Many iPhone users often face the challenge of adding non-iTunes music to their devices. While iTunes is the default music player on iPhones, it restricts users to only play music purchased from the iTunes Store. This limitation can be frustrating for those who have their music library from other sources or prefer to download music from different platforms. Fortunately, there are several methods available to put non-iTunes music on iPhones, allowing users to enjoy their favorite tracks irrespective of their origin. In this blog post, we will explore various methods to overcome this challenge and provide step-by-step guides for each method.
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The Challenge of Adding Non-iTunes Music to iPhone
Adding non-iTunes music to an iPhone can be challenging due to Apple’s software restrictions. iTunes is primarily designed to sync music from the iTunes Store, and it doesn’t have native support for importing music from external sources or non-Apple platforms. This limitation means that if you want to add music from other sources, you have to find alternative methods to transfer and play those songs on your iPhone.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before we delve into the methods of adding non-iTunes music to an iPhone, there are a few things you should prepare to ensure a smooth and successful process:
1. A computer with the latest version of iTunes installed.
2. The non-iTunes music files you want to add to your iPhone, preferably in a compatible format such as MP3 or M4A.
3. A USB cable to connect your iPhone to the computer.
4. Sufficient storage space on your iPhone to accommodate the additional music files.
Method 1: How to Put Non-iTunes Music on iPhone via iTunes
Using iTunes to sync non-iTunes music to your iPhone is the most straightforward method. Follow the steps below to add music to your device:
1. Connect your iPhone to the computer using a USB cable.
2. Launch iTunes and ensure that your iPhone is recognized by the software.
3. Click on the device icon that appears in the top left corner of the iTunes window.
4. Go to the "Music" tab in the left sidebar.
5. Check the "Sync Music" option and select the songs or playlists you want to transfer.
6. Click the "Apply" button in the bottom right corner of the window to start syncing the music to your iPhone.
Pros:
1. Easy and straightforward method.
2. Does not require any additional software or applications.
3. Allows synchronization of music across multiple devices.
Cons:
1. Limited to syncing music from the iTunes library.
2. May erase existing music on your iPhone if not synced properly.
3. Requires a USB connection to transfer music.
Method 2: How to Put Non-iTunes Music on iPhone using iCloud Music Library
If you have an Apple Music subscription, you can use the iCloud Music Library feature to upload and access non-iTunes music on your iPhone. Here’s how you can enable and use iCloud Music Library:
1. Launch the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Tap on your name at the top of the Settings menu.
3. Go to "iCloud" and scroll down to find "Music."
4. Toggle on the "iCloud Music Library" option.
5. Wait for your iPhone to sync with the iCloud Music Library.
6. Open the Music app on your iPhone, and you should see all your non-iTunes music available for playback.
Pros:
1. Allows access to non-iTunes music across multiple devices with iCloud Music Library enabled.
2. Can be used with an Apple Music subscription.
3. Automatically syncs changes and updates to your music library.
Cons:
1. Requires a stable internet connection for syncing and streaming music.
2. Requires an Apple Music subscription for full functionality.
3. Limited to Apple devices and platforms.
Method 3: How to Put Non-iTunes Music on iPhone using Third-party Apps
There are various third-party apps available on the App Store that can help you transfer and play non-iTunes music on your iPhone. One such popular app is VLC for Mobile. Follow the steps below to use VLC for Mobile:
1. Download and install the VLC for Mobile app from the App Store.
2. Connect your iPhone to the computer and launch iTunes.
3. In iTunes, go to "File Sharing" under the device section.
4. Select VLC from the list of apps in the File Sharing section.
5. Drag and drop the non-iTunes music files into the VLC Documents section.
6. Open the VLC app on your iPhone, and you should see the transferred music available for playback.
Pros:
1. Allows playback of various file formats not supported by iTunes.
2. Can be used with multiple third-party apps catering to different preferences.
3. Offers additional features and customization options.
Cons:
1. Requires manual transfer of music files through iTunes.
2. May have limitations depending on the specific third-party app.
Method 4: How to Put Non-iTunes Music on iPhone via File Sharing Tools
Another method to transfer non-iTunes music to your iPhone is through file sharing tools like Dropbox or Google Drive. Here’s how you can do it using Dropbox:
1. Install the Dropbox app on your iPhone and sign in to your account.
2. Upload the non-iTunes music files to your Dropbox account.
3. Open the Dropbox app on your iPhone and navigate to the uploaded music files.
4. Tap the ellipsis (…) next to the music file you want to download.
5. Select "Make Available Offline" to download the music file to your iPhone.
6. Once downloaded, open the file in the Dropbox app to play it.
Pros:
1. Allows remote access and streaming of music files.
2. Does not require a USB connection or computer.
3. Can be used with various cloud storage services.
Cons:
1. Requires an internet connection to access and download music files.
2. Limited storage space on your iPhone may impact the number of files you can store.
3. Requires manual transfer and management of files.
Why Can’t I Put Non-iTunes Music on iPhone?
There are several reasons why you may encounter difficulties when attempting to put non-iTunes music on your iPhone:
1. File Format Incompatibility: iTunes and iOS have specific requirements for the file formats they support. If your non-iTunes music files are in an unsupported format, iTunes may not recognize or transfer them.
2. Digital Rights Management (DRM): Some music files you’ve obtained from other sources may be protected by DRM, which limits their playback and transferability to specific devices or software.
3. Copyright Restrictions: Apple’s software and ecosystem prioritize the purchase and usage of music from the iTunes Store. Therefore, they implement measures to discourage the addition of non-iTunes music to iPhones.
Fixes:
1. Convert File Format: Use software like iTunes or third-party converters to convert the non-iTunes music files to supported formats like MP3 or M4A before attempting to add them to your iPhone.
2. Remove DRM Protection: If your non-iTunes music has DRM protection, you may need to acquire the rights or look for DRM removal tools to make them compatible with iTunes.
3. Seek Alternatives: Explore alternative methods like those mentioned in this blog post to transfer and play non-iTunes music on your iPhone without relying solely on iTunes.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to enhance your experience of adding non-iTunes music to your iPhone:
1. Organize Your Music: Before transferring the music files, ensure they are properly organized with correct metadata, such as song title, artist, and album. This will help you navigate and find your tracks easily on your iPhone.
2. Use Playlist Management: Utilize playlist management features within iTunes or third-party apps to create and curate playlists of your non-iTunes music. This will make it easier to play specific songs or genres on your iPhone.
3. Regularly Update Music Library: Keep your music library up to date by syncing and transferring new non-iTunes music whenever you acquire it. This will ensure you always have the latest songs and albums on your iPhone.
5 FAQs about Putting Non-iTunes Music on iPhone
Q1: Can I add non-iTunes music to my iPhone without using a computer?
A: Yes, you can use third-party apps or cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive to transfer and play non-iTunes music on your iPhone without the need for a computer.
Q2: Will adding non-iTunes music to my iPhone affect my device’s performance?
A: Adding non-iTunes music to your iPhone should not significantly impact its performance. However, having a large music library may consume storage space, and streaming music may use data or affect battery life.
Q3: What happens if I delete the non-iTunes music files from my iPhone?
A: If you delete the non-iTunes music files from your iPhone, they will be permanently removed from your device. However, if you’ve synced the music with iTunes or enabled iCloud Music Library, you can re-sync or re-download the files.
Q4: Can I add non-iTunes music to my iPhone without jailbreaking it?
A: Yes, you can add non-iTunes music to your iPhone without jailbreaking it by using the methods mentioned in this blog post. Jailbreaking is not necessary for transferring and playing non-iTunes music.
Q5: Can I use non-Apple Music subscription services to add non-iTunes music to my iPhone?
A: Yes, you can use non-Apple Music subscription services that offer iPhone apps and allow downloading or offline playback of music files. These apps usually have their own methods of transferring non-iTunes music to your device.
In Conclusion
Adding non-iTunes music to an iPhone may initially seem like a challenging task due to Apple’s restrictions. However, with the methods explained in this blog post, you can easily overcome this challenge and enjoy your favorite tracks from any source on your iPhone. Whether you choose to use iTunes, cloud storage services, or third-party apps, the key is to remember the options available and follow the steps carefully. By doing so, you can expand your music library and personalize your iPhone’s music experience beyond the iTunes Store offerings.