How to Sync an iPhone Without Backups

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Although backing up your contacts, calendars and content from your iPhone to a computer is important to securing your data, it can take a long time to back up every time. iTunes, the software used to sync the iPhone, automatically checks for new content and transfers it to the computer. You can avoid the iTunes backup process on a case-by-case basis to speed up the iPhone sync. If you use this method, it's possible to save many valuable minutes spent waiting for the iPhone to finish syncing.

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Step 1

Launch the iTunes software on your PC or Mac.

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Step 2

Connect your iPhone to the computer via the USB connector cable. Wait a few moments for the device to connect and be recognized by iTunes.

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Step 3

Go to the "Devices" section in the left sidebar and select your iPhone from the list.

Step 4

Click the "Sync" button at the lower-right corner. iTunes will start the backup process first.

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Step 5

Click the small gray "X" icon at the top of the iTunes window when you see the words "Backing Up." Clicking the icon will cancel the backup process and move directly to syncing your contacts, calendars and content.

Step 6

Unplug the iPhone, connector cable and computer when you see the iTunes message that reads, "iPhone sync is complete. OK to disconnect."

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