How to Buy a Song on Apple Music: Your Definitive Guide

So, you’ve found that perfect track on Apple Music, the one that’s been stuck in your head all day, and you’re ready to make it officially yours. Thankfully, buying songs on Apple Music is still entirely possible, albeit slightly hidden amidst the streaming focus. Let’s cut through the noise and get you purchasing that tune.

Here’s the direct answer: While Apple Music is primarily a subscription-based streaming service, you can still buy individual songs and albums through the iTunes Store app (which comes pre-installed on Apple devices). Simply open the iTunes Store app, search for the song or album, and tap the price button to purchase. You’ll be prompted to confirm your purchase using your Apple ID and payment method. Once downloaded, the song will be available to listen to offline on your device and will remain yours even if you cancel your Apple Music subscription.

Diving Deeper: The Art of Apple Music Song Acquisition

While the summary above provides the nuts and bolts, let’s elaborate. The iTunes Store and Apple Music are intertwined but distinct. Apple Music is the subscription service; the iTunes Store is the digital storefront. Think of it like this: Apple Music is renting, while the iTunes Store is buying.

Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Music

Let’s walk through the purchase process, ensuring you don’t miss a beat (pun intended!).

1. Open the iTunes Store App: This app is separate from the Apple Music app. Look for its icon, which typically resembles a purple music note within a circle. It’s pre-installed on iPhones and iPads.
2. Search for Your Desired Song or Album: Use the search bar at the bottom of the screen to find the specific song or album you want to purchase. Be precise with your search terms for quicker results.
3. Navigate to the Song or Album Page: Once you find your desired content, tap on the album artwork or song title to access its dedicated page.
4. Locate the Price: On the song or album page, you’ll see the price listed next to the song or album. Individual songs usually cost between $0.99 and $1.29, while albums vary in price.
5. Tap the Price to Initiate the Purchase: Tapping the price initiates the purchase process.
6. Authentication: You’ll likely be prompted to authenticate the purchase using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized purchases.
7. Download: After successful authentication, the song or album will begin downloading to your device. A progress indicator will appear, showing the download status.
8. Enjoy Your Music: Once the download is complete, the song or album will be available in your Apple Music library. You can find it under the “Downloaded” section or by searching for it.

Understanding the Difference: Apple Music vs. iTunes Store

It’s crucial to understand that Apple Music is a streaming service where you pay a monthly fee to access a vast library of music. You don’t own the music; you’re essentially renting it. If you cancel your subscription, you lose access to the streamed songs, except those you’ve explicitly purchased.

The iTunes Store, on the other hand, allows you to purchase individual songs and albums outright. Once you buy a song, it’s yours to keep, download, and listen to, regardless of your Apple Music subscription status. These purchased songs are stored in your Apple Music library and can be synced across your Apple devices.

Checking Your Purchase History

Want to confirm a purchase or track your spending? Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings App: On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
2. Tap Your Name: At the top of the Settings app, tap on your name (your Apple ID).
3. Tap “Media & Purchases”: Select the “Media & Purchases” option.
4. Tap “View Account”: You may be asked to sign in with your Apple ID.
5. Tap “Purchase History”: Scroll down and tap on “Purchase History.”

You’ll see a list of all your purchases from the iTunes Store, App Store, and other Apple services. You can filter the results by date and purchase type.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Buying Music on Apple Music

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the process of buying songs on Apple Music:

1. Can I buy a song directly from the Apple Music app?

No, you cannot directly buy songs within the Apple Music app. You must use the iTunes Store app for purchases. The Apple Music app is primarily for streaming.

2. What payment methods are accepted in the iTunes Store?

The iTunes Store accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Apple Account balance (gift cards or redeemed credit).

3. How do I redeem an iTunes gift card?

Open the iTunes Store app, scroll to the bottom, and tap on “Redeem.” You can then enter the code from your gift card or scan it using your device’s camera. The gift card balance will be added to your Apple Account.

4. Where are my purchased songs stored?

Purchased songs are stored in your Apple Music library. You can find them under the “Downloaded” section or by searching for them within the Apple Music app.

5. Can I download purchased songs to multiple devices?

Yes, you can download purchased songs to multiple devices as long as they are signed in with the same Apple ID that was used to make the purchase.

6. What audio quality are purchased songs?

Songs purchased from the iTunes Store are typically in AAC format at 256 kbps. This offers a good balance between audio quality and file size.

7. What happens to my purchased songs if I cancel my Apple Music subscription?

Your purchased songs will remain in your Apple Music library and will still be accessible even if you cancel your Apple Music subscription. They are yours to keep.

8. Can I burn purchased songs to a CD?

Yes, you can burn purchased songs to a CD using iTunes on your computer. However, be aware of copyright restrictions and only burn CDs for personal use.

9. How do I remove a purchased song from my device?

To remove a downloaded song from your device, go to your Apple Music library, find the song, tap and hold on it, and then select “Remove Download.” This will delete the song from your device but keep it in your cloud library.

10. Can I share purchased songs with family members?

Yes, you can share purchased songs with family members using Family Sharing. This allows up to six family members to share purchases from the iTunes Store, App Store, and Apple Books.

11. Is it possible to get a refund for a song purchased on the iTunes Store?

While not guaranteed, you can request a refund for a purchase by going to reportaproblem.apple.com, signing in with your Apple ID, and submitting a request. Apple will review the request and determine if a refund is warranted.

12. What should I do if I can’t find the iTunes Store app on my device?

If you can’t find the iTunes Store app, it might be hidden. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. Make sure that “iTunes Store” is toggled on. If it’s still missing, try restarting your device.

By following these steps and understanding the nuances of Apple Music and the iTunes Store, you can confidently purchase your favorite songs and enjoy them offline, anytime, anywhere. Happy listening!