Brandon Fletcher
What matters most when syncing Apple Music?
- Account check: Use the same Apple Account on every device to access one music library.
- Library setting: Turn on Sync Library on Apple devices and Windows to keep music available across devices.
- First sync: A large music library may take a few minutes to appear after syncing is enabled.
- Sync problems: Check Wi-Fi, Low Power Mode and Sync Library settings if songs are missing.
Using Apple Music on multiple devices? Keep your music library in sync with a setting that lets you listen across platforms.
Apple Music is a music streaming service available on Apple devices and other platforms. You can sign in with your Apple Account to listen to your favorite songs on an Android phone, Windows PC or compatible smart TV.
If your songs are missing after you sign in on a new device, check that each device uses the same Apple Account and that Sync Library is enabled. This setting syncs your Apple Music library across devices, so you do not have to manage it separately on each one.
How do you turn on Sync Library in Apple Music?
Use the same Apple Account on each device, then enable Sync Library in the Music app settings where available. Sync Library makes your Apple Music library available across supported devices.
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The most common reason Apple Music does not sync a library is that devices are signed in to different accounts. To check the account, open the Apple Music app and tap your profile picture on the Home tab. If the email address on the device does not match the one used on your other devices, sign out and log in with your primary Apple Account.
On an iPhone or iPad, open Settings, find Apps, select the Music app and enable Sync Library. On a Mac, open the Music app and choose the “Music” menu, then Settings. Under the General tab, enable Sync Library and click OK. On Windows, open Settings from the three-dot button and enable the same option. On Android, Sync Library is enabled by default.
The first library sync can take a while, particularly when the music library is large. If songs do not appear immediately after you enable syncing, leave the Music app open and wait a few minutes.
What can you do if Apple Music will not sync?
If Apple Music still will not sync, try updating the cloud library on a Mac or Windows PC, then check your mobile device’s connection and power settings. Cloud library updates can prompt the app to check for changes in your personal library.
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On a Mac, open the File menu, choose Library and select Update Cloud Library to prompt a sync and check for updates to your personal library. The Windows app also offers this option in the sidebar. The Android and iOS apps do not include it.
Check that mobile devices are connected to Wi-Fi and are not in Low Power Mode, which may prevent library syncing. If the issue continues, turn Sync Library off and back on in Settings, or sign out of your Apple Account and sign in again. Without an Apple Music subscription, a library stored offline on a Mac or PC must be transferred manually by moving the Music folder to another computer using Apple iTunes or Apple Devices.
Apple Music also has settings for other listening preferences. You can explore the audio quality options, including the setting for lossless audio.
Which account should you use for Apple Music syncing?
Use the same Apple Account on every device where you want the same Apple Music library. Different accounts can prevent the library from syncing across devices.
How long does the first Apple Music sync take?
The first Apple Music library sync may take a while, especially for a large library. Leave the Music app open and wait a few minutes if songs are not visible right away.
Can you sync Apple Music without a subscription?
Without an Apple Music subscription, an offline library on a Mac or PC must be transferred manually to another computer using Apple iTunes or Apple Devices.
Why is Sync Library missing from Android or iOS?
The Android and iOS apps do not include the Update Cloud Library option available on Mac and Windows. On Android, Sync Library is enabled by default.
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