If you are a fan of Apple Music and want to have all your music in one place, it can be frustrating to not have it integrated with your iTunes library. However, there are methods available that can help you combine Apple Music and iTunes seamlessly. In this blog post, we will explore different ways to get Apple Music into iTunes, allowing you to enjoy all your favorite songs in one convenient location.
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The Challenge of Getting Apple Music into iTunes
Integrating Apple Music with iTunes can be a challenge due to the different formats and DRM (Digital Rights Management) restrictions imposed on Apple Music files. Since Apple Music files are protected, you cannot directly import them into iTunes like regular audio files. However, by using various methods, it is possible to overcome these challenges and add your Apple Music collection to iTunes.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we delve into the different methods, there are a few things you should prepare to successfully get Apple Music into iTunes:
1. A Subscription to Apple Music: You need an active Apple Music subscription to have access to the Apple Music catalog and your saved songs.
2. Apple ID: Ensure that you have an Apple ID linked to your Apple Music subscription as this will be required throughout the process.
3. iTunes Application: Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer.
Method 1. How to Get Apple Music into iTunes via Apple Music App
To get Apple Music into iTunes via the Apple Music app, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Apple Music app on your computer.
Step 2: Log in with your Apple ID credentials.
Step 3: Browse the Apple Music catalog and add songs, albums, or playlists to your library.
Step 4: Once you have added the desired Apple Music content to your library, open the iTunes application.
Step 5: In iTunes, go to the "File" menu and select "Library" followed by "Update iCloud Music Library."
Step 6: Wait for iTunes to sync with your iCloud Music Library. Once the sync is complete, your Apple Music content should appear in your iTunes library.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward method using the built-in functionality of Apple Music and iTunes.
2. Allows for seamless synchronization between Apple Music and your iTunes library.
3. Retains all the metadata and information associated with your Apple Music files.
Cons:
1. Requires an active Apple Music subscription.
2. Only works with content added to your library through the Apple Music app.
3. Relies on the sync function to update your iTunes library, which can be time-consuming for large libraries.
Method 2. How to Get Apple Music into iTunes via iTunes Match
Using iTunes Match is another method to get Apple Music into iTunes. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the iTunes application on your computer.
Step 2: Go to the "iTunes Store" tab and click on "iTunes Match" in the sidebar.
Step 3: Sign in with your Apple ID credentials and follow the prompts to subscribe to iTunes Match.
Step 4: Once you have subscribed, go to the "File" menu and select "Library" followed by "Update iCloud Music Library."
Step 5: Wait for iTunes to scan and match your Apple Music songs. This process may take some time depending on the size of your library.
Step 6: After the matching process, your Apple Music songs will become available in iTunes, and you can download them to your computer.
Pros:
1. Works with both Apple Music songs and songs imported from other sources.
2. Allows you to download matched Apple Music songs to your local library.
3. Offers a convenient way to access your Apple Music content across multiple devices.
Cons:
1. Requires an active iTunes Match subscription in addition to an Apple Music subscription.
2. Matching process may not be 100% accurate, resulting in incorrect matches or missing songs.
3. iTunes Match is a paid service, and the subscription cost should be considered.
Method 3. How to Get Apple Music into iTunes via Apple Music Converter
If you want more control over your Apple Music files and the ability to convert them into DRM-free formats, using an Apple Music Converter can be a viable option. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download and install a reputable Apple Music Converter on your computer.
Step 2: Open the converter and log in with your Apple ID credentials.
Step 3: Select the Apple Music songs you want to convert and choose the desired output format.
Step 4: Start the conversion process, and the converter will remove the DRM protection from the Apple Music files and save them in the specified format.
Step 5: Once the conversion is complete, locate the converted files on your computer.
Step 6: Open iTunes, go to the "File" menu, and select "Add File to Library" or "Add Folder to Library" to import the converted Apple Music files.
Pros:
1. Allows you to convert Apple Music files into DRM-free formats that are compatible with iTunes.
2. Offers more flexibility and control over your Apple Music files.
3. No longer restricted by DRM limitations, allowing you to use the converted files across various devices and platforms.
Cons:
1. Requires the use of third-party software, which may come at a cost or have limitations in the free version.
2. The conversion process can take some time, depending on the size of your Apple Music library.
3. Additional steps needed to convert and import the files into iTunes compared to other methods.
Method 4. How to Get Apple Music into iTunes via Audio Recording
If you want a simple workaround to get Apple Music into iTunes without additional software, you can use audio recording software to capture the audio from your Apple Music playback. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download and install an audio recording software on your computer. OBS Studio and Audacity are popular options.
Step 2: Open your audio recording software and configure the audio source to capture system audio.
Step 3: Open the Apple Music app and navigate to the song or playlist you want to record.
Step 4: Press the record button in your audio recording software and start playing the Apple Music content.
Step 5: Let the recording continue until you have captured the entire song or playlist.
Step 6: Stop the recording and save the captured audio file on your computer.
Step 7: Open iTunes, go to the "File" menu, and select "Add File to Library" or "Add Folder to Library" to import the recorded audio files.
Pros:
1. Simple and straightforward method using readily available audio recording software.
2. Works for both Apple Music songs and songs from other streaming platforms.
3. No need for additional subscriptions or software downloads.
Cons:
1. Sound quality may not be as high as the original Apple Music files due to the recording process.
2. Includes background noise and potential audio artifacts introduced during the recording.
3. Recording songs or playlists can be time-consuming, especially for large libraries.
Why Can’t I Get Apple Music into iTunes?
There are several reasons why you might be experiencing difficulties getting Apple Music into iTunes. Here are some common issues and their fixes:
1. DRM Protection: Apple Music files come with DRM protection, which restricts their usage. To overcome this, you can use methods like iTunes Match or an Apple Music Converter to remove the DRM before importing into iTunes.
2. Incompatibility: Older versions of iTunes or unsupported file formats can cause issues. Ensure that you have the latest version of iTunes installed and that the files you are trying to import are in a supported format like MP3 or AAC.
3. Licensing Restrictions: Some songs or albums may have regional limitations or licensing agreements that prevent them from being available in certain regions. Check if the Apple Music content you are trying to add is available in your region or contact Apple Support for further assistance.
Additional Tips:
1. Make sure you have a stable internet connection while performing any of the methods mentioned above. This ensures smooth syncing, matching, or conversion processes.
2. Regularly update your iTunes application to ensure compatibility with the latest features and functions. This helps prevent compatibility issues when integrating Apple Music with iTunes.
3. Back up your iTunes library before attempting any changes or modifications. This way, you can restore your library in case of any unforeseen issues or data loss.
5 FAQs about Getting Apple Music into iTunes
Q1: Can I import Apple Music into iTunes for offline listening?
A: Yes, by using methods like iTunes Match or an Apple Music Converter, you can import Apple Music into iTunes and download the songs for offline listening.
Q2: Is it legal to use an Apple Music Converter to remove DRM?
A: The legality of using an Apple Music Converter can vary depending on your location and the terms of service of Apple Music. It is recommended to check the local laws and Apple’s terms of service before using such software.
Q3: Can I get Apple Music into iTunes on my iPhone or iPad?
A: Apple Music is already integrated with the native Music app on iOS devices, so you don’t need to perform any additional steps to access your Apple Music content on iPhone or iPad.
Q4: Will getting Apple Music into iTunes affect my existing iTunes library?
A: Integrating Apple Music with iTunes should not affect your existing iTunes library. However, it is always advisable to back up your library before making any changes.
Q5: Can I import Apple Music into iTunes without a subscription?
A: No, an active Apple Music subscription is required to access and import Apple Music into iTunes.
In Conclusion
Integrating Apple Music into iTunes can enhance your music experience by consolidating all your songs in one place. By following the methods mentioned above, you can overcome the challenges of getting Apple Music into iTunes and enjoy your favorite songs seamlessly. Whether you choose to use the built-in functionality of the Apple Music app, iTunes Match, an Apple Music Converter, or audio recording software, you have options that cater to your preferences and requirements.