How to Sync Your Apple Music Library Across Devices
When an Apple Music library doesn't appear on a new device, the fix is usually to check the account and enable the Sync Library setting. Engadget has outlined the steps for iPhone, Mac, Windows and Android.
Apple Music, the streaming service from Apple, isn't limited to Apple hardware: users can sign in with an Apple Account on an Android phone, a Windows PC or a smart TV. Tech site Engadget explains that after signing in on a new device, the library and songs sometimes fail to appear, but a single setting usually resolves it.
Turning on Sync Library
First, make sure every device uses the same account. In the Apple Music app, tap the profile picture on the Home tab and check the email address. If it differs, sign out and log in with your main Apple Account.
Next, check that Sync Library is enabled:
- iPhone or iPad: open Settings, go to Apps, find Music and switch on Sync Library.
- Mac: in the Music app, open the "Music" menu, choose Settings, and under the General tab enable Sync Library, then click OK.
- Windows: the process is similar, but Settings is found through the three-dot button.
- Android: the option is on by default.
The first sync can take a while, especially with a large library. If songs don't show up right away, keep the app open and wait a few minutes.
If syncing still fails
On a Mac, choose File, then Library, then Update Cloud Library to force a check for updates. The same option appears in the Windows app's sidebar, but not in the Android or iOS apps.
Mobile devices should be connected to Wi-Fi and not in Low Power Mode, which can block syncing. If nothing works, turn Sync Library off and on again, or sign out of the Apple Account and back in.
Users without an Apple Music subscription who keep an offline library on a Mac or PC can only move it to another computer by manually transferring the Music folder using Apple iTunes or Apple Devices.
