn’t work. Here’s a checklist of things to try if you find yourself unable to share your iTunes library wirelessly across the computers, Apple TV and iOS devices on your network.
Use the latest iTunes version
A) Check that you have the most up-to-date iTunes version on every Mac and iPad that you are using for Home Sharing, and it has installed and restarted without any warnings or issues.
B) Also, check the mobile devices you’re using all have compatible iOS versions – ideally the latest one. All iPhones, iPod Touch and iPad devices must be iOS 4.3 or later.
Other Configuration Checks
- You need to be using the same Apple ID on all devices using Home Sharing, to ensure the account permissions are consistent throughout the network.
- Double-check that all devices are actively connected to the same wi-fi or internet connection.
- If using Apple TV, use 3rd Generation, or 2nd Generation with 4.2.1 or later.
- If you use a firewall, whether it’s controlled by your software or router, make sure Home Sharing is not being blocked.
- Also make sure every device has Home Sharing enabled in its current configuration.
Software and Hardware reset
Sometimes, going through the simplest reset can solve problems with iTunes Home Sharing not working. These procedures are more than just “turn it off and on again,” instead they force Home Sharing and iTunes to detect and connect with the devices again, and may resolve an issue or malfunction that prevented it before. Some of these are more obvious than others, but they are all worth trying.
- Turn off Home Sharing on each device, leave the device for one minute or more, then activate it again.
- Quit iTunes, fully close and reopen the apps on your iOS devices, and start iTunes again.
- PC users, try disabling IPv6: see this article for more information.
- Restart your network router. Also, make sure you have the latest firmware version for the router, and try resetting it to initial settings.
