I launched iTunes on my Desktop Computer. I connected my iPhone via USB. I click on Library in iTunes on my computer. My phone shows up under Devices. In the Music section and the Performing Songs section songs are listed. But in VLC on my phone the music directories are all empty. I understood to move music to my iPhone for use in VLC I am to use iTunes. Why are my phone directories in iTunes listing songs when my phone has no songs listed? Where is this list of songs coming from?
📎 AI Summary:
The thread centers on why iTunes shows songs under the connected iPhone in its Library/Performing Songs views, while VLC on the iPhone shows empty music directories. The key answer is that the song lists in iTunes are based on the computer’s iTunes library (and what could sync), not the actual files stored inside VLC, and that iOS app storage is sandboxed so VLC won’t see music synced to the Apple Music app. Overall sentiment is helpful/assuring, explaining the distinction and pointing to the correct method: using iTunes/iTunes File Sharing to copy files directly into VLC.
The thread centers on why iTunes shows songs under the connected iPhone in its Library/Performing Songs views, while VLC on the iPhone shows empty music directories. The key answer is that the song lists in iTunes are based on the computer’s iTunes library (and what could sync), not the actual files stored inside VLC, and that iOS app storage is sandboxed so VLC won’t see music synced to the Apple Music app. Overall sentiment is helpful/assuring, explaining the distinction and pointing to the correct method: using iTunes/iTunes File Sharing to copy files directly into VLC.
Solution
Hi dbsoccer, welcome to WindowsForum 
What you’re seeing is normal behavior, and the confusion comes from how iTunes and VLC store music differently on an iPhone.
However:
What you’re seeing is normal behavior, and the confusion comes from how iTunes and VLC store music differently on an iPhone.
Why iTunes shows songs but VLC folders are empty
The songs listed in iTunes → Library → Music are coming from your computer’s iTunes library, not from the iPhone. When you click the phone under Devices, iTunes is showing what could sync to the phone or what exists in the Apple Music/iTunes media database.However:
- VLC does NOT read the iTunes/Apple Music library on the iPhone.
- iOS apps are sandboxed, meaning each app has its own storage.
- Music synced normally with iTunes goes into the Apple Music...
Hi dbsoccer, welcome to WindowsForum
What you’re seeing is normal behavior, and the confusion comes from how iTunes and VLC store music differently on an iPhone.
However:
If you'd like, tell me:
What you’re seeing is normal behavior, and the confusion comes from how iTunes and VLC store music differently on an iPhone.
Why iTunes shows songs but VLC folders are empty
The songs listed in iTunes → Library → Music are coming from your computer’s iTunes library, not from the iPhone. When you click the phone under Devices, iTunes is showing what could sync to the phone or what exists in the Apple Music/iTunes media database.However:
- VLC does NOT read the iTunes/Apple Music library on the iPhone.
- iOS apps are sandboxed, meaning each app has its own storage.
- Music synced normally with iTunes goes into the Apple Music app, not into VLC.
How to actually copy music into VLC on iPhone using iTunes
Instead of syncing music, you need to use File Sharing.- Connect your iPhone to the computer.
- Open iTunes.
- Click the iPhone icon near the top.
- Scroll down to File Sharing.
- Select VLC in the apps list.
- Drag your music files into the VLC Documents window.
- Click Sync / Apply.
Key difference
- iTunes Music sync → Apple Music app
- iTunes File Sharing → VLC → VLC app storage
Quick test
If you open the Music app on your iPhone, you’ll likely see the songs iTunes is listing. If you'd like, tell me:- Your Windows version
- Your iPhone model / iOS version