How to Add Music to Apple Music on iPhone: The Definitive Guide

Want to groove to your favorite tunes on your iPhone through Apple Music? You’ve landed in the right place. Adding music is core to the Apple Music experience, and it’s easier than you might think. Let’s break it down, revealing the secrets to curating your perfect soundtrack.

The Quick Answer: Adding Music to Your Apple Music Library

There are primarily two methods to add music to Apple Music on your iPhone:

1. Adding Music from the Apple Music Catalog: This is the simplest approach. You search for songs, albums, or playlists directly within the Apple Music app and add them to your library. Once added, you can stream or download them for offline listening.
2. Syncing Music from Your Computer (Via iCloud Music Library): If you have music files (MP3s, WAVs, etc.) not available on Apple Music, you can upload them to your iCloud Music Library using iTunes (on Windows) or the Music app (on macOS) on your computer. Then, they’ll automatically sync to your iPhone.

Let’s delve into each method for a more comprehensive understanding.

Adding Music Directly from Apple Music

This is the most straightforward way to populate your Apple Music library. It leverages Apple’s vast catalog of songs.

Searching and Adding Individual Songs

1. Open the Apple Music App: Launch the Music app on your iPhone. It’s the app with the colorful musical note icon.
2. Navigate to the Search Tab: Tap the “Search” icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass).
3. Enter Your Search Query: Type in the name of the song, artist, or album you’re looking for.
4. Browse the Results: Apple Music will display matching results. You’ll see songs, artists, albums, playlists, and radio stations.
5. Add the Song: Locate the song you want to add. Tap the “+” (plus) icon next to the song title. This adds the song to your library. If there is a cloud with a down arrow, it means the song has not yet been downloaded. Tapping that icon will download the song for offline listening.

Adding Entire Albums

1. Find the Album: Use the search function to find the album you want to add.
2. Tap on the Album: Select the album from the search results. This will take you to the album’s page.
3. Add the Album: Tap the “+” (plus) icon located near the top of the album page, typically next to the album title and artist. This adds the entire album to your library. If there is a cloud with a down arrow, it means the album has not yet been downloaded. Tapping that icon will download the entire album for offline listening.

Adding Playlists

Apple Music is well-known for its expertly curated playlists. Adding them is as simple as adding songs or albums.

1. Discover Playlists: You can find playlists in the “For You,” “Browse,” or “Search” tabs.
2. Tap on the Playlist: Select the playlist you want to add.
3. Add the Playlist: Tap the “+” (plus) icon located near the top of the playlist page. This adds the entire playlist to your library.

Syncing Music from Your Computer via iCloud Music Library

This method allows you to add music not available on Apple Music to your library. It relies on the iCloud Music Library, which essentially uploads your music to Apple’s servers, making it accessible on all your devices signed in with the same Apple ID.

Setting Up iCloud Music Library on Your Computer and iPhone

1. Enable iCloud Music Library on Your Computer (macOS):
   • Open the Music app.
   • Go to Music > Settings.
   • Click the “General” tab.
   • Check the box next to “Sync Library.”
2. Enable iCloud Music Library on Your Computer (Windows):
   • Open iTunes.
   • Go to Edit > Preferences.
   • Click the “General” tab.
   • Check the box next to “iCloud Music Library.”
3. Enable iCloud Music Library on Your iPhone:
   • Open the Settings app.
   • Tap “Music.”
   • Toggle the switch next to “Sync Library” to the “On” position.

Adding Music to iCloud Music Library

1. Import Music to iTunes/Music App:
   • macOS: Drag and drop your music files (MP3s, WAVs, etc.) into the Music app window, or go to File > Add to Library and select the files.
   • Windows: Drag and drop your music files into the iTunes window, or go to File > Add File to Library or Add Folder to Library and select the files.
2. Wait for Syncing: iTunes/Music app will automatically upload your music to iCloud Music Library. The syncing process can take time, depending on the size of your music collection and your internet connection speed. Watch the status bar at the top of iTunes/Music app.
3. Check on Your iPhone: Once the syncing is complete, open the Apple Music app on your iPhone. Your uploaded music should now be available in your library. It may take a few minutes to appear, especially if you have a large library.

Important Considerations for iCloud Music Library:

• Apple Music Subscription Required: To use iCloud Music Library, you need an active Apple Music subscription.
• File Matching and Uploading: Apple first tries to “match” your uploaded songs with songs already available in the Apple Music catalog. If a match is found, you stream Apple’s version. If no match is found, your file is uploaded.
• Storage Limits: There is a limit on the number of songs you can store in iCloud Music Library (currently, up to 100,000 songs).
• File Formats: iCloud Music Library supports a variety of audio file formats, including MP3, AAC, WAV, and AIFF. DRM-protected files (like those purchased from the iTunes Store before Apple removed DRM) may not be compatible.
• Troubleshooting: If your music isn’t syncing, ensure you’re signed in with the same Apple ID on both your computer and iPhone, and that iCloud Music Library is enabled on both devices. Restarting your devices can also sometimes resolve syncing issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is an Apple Music subscription required to add music to my iPhone?

Yes, if you want to stream or download music from the Apple Music catalog or use iCloud Music Library to sync music from your computer, you need an active Apple Music subscription. You can still play music files directly on your iPhone if they are copied locally but you will not be using Apple Music’s features.

2. How do I download music for offline listening?

Once you’ve added a song, album, or playlist to your library, tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow next to the item. This will download the music to your iPhone, allowing you to listen to it even without an internet connection.

3. How do I manage my downloaded music?

Go to Settings > Music > Downloaded Music to view and manage your downloaded music. You can remove downloads to free up storage space.

4. Can I add music from other streaming services (like Spotify) to Apple Music?

No, you cannot directly add music from other streaming services to Apple Music. These services use proprietary formats and DRM protection. You’ll need to use their respective apps to listen to their content.

5. How do I remove music from my Apple Music library?

To remove a song, album, or playlist, tap and hold on the item, then select “Remove from Library.” You can also remove downloads specifically by going to Settings > Music > Downloaded Music and deleting them.

6. Why is my music not syncing between my computer and iPhone?

Ensure that:

• You are signed in with the same Apple ID on both your computer and iPhone.
• iCloud Music Library is enabled on both devices.
• Your computer and iPhone are connected to the internet.
• iTunes (Windows) or the Music app (macOS) is up to date.
• Try restarting both your computer and iPhone.

7. What if my music files are not recognized by iTunes/Music app?

Ensure that the files are in a supported format (MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF). Older or corrupted files might not be recognized. You may need to convert them to a compatible format using audio conversion software.

8. Does adding music to my library use data?

Yes, streaming music over a cellular connection uses data. Downloading music uses data initially, but once downloaded, you can listen offline without using data.

9. How do I create a playlist in Apple Music?

In the Music app, tap “Library” at the bottom, then tap “Playlists.” Tap “New Playlist,” give your playlist a name, and add songs from your library or the Apple Music catalog.

10. What is the difference between “Add to Library” and “Add to Playlist”?

“Add to Library” adds the music to your general music collection, making it available across all your devices with iCloud Music Library enabled. “Add to Playlist” adds the music to a specific playlist you’ve created.

11. Can I share my Apple Music playlists with others?

Yes, you can share your playlists. Open the playlist in the Music app, tap the three dots (more options) and select “Share Playlist.” You can then share the playlist via various methods (Messages, Mail, etc.).

12. What happens to my music if I cancel my Apple Music subscription?

If you cancel your Apple Music subscription, you will no longer be able to stream or download music from the Apple Music catalog. Music downloaded for offline listening will become unavailable. However, any music files you added to your library by syncing from your computer (using iCloud Music Library) will remain available if you continue to use iTunes Match (a separate subscription service) or if you directly transfer them to your iPhone via other means.

By following these steps and understanding the nuances of adding music to Apple Music on your iPhone, you’ll be well on your way to building the perfect soundtrack for your life. Happy listening!