Synchronize iPhone on Linux, Music with GtkPod

Hey folks!

Since I bought my iPhone, I’ve always synchronized music/videos through Linux, using GtkPod.

When firmware version 2.x came out for iPhone, Apple changed the algorithm that updates the iTunes DB, so it stopped synchronizing music, and also caused synchronization conflicts with iTunes.

Some time ago, I decided to look for a solution to be able to synchronize my music with iPhone again, and I got it; and it works perfectly.

Required: wireless connection.

1] Editing the XML

First step is to edit an XML file, so synchronization can be done:

vim /System/Library/Lockdown/Checkpoint.xml

In the example above I used VIM to edit the XML, you can use the Editor you prefer. Locate the DBVersion node inside the XML, which value should be “4”, change it to “2”. Save and close.

2] Installing ipod-convenience

Second step is to install the ipod-convenience package, which is responsible for mounting the iPhone. This package is available in the source: deb http://ppa.launchpad.net/ipod-touch/ubuntu gutsy main

Installing the package: apt-get install ipod-convenience

After installation ipod-convenience will ask if you have an iPhone or iPod and the location where you’d like to mount your device, it will also ask for the IP your device uses.

In my case: iPhone mounted at: /media/iphone IP: 192.168.10.11

3] Mounting the iPhone

The first time you mount the iPhone you should use the data cable to generate the iTunes DB hash of the device.

Plug the cable into iPhone and computer, then open terminal and run: iphone-mount (or ipod-mount, if you have an iPod). It will ask for your SSH password, if you’ve never used SSH on the device look for: BSD Subsystem and OpenSSH, there are millions of tutorials out there.

4] Transferring music

After iPhone is mounted, you can transfer music/listen etc. I particularly prefer to use Amarok for this, but you can also use gtkpod.

Installing Amarok: apt-get install amarok

1] Open Amarok, click Settings and Configure Amarok 2] Choose Media Devices 3] Click Add Device 4] Select Apple iPod Media Device 5] Enter the name (iPhone or iPod) 6] And finally type the path where you mounted iPhone, in my case: /media/iPhone

On the left side of Amarok at the bottom, we have Devices, select your device and click Connect.

After loading your music list you can make changes to your playlist! To send a song just drag and drop to Amarok, then click Transfer.

That’s all folks, questions in comments.