Adding downloaded songs to the Music app on your iPhone can be a great way to enjoy your favorite tracks on the go. Whether you’ve purchased a song from iTunes or downloaded it from another source, getting it into the Music app is a straightforward process. In this blog post, we will guide you through various methods to add downloaded songs to the Music app, giving you the flexibility to listen to your favorite tunes anytime and anywhere.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Add Downloaded Songs to Music on iPhone
There are several reasons why you might want to add downloaded songs to the Music app on your iPhone. Firstly, having all your songs in one place makes it convenient to organize and access your music library. The Music app provides a seamless user experience, with features like playlists, shuffle, and repeat options. Additionally, by adding downloaded songs to the Music app, you can take advantage of the app’s integration with other Apple services, such as Apple Music and Siri voice commands.
Method 1: Via iTunes
Adding downloaded songs to the Music app using iTunes is a traditional method that works well for both Mac and Windows users. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer using a USB cable.
Step 2: Launch iTunes on your computer.
Step 3: In iTunes, click on the device icon located at the top left corner of the screen.
Step 4: Select "Music" from the left sidebar.
Step 5: Now, simply drag and drop the downloaded songs or folders containing songs into the iTunes window.
Step 6: Once the songs are added to iTunes, click on the "Sync" button to transfer them to your iPhone.
Step 7: After the syncing process is complete, open the Music app on your iPhone to find and play the downloaded songs.
Pros:
1. Supports a large variety of audio formats.
2. Allows for easy organization and customization of your music library.
3. Provides seamless integration with other Apple services.
Cons:
1. Requires a computer with iTunes installed.
2. Syncing songs may take some time, especially for large music libraries.
3. iTunes can sometimes be slow or unresponsive.
Method 2: Using iCloud Music Library
If you have an iCloud Music Library subscription, you can use this method to add downloaded songs to the Music app without the need for a computer. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Tap on your name at the top of the Settings menu.
Step 3: Select "iCloud" and then "Music."
Step 4: Toggle the switch next to "iCloud Music Library" to enable it.
Step 5: After enabling iCloud Music Library, go back to the Music app.
Step 6: Tap on the "Library" tab at the bottom of the screen.
Step 7: Your downloaded songs should now appear in the Library section of the Music app.
Pros:
1. No need for a computer or iTunes.
2. Seamless integration with iCloud and other Apple devices.
3. Allows you to access your music library from any device with your iCloud account.
Cons:
1. Requires an iCloud Music Library subscription, which may have a monthly cost.
2. Limited storage capacity depending on your iCloud storage plan.
3. May require a stable internet connection for downloading and streaming songs.
Method 3: Via File Sharing Apps
If you have downloaded songs stored in third-party file sharing apps, you can use those apps to add the songs to the Music app on your iPhone. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the file sharing app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Locate and select the downloaded songs you want to add to the Music app.
Step 3: Look for an option to export or share the selected songs.
Step 4: Choose the option to export or share the songs via the "Open In" feature.
Step 5: From the list of apps that appear, select the Music app.
Step 6: The selected songs will now be added to the Music app on your iPhone.
Pros:
1. Allows you to add downloaded songs from various file sharing apps.
2. Provides flexibility to manage your music library using different apps.
3. Can transfer songs directly from file sharing apps to the Music app.
Cons:
1. Requires downloading and managing additional apps.
2. May not support all file formats depending on the file sharing app.
3. Exporting songs from file sharing apps to the Music app can sometimes be a bit complicated.
Method 4: Via Apple Music
If you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you can easily add downloaded songs to the Music app on your iPhone using the Apple Music app itself. Here’s how:
Step 1: Launch the Apple Music app on your iPhone.
Step 2: Navigate to the downloaded songs you want to add by tapping on the "Library" tab.
Step 3: Tap on the three-dot menu icon next to the song or songs you want to add.
Step 4: From the options that appear, select "Add to Library."
Step 5: The selected songs will now be added to your music library and accessible in the Music app.
Pros:
1. Seamless integration with the Apple Music app.
2. Allows you to combine your downloaded songs with the Apple Music catalog.
3. Provides a wide range of features and personalized recommendations based on your music preferences.
Cons:
1. Requires an Apple Music subscription, which may have a monthly cost.
2. Added songs may be subject to DRM restrictions and cannot be accessed outside of the Apple Music app.
3. Limited storage capacity depending on your iCloud Music Library storage plan.
What to Do If You Can’t Add Downloaded Songs to Music on iPhone
If you encounter any issues while trying to add downloaded songs to the Music app on your iPhone, here are some fixes you can try:
1. Ensure that the songs are in a compatible audio format that the Music app supports (such as MP3 or AAC).
2. Check if the songs have any DRM (Digital Rights Management) restrictions that prevent them from being added to the Music app.
3. Restart your iPhone and try adding the songs again.
4. Update your iPhone to the latest iOS version to ensure compatibility with the Music app.
5. If using iTunes, make sure that your iPhone is authorized to access your iTunes library by going to the "Account" tab in iTunes preferences on your computer.
6. Reset the Music app by going to Settings > Music > Reset Library (note that this will remove all locally downloaded songs and playlists).
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to enhance your experience of adding downloaded songs to the Music app on your iPhone:
1. Use playlists to organize your songs based on mood, genre, or artist.
2. Take advantage of the "For You" section in the Music app to discover new songs and personalized recommendations.
3. Use Siri voice commands to play specific songs or playlists hands-free while driving or doing other tasks.
5 FAQs
Q1: Can I add songs from streaming platforms other than Apple Music to the Music app on my iPhone?
A: No, the Music app on the iPhone only allows you to add downloaded songs from sources such as iTunes, iCloud, and file sharing apps.
Q2: Are there any size restrictions for adding downloaded songs to the Music app?
A: No, there are no specific size restrictions for adding downloaded songs to the Music app on your iPhone. However, the available storage space on your device may limit the number of songs you can add.
Q3: Will adding downloaded songs to the Music app affect my iCloud storage?
A: Adding downloaded songs to the Music app does not directly affect your iCloud storage. However, if you enable iCloud Music Library, the songs may be stored in your iCloud storage, which will count towards your overall iCloud storage usage.
Q4: Can I share downloaded songs with other devices using the Music app?
A: Yes, if you have iCloud Music Library enabled, your downloaded songs will be synced across all devices signed in with your iCloud account, allowing you to access them on multiple devices.
Q5: Can I add songs to the Music app on my iPhone without using any external apps or services?
A: Yes, you can add songs to the Music app on your iPhone by purchasing them directly from the iTunes Store or downloading them from the Apple Music catalog.
Final Thoughts
Adding downloaded songs to the Music app on your iPhone opens up a world of possibilities for music lovers. Whether you prefer using iTunes, iCloud Music Library, file sharing apps, or Apple Music, there are multiple methods available to suit your preferences. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite tunes effortlessly on your iPhone, no matter where you are.