iTunes is a media player, media library, and mobile device management application developed by Apple. It is used to organize and play media files like music, videos, TV shows, etc., across different devices. However, sometimes iTunes can be a bit tricky to use, especially when you can’t find your favorite song on the list. This problem mostly occurs when you have accidentally hidden a song. If you are facing a similar issue, then don’t worry, you are not alone. Many users face this issue, but the good news is that it’s an easy fix. In this blog post, we will guide you on how to show hidden songs on iTunes.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Show Hidden Songs on iTunes
iTunes has the option to hide specific songs or media files that you don’t want to see on the list. This feature can be helpful if you have some unwanted media files on your device, but it can also become a nuisance if you accidentally hide your favorite song or album. In such cases, you need to show hidden songs on iTunes to recover your media files.
Sometimes, you may have hidden the songs unknowingly, or maybe the songs were hidden by someone else. Regardless of the reason, it’s essential to know how to show hidden songs on iTunes to avoid losing your favorite music. It’s a simple process that can save you from the frustration of searching for lost media files.
Method 1: Via iTunes on Mac
If you are using a Mac computer, you can show hidden songs using the iTunes app. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open iTunes on your Mac computer.
2. Click on the "View" option from the top menu.
3. Select "Show Sidebar."
4. Once the sidebar appears, click on the "Music" option.
5. You will see a list of all the available songs.
6. Click on the "View" option again from the top menu.
7. Select "Show View Options."
8. In the View Options dialogue box, check the box beside "Hidden Items."
9. You should now be able to see all the hidden songs on your iTunes list.
Pros:
– You can easily access the hidden songs via the iTunes app on your Mac computer.
– iTunes allows you to view and select specific songs that you want to display.
Cons:
– This method is only applicable if you have a Mac computer.
– If you aren’t using iTunes often, it can be time-consuming to follow this method every time you need to view hidden songs.
Method 2: Via iTunes on Windows
Windows users can also follow simple steps to show hidden songs on iTunes. Here are the steps:
1. Open iTunes on your Windows computer.
2. Click on the "View" option from the top menu.
3. Select "Show Sidebar."
4. Once the sidebar appears, click on the "Music" option.
5. You will see a list of all the available songs.
6. Click on the "View" option again from the top menu.
7. Select "View Options."
8. In the View Options window, check the box beside "Hidden Items."
9. Click on "OK."
10. Your hidden tracks will now show up on the iTunes library.
Pros:
– This method works for all Windows users.
– iTunes has a user-friendly interface.
Cons:
– The process can be time-consuming and involve several steps.
– If you are not tech-savvy, it may be challenging to execute.
Method 3: Via Settings on iOS Devices
Apart from accessing your hidden songs on iTunes, another option is to use the settings on your iOS device. Here’s how to do it:
1. Open the "Settings" app on your iOS device.
2. Click on the "Music" option.
3. Scroll down to the "Library" section and toggle on the "Show All Music" option.
4. All hidden songs on your device should now be visible in the iTunes app.
Pros:
– This method is straightforward and doesn’t involve any technical steps.
– You can only show hidden songs, not specific ones, on your iOS device.
Cons:
– This method only works for iOS users.
– This method won’t allow you to view specific hidden songs.
Method 4: Via Smart Playlists
If you prefer a more customized approach, you can use Smart Playlists to show specific hidden songs on iTunes. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Open iTunes on your device.
2. Click on the "File" option from the top menu.
3. Select "New" followed by "Smart Playlist."
4. In the Smart Playlist dialogue box, set the rule to "Match only checked items."
5. Click on the "+" icon and add a new rule to "Media Kind" "is" "Music."
6. Click on the "+" icon again and add a new rule "Playlist" "is not "Music."
7. Finally, click on the "OK" button to create the Smart Playlist.
8. Any hidden songs that meet the above criteria will be available under this playlist.
Pros:
– This method allows you to access specific hidden songs and customizes your playlist according to your preferences.
– You can access the Smart Playlist anytime.
Cons:
– This method can be time-consuming to set up, especially if you have several songs to include.
– This method requires a good understanding of using Smart Playlists.
What to Do If You Can’t Show Hidden Songs on iTunes
If you have tried all the methods above and still can’t show hidden songs on iTunes, then you may need to try the following:
– Check if your iTunes app is up to date. Sometimes, outdated apps can cause problems with iTunes functionality.
– Restart your device and try again. This simple fix can sometimes solve the problem.
– Check your iTunes settings to ensure you haven’t inadvertently changed any configuration.
– It’s also worth checking your music library to see if the songs are still available in your device’s storage.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to help you manage your iTunes library.
1. Backup Your iTunes Library: It’s essential to back up your iTunes library regularly to avoid losing your media files in case of any device malfunction or loss.
2. Keep Your iTunes Library Organized: You can use iTunes preferences to set your music files based on your preferences.
3. Use iTunes Match: This cloud-based service allows you to store and access your music files on multiple devices.
5 FAQs
Q1: Why can’t I see all my songs on iTunes?
A: There are multiple reasons why you may not be able to see all your songs on iTunes. It could be a problem with iTunes settings or an issue with your device’s hardware or software.
Q2: Can I use iTunes to play music on my Android device?
A: Unfortunately, iTunes is not available on Android devices. However, several third-party apps allow you to play your iTunes music library on your Android device.
Q3: Can I share my iTunes library with others?
A: Yes, you can share your iTunes library with others. You can create a shared playlist or use the Home Sharing feature to share your media files.
Q4: Can I recover deleted songs on iTunes?
A: Yes, you can recover deleted songs on iTunes as long as you have backed up your library. You can use the backup to restore the deleted songs.
Q5: Can I transfer my iTunes music to another device?
A: Yes, you can transfer your iTunes library to another device. You can use iTunes settings to create a backup or use third-party software like iMazing or Senuti to transfer your music files.
Final Thoughts
iTunes is an essential app for organizing and playing your media files, but sometimes it can become challenging to display hidden songs or media files. Fortunately, there are various methods to show hidden songs on iTunes, depending on your device and preferences. All the methods we have discussed above are easy to follow, and you can choose the one that works best for you. Remember to backup your iTunes library regularly and keep your music files organized to avoid any future problems.