How to Share Music from an iPhone to Another iPhone: The Definitive Guide

Sharing music between iPhones has become refreshingly seamless in recent years, moving far beyond the days of burning CDs and manual file transfers. This guide explores all available methods, covering both Apple’s built-in features and clever workarounds to get your favorite tunes flowing from one device to another.

Direct Answer: Sharing Music Between iPhones

There are several ways to share music from one iPhone to another, each with its own advantages:

1. AirDrop: The quickest and simplest method for sending individual songs or a small number of tracks. AirDrop uses Bluetooth to discover nearby iPhones and Wi-Fi for the actual file transfer.
2. iCloud Music Library (Apple Music Subscription): If both iPhones use the same Apple ID and have iCloud Music Library enabled (part of an Apple Music subscription), all music added to one library automatically syncs to the other. This is the most convenient option for those who want a constantly synchronized music collection.
3. Family Sharing (Apple Music Family Plan): A fantastic option for families. With Family Sharing, up to six family members can share an Apple Music subscription and access each other’s music libraries.
4. iTunes Store Gifting: If you want to give someone a specific song or album, you can purchase it as a gift from the iTunes Store directly from your iPhone.
5. Third-Party Apps (for non-Apple Music): For music not purchased through Apple, or downloaded from other sources, you can use third-party file-sharing apps like ShareDrop or cloud storage services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
6. Using a Computer (iTunes/Finder): While less convenient, you can still use a computer with iTunes (on older macOS versions or Windows) or Finder (on newer macOS versions) to manually sync music to the other iPhone.

Detailed Explanation of Each Method

Let’s delve into each method, providing step-by-step instructions and considerations:

AirDrop: The Instant Gratification Method

AirDrop remains the champion of quick and easy file transfers between Apple devices. Here’s how to use it:

1. Enable AirDrop: On both iPhones, swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older iPhones) to open the Control Center. Press and hold the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth card. Tap AirDrop and choose either “Contacts Only” (if the other person is in your contacts) or “Everyone” (if they aren’t). Important: Set it back to “Contacts Only” or “Receiving Off” after the transfer for security reasons.
2. Select the Music: On the sending iPhone, open the Music app. Find the song or album you want to share.
3. Share the Music: Tap the three dots (ellipsis) next to the song title. Select “Share Song” (or “Share Album”). Choose AirDrop from the sharing options.
4. Choose the Recipient: The receiving iPhone should appear in the AirDrop menu. Tap the recipient’s iPhone.
5. Accept the Transfer: On the receiving iPhone, a pop-up will appear asking if you want to accept the AirDrop. Tap “Accept.”
6. Locate the Music: The song will download directly into the Music app on the receiving iPhone.

Limitations of AirDrop: It’s best for transferring individual tracks or small playlists. It’s not ideal for large music libraries due to time constraints and potential connection interruptions. Also, both iPhones must be within close proximity.

iCloud Music Library: Seamless Synchronization

iCloud Music Library offers a sophisticated solution for music management, ensuring your collection is always available across your devices. This is integral part of Apple Music Subscription.

1. Apple Music Subscription: This method requires both iPhones to be signed in with the same Apple ID and have an active Apple Music subscription.
2. Enable iCloud Music Library: Go to Settings > Music on both iPhones and toggle “Sync Library” (formerly “iCloud Music Library”) to the “on” position.
3. Wait for Synchronization: The iPhones will begin syncing music from the cloud. This process can take time, especially for large libraries. Ensure both iPhones are connected to Wi-Fi and plugged into a power source.

Benefits of iCloud Music Library: Automatic synchronization, access to your music on any device logged into your Apple ID, and the ability to stream Apple Music’s entire catalog.

Drawbacks of iCloud Music Library: Requires a paid Apple Music subscription and relies on a stable internet connection for initial syncing and streaming.

Family Sharing: Music for the Whole Family

Family Sharing is a powerful feature that allows up to six family members to share Apple services, including Apple Music.

1. Set Up Family Sharing: One person needs to set up Family Sharing in Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing.
2. Invite Family Members: Invite the other iPhone users to join your family group. They’ll need an Apple ID.
3. Share Apple Music: Subscribe to the Apple Music Family Plan.
4. Access Shared Music: Once set up, family members can access each other’s Apple Music libraries and playlists, as well as stream from the entire Apple Music catalog.

Advantages of Family Sharing: Cost-effective way to provide Apple Music to multiple users, simplifies billing, and allows sharing of other Apple services like iCloud storage.

Disadvantages of Family Sharing: Requires all members to be comfortable sharing a payment method, and restrictions apply to changing family groups frequently.

iTunes Store Gifting: The Thoughtful Gesture

Gifting music is a classic way to share your favorite songs or albums.

1. Open the iTunes Store: Launch the iTunes Store app (or the Apple Music app and navigate to the Store tab).
2. Find the Music: Search for the song or album you want to gift.
3. Gift the Music: Tap the three dots (ellipsis) next to the song or album title. Select “Gift.”
4. Enter the Recipient’s Email: Enter the email address associated with the recipient’s Apple ID.
5. Customize the Gift (Optional): Add a message and choose a delivery date.
6. Purchase the Gift: Complete the purchase process.
7. Recipient Redemption: The recipient will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem the gift. The music will then be added to their Apple Music library.

Pros of Gifting: A personal way to share specific music, ensures the recipient owns the music, and supports artists.

Cons of Gifting: Requires a purchase, not suitable for sharing large music libraries, and the recipient needs an Apple ID to redeem the gift.

Third-Party Apps & Cloud Storage: For the Eclectic Listener

For music not in Apple Music, third-party apps or cloud storage solutions come in handy.

1. Choose a Service: Popular options include ShareDrop (for direct file transfers over Wi-Fi), Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
2. Upload the Music: Upload the music files from your iPhone to the chosen service.
3. Share the Music: Share the files or folders with the other iPhone user. This usually involves creating a shareable link.
4. Download on the Recipient’s iPhone: The recipient can then download the music files to their iPhone.

Benefits of Third-Party Apps & Cloud Storage: Works with any music files, not limited to Apple Music content, and often provides ample storage space.

Drawbacks of Third-Party Apps & Cloud Storage: Requires separate accounts, may involve upload and download times, and might require a paid subscription for larger storage needs.

Using a Computer (iTunes/Finder): The Traditional Approach

While less common, using a computer remains a viable option.

1. Connect the iPhones: Connect both iPhones to your computer using USB cables.
2. Open iTunes (older macOS or Windows) or Finder (newer macOS): iTunes is used on Windows and older macOS versions; Finder is used on newer macOS versions.
3. Authorize the Computer: Authorize your computer in iTunes or Finder to access your Apple ID.
4. Sync Music: In iTunes or Finder, select the iPhone you want to transfer music to. Navigate to the Music tab and choose the music you want to sync. Click “Apply” or “Sync.”

Advantages of Using a Computer: Works even without an internet connection, allows for precise control over what music is transferred, and doesn’t require any subscriptions.

Disadvantages of Using a Computer: More time-consuming and less convenient than other methods, requires a computer with iTunes or Finder installed, and can be more complex for novice users.

FAQs: Your Music Sharing Questions Answered

1. Can I share music from Apple Music with someone who doesn’t have a subscription?

No, you cannot directly share music from Apple Music with someone who doesn’t have a subscription. They would need an active subscription to access streamed or synced content. You could, however, gift them a song or album from the iTunes Store.

2. Why is AirDrop not working?

Ensure both iPhones have AirDrop enabled and are within Bluetooth range. Also, check that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are turned on. If you selected “Contacts Only,” verify that both devices have each other’s contact information. Restarting both iPhones can also resolve AirDrop issues.

3. How do I find music that was AirDropped to me?

AirDropped music should automatically appear in the Music app. If it doesn’t, check your downloads folder or search for the song title in the Music app’s search bar.

4. Can I share a whole playlist from one iPhone to another?

Yes, you can share playlists using AirDrop (if the playlist is relatively small) or iCloud Music Library. For AirDrop, open the playlist, tap the share icon, and select AirDrop. For iCloud Music Library, the playlist will automatically sync if both iPhones are using the same Apple ID.

5. Is it possible to share music between iPhones without using Wi-Fi?

Yes, AirDrop works using Bluetooth for discovery and Wi-Fi Direct for the transfer, but it requires both to be enabled, even if a Wi-Fi network isn’t actively connected. You can also use a computer and USB cables to sync music.

6. How do I stop Family Sharing?

The organizer of the Family Sharing group can remove members in Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing. Members can also leave the group themselves.

7. Can I share music that I downloaded from other sources (not iTunes) to another iPhone?

Yes, you can use third-party apps like ShareDrop, cloud storage services, or a computer to transfer non-iTunes music files.

8. Will I lose my existing music if I enable iCloud Music Library?

Generally, no. iCloud Music Library attempts to match your existing music with tracks in the Apple Music catalog or uploads tracks that aren’t available. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your music library before enabling iCloud Music Library.

9. How much data does iCloud Music Library use?

The amount of data used by iCloud Music Library depends on the size of your music library and how often you stream music. Downloading music for offline listening will consume more data than streaming.

10. How do I redeem a gifted song from the iTunes Store?

Open the email containing the gift link on your iPhone. Tap the “Redeem” button. You may be prompted to sign in with your Apple ID. The song or album will be added to your Apple Music library.

11. Can I share music using Bluetooth only?

While AirDrop uses Bluetooth for discovery, the actual file transfer happens over Wi-Fi Direct. You cannot share music using Bluetooth alone in the traditional sense with iPhones.

12. What happens if I run out of iCloud storage when using iCloud Music Library?

If you run out of iCloud storage, music that isn’t matched with the Apple Music catalog might not upload. You may need to upgrade your iCloud storage plan or manage your stored files to free up space.