Transferring purchased songs from your iPhone to iTunes is a common need for many iPhone users. Whether you want to back up your purchased songs or simply organize them within your iTunes library, having them stored on your computer can be a convenient and efficient way to manage your music collection. In this blog post, we will explore several methods that can help you transfer your purchased songs from iPhone to iTunes. We will provide step-by-step instructions for each method, as well as highlight some bonus tips and frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth transfer process.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Transfer Purchased Songs from iPhone to iTunes
Transferring your purchased songs from your iPhone to iTunes offers several advantages. Firstly, it serves as a backup for your music collection. If anything were to happen to your iPhone or if you accidentally delete your songs, having a backup on your computer ensures that you don’t lose them permanently. Additionally, having your purchased songs in iTunes allows for better organization and management of your music library. With iTunes, you can create playlists, sort your songs, and easily sync them to other devices. Furthermore, transferring your purchased songs to iTunes allows you to access your music on a larger screen for a more immersive listening experience. With these reasons in mind, let’s delve into the various methods you can use to transfer your purchased songs from iPhone to iTunes.
Method 1: Via iTunes Sync
Before we proceed with the steps, let’s briefly explain how this method works. By syncing your iPhone with iTunes, you can transfer your purchased songs from your device to your computer. This method requires a USB cable to connect your iPhone to your computer. Now, let’s dive into the detailed steps:
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 2: Launch iTunes on your computer, and if prompted, enter your passcode on your iPhone.
Step 3: In iTunes, click on the device icon that appears in the top left corner of the screen.
Step 4: Navigate to the "Music" tab in the left sidebar.
Step 5: Check the box next to "Sync Music" to enable music syncing.
Step 6: Choose either "Entire music library" or "Selected playlists, artists, albums, and genres" depending on your preferences.
Step 7: Click on the "Apply" or "Sync" button to initiate the transfer process.
Step 8: Wait for the sync process to complete. Once finished, your purchased songs will now be transferred to your iTunes library.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward process to transfer purchased songs from iPhone to iTunes.
2. Allows you to sync not only your purchased songs but also other music on your iPhone to iTunes.
3. Automatically adds metadata and album artwork to your purchased songs in iTunes.
Cons:
1. This method requires a USB cable and cannot be done wirelessly.
2. Syncing your iPhone with iTunes may overwrite any existing music or playlists on your iPhone.
Method 2: Using iCloud Music Library
The iCloud Music Library is a cloud-based service that allows you to access your music across multiple devices. By enabling the iCloud Music Library on both your iPhone and iTunes, you can seamlessly transfer your purchased songs. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: On your iPhone, go to Settings and tap on your name at the top.
Step 2: Tap on "iCloud" and then "Music."
Step 3: Toggle on the "iCloud Music Library" option.
Step 4: Wait for your iPhone to sync with the iCloud Music Library. This may take some time depending on the size of your music library.
Step 5: On your computer, open iTunes and go to "Edit" (Windows) or "iTunes" (Mac).
Step 6: Select "Preferences" and navigate to the "General" tab.
Step 7: Check the box next to "iCloud Music Library" to enable it.
Step 8: Click on "OK" to save the changes.
Pros:
1. Transfers your purchased songs wirelessly without the need for a USB cable.
2. Allows you to access your music library from multiple devices.
3. Automatically syncs any changes or additions to your music collection.
Cons:
1. Requires an active internet connection to transfer songs.
2. The iCloud Music Library has a limited storage capacity, so it may not accommodate a large music library.
Method 3: Via Email or Messaging Apps
If you only have a few purchased songs that you want to transfer to iTunes, sending them via email or messaging apps can be a quick and convenient solution. This method involves attaching the songs to an email or message and then downloading them to your computer. Follow these steps to transfer your purchased songs using this method:
Step 1: On your iPhone, open the Music app and locate the purchased song you want to transfer.
Step 2: Tap on the three dots or the share button next to the song.
Step 3: Select "Share" and choose an email or messaging app from the options.
Step 4: Compose an email or message and attach the song to it.
Step 5: Send the email or message to yourself.
Step 6: On your computer, open your email or messaging app and locate the message containing the attachment.
Step 7: Download the attached song to your computer.
Step 8: Open iTunes and go to "File" (Windows) or "iTunes" (Mac).
Step 9: Select "Add File to Library" or "Add Folder to Library."
Step 10: Locate and select the downloaded song, and click "Open" to import it to your iTunes library.
Pros:
1. Easy and quick method, especially for transferring a small number of purchased songs.
2. Does not require a USB cable or internet connection.
3. Allows you to transfer songs directly from your iPhone to iTunes without any intermediary software.
Cons:
1. Not suitable for transferring a large number of purchased songs.
2. Requires manual downloading and importing of each song to your iTunes library, which can be time-consuming for a large music collection.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Software
If the above methods don’t suit your needs or if you prefer a more automated approach, using third-party software can be a viable option. Various software programs are available that specialize in transferring data, including music, between iOS devices and computers. One popular choice is iMazing. Here’s how you can use iMazing to transfer your purchased songs from iPhone to iTunes:
Step 1: Download and install iMazing on your computer.
Step 2: Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
Step 3: Launch iMazing and wait for it to recognize your device.
Step 4: In iMazing, click on the "Music" icon in the sidebar.
Step 5: Select the purchased songs you want to transfer to iTunes.
Step 6: Click on the "Export" button and choose "Export to iTunes."
Step 7: iMazing will transfer the selected songs to your iTunes library.
Pros:
1. Offers a comprehensive solution for transferring various types of data, including purchased songs, between iPhone and iTunes.
2. Allows for selective transfer of songs, giving you more control over your music library.
3. Provides additional features such as backup and restore options for your iOS device.
Cons:
1. Requires the installation of additional third-party software.
2. Some advanced features of third-party software may require a paid license.
What to Do If You Can’t Transfer Purchased Songs from iPhone to iTunes
While the methods listed above should cover most scenarios, there may be rare instances where you encounter difficulties in transferring your purchased songs from iPhone to iTunes. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try:
1. Ensure that your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS.
2. Restart your iPhone and your computer.
3. Update iTunes to the latest version.
4. Try using a different USB cable or port to connect your iPhone to your computer.
5. Disable any third-party security software that may interfere with the transfer process.
If you still can’t transfer your purchased songs, it may be helpful to reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.
Bonus Tips
1. Keep your iTunes library organized by regularly updating it with new purchased songs and removing any duplicates or unwanted tracks.
2. Before transferring your purchased songs, make sure to back up your iTunes library to prevent any data loss.
3. Take advantage of iTunes Match or Apple Music subscriptions to access your entire music library across all your devices.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I transfer songs that were not purchased from the iTunes Store?
A: Yes, the methods mentioned in this blog post also work for transferring songs that were not purchased from the iTunes Store. However, DRM-protected songs may require additional steps to remove the digital rights management before transferring them to iTunes.
Q2: Will transferring purchased songs from my iPhone to iTunes delete them from my iPhone?
A: No, transferring purchased songs from your iPhone to iTunes will not delete them from your device. They will be copied to your iTunes library while remaining on your iPhone.
Q3: How can I ensure that my purchased songs are automatically added to iTunes?
A: To ensure that your purchased songs are automatically added to iTunes, go to the iTunes preferences and check the box next to "Automatically add to iTunes" under the "General" tab. Any new purchases you make on your iPhone will then be automatically imported into your iTunes library.
Q4: Can I transfer purchased songs from one iTunes library to another?
A: Yes, you can transfer purchased songs from one iTunes library to another by using the "Transfer Purchases" option in iTunes. This method requires both iTunes libraries to be authorized with the same Apple ID.
Q5: Can I transfer my entire music library from my iPhone to iTunes?
A: Yes, you can transfer your entire music library from your iPhone to iTunes by using methods such as iTunes sync or the iCloud Music Library. These methods will transfer both purchased songs and non-purchased songs.
Final Thoughts
Transferring your purchased songs from your iPhone to iTunes is a useful process that allows you to back up and organize your music collection. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, you can seamlessly transfer your purchased songs to iTunes and enjoy the advantages of having your music stored on your computer. Whether you choose to use iTunes sync, the iCloud Music Library, email or messaging apps, or third-party software, there is a method that suits your preferences and requirements. Remember to keep your iTunes library organized and backed up regularly to ensure a smooth music management experience.