iTools 4.5.1.9 for Windows

iTools 4.5.1.9 is a desktop manager for iPhone and iPad from the Chinese developer ThinkSky, available for Windows and macOS. You download iTools on a PC when you want to copy photos, music, videos and documents between the computer and an Apple device without going through iTunes.

Overview

Apple's own way to manage an iPhone from Windows has long been iTunes and, more recently, the Apple Devices app. Both are built around syncing: you set up a library, choose what to sync, and the program mirrors it onto the phone. Many users find that model awkward when all they want is to drag a few photos to a folder, drop a ringtone onto the phone or check how storage is used. iTools takes a file-manager approach instead. After you connect the device by cable and trust the computer, the program shows sections for photos, music, videos, books, contacts, messages and apps, and you can export or import items directly. It also includes a backup and restore tool, a ringtone maker, a battery information screen and, according to the developer's update notes, a virtual location feature that changes the GPS position reported by the iPhone. iTools is a third-party program: it is not made or supported by Apple, it relies on Apple's device drivers to talk to the phone, and after major iOS updates some functions may need a newer version of the program.

Main features

• Transfer photos, videos, music and documents in both directions.
• Back up the device to the PC and restore selected data.
• Install, remove and back up apps.
• Create ringtones from your own audio files.
• View battery health and device information.
• Virtual location for testing location-based apps.

How to install

1. Download iTools from the developer's site, thinkskysoft.com.
2. Run the installer and follow the wizard; decline any bundled offers you do not need.
3. Connect the iPhone or iPad with a USB cable, unlock it and tap Trust on the device.
4. Wait until iTools recognises the device, then open the section you need.

System requirements

The iTools FAQ lists Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and 10 on the PC side, and macOS from OS X 10.10 to High Sierra for the Mac edition. The installer takes about 76.44 MB according to catalogue data. Apple's device drivers must be present; if the phone is not detected, installing Apple Devices or iTunes from Microsoft Store usually adds them.

Safety

Get the program only from the developer's site. Copies of iTools on file-sharing pages sometimes come with bundled adware. Before any restore, make an extra backup, because restoring overwrites data on the phone. Keep in mind that virtual location can break the rules of some apps and games.

Price

iTools is offered as freeware with a trial of some features; the developer sells a licence that unlocks the full set. Check what the free mode includes on the official site before buying.

Pros and cons

• Pro: simple file transfers without iTunes-style syncing.
• Pro: many tools in one window.
• Pro: Windows and Mac versions.
• Con: not an Apple product; new iOS releases can break features.
• Con: some tools are limited without a licence.
• Con: needs Apple drivers installed separately.

Alternatives

Similar iPhone managers on our site include 3uTools, which also covers device information and backups, and ReiBoot for fixing an iPhone stuck in recovery mode. For Samsung phones, Samsung Smart Switch handles transfers and backups, and Huawei HiSuite does the same for Huawei devices.