iOS 5 'home sharing' feature missing?

Previous to the update to iOS 5, the 'home sharing' feature in the iPad's iPod app worked as expected. You'd simply choose the different 'library', and you'd be able to play items over the network from that remote library.

This functionality seems to be missing in iOS 5 on an iPad 2 (and perhaps other iOS 5 devices?).

  • There is no way to choose a remote library or 'Sharing' in the Music app.
  • The same good Apple ID credentials are present in Settings, and has been re-entered just in case.
  • iTunes is running on the same Windows machine as previous. No changes have been made there (save for the new version of iTunes).
  • iTunes is running, Home Sharing is enabled.

How can this feature be restored in iOS 5?

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Solution 1:

On the computer

  • Open iTunes
  • Turn on Home Sharing in the Advanced menu
  • Keep iTunes running

On the iDevice

  • Open Preferences
  • Open Music Preferences
  • Enter same AppleID for Home Sharing as in iTunes (note, you may have to re-enter the account if it appears already to be there. This both verifies the stored password is correct and re-registers the iOS device with your account's Home Sharing)

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To Use

  • Start the Music app in the iPad
  • Tap on 'More' at the bottom right

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  • Tap on 'Shared' to see a list of shares music libraries

Solution 2:

I tried everything, but what FINALLY worked for me was going to my main iTunes library and turning off home sharing. I then turned it back on, put in my credentials, and then clicked "create home share". It began working as described after that.