Want to listen to your favorite songs without using mobile data or relying on Wi-Fi? Apple Music makes it easy to download songs, albums, and playlists for offline listening, so you can enjoy your music anytime and almost anywhere.
Whether you’re traveling, commuting, or simply trying to save data, downloading music can improve your listening experience. In this guide, you’ll learn how to download music from Apple Music, the requirements for offline playback, and how to solve common download issues.
Can You Download Music From Apple Music?
Yes, you can download music from Apple Music, but you must have an active Apple Music subscription. Once you’ve added songs to your library, you can download them to your iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android device, or other supported devices.
Downloaded music is stored within the Apple Music app for offline listening. It is protected by digital rights management (DRM), which means you cannot export the songs as regular MP3 files or play them in other music players.
What You Need Before Downloading Music
Before downloading music from Apple Music, make sure you have:
- An active Apple Music subscription.
- A stable internet connection.
- The Apple Music app installed.
- Enough free storage space on your device.
- Signed in with your Apple ID.
How to Download Music From Apple Music on iPhone or iPad
Downloading songs on an iPhone or iPad only takes a few steps.
- Open the Apple Music app.
- Find the song, album, or playlist you want.
- Tap the + button or Add to Library.
- Open your Library.
- Tap the Download icon (a cloud with a downward arrow).
- Wait for the download to finish.
After the download completes, you’ll be able to play your music even when your device is offline.
How to Download Music From Apple Music on Mac
If you use Apple Music on a Mac, the process is similar.
- Open the Music app.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Search for the music you want.
- Add it to your Library.
- Click the Download button next to the song, album, or playlist.
The downloaded music will be available in the Music app whenever you’re offline.
How to Download Apple Music on Android
Apple Music is also available for Android devices.
To download music:
- Open the Apple Music app.
- Sign in with your Apple ID.
- Add the songs or albums to your Library.
- Tap the Download icon.
Your downloaded songs can then be played without an internet connection.
How to Download an Entire Playlist
If you want to save multiple songs at once, downloading an entire playlist is the fastest option.
- Open the playlist.
- Tap Add to Library if needed.
- Tap the Download button.
This downloads every available song in the playlist for offline listening.
How to Find Downloaded Music
To view only your downloaded songs:
- Open the Apple Music app.
- Go to Library.
- Select Downloaded.
Here you’ll find all the music stored on your device.
Why Can’t I Download Music From Apple Music?
If downloads aren’t working, one of these issues may be causing the problem:
- Your Apple Music subscription has expired.
- Your internet connection is unstable.
- Your device doesn’t have enough storage.
- Sync Library is turned off.
- The Apple Music app needs updating.
- You’re signed in with the wrong Apple ID.
How to Fix Apple Music Download Problems
If you’re having trouble downloading music, try these solutions:
- Check that your Apple Music subscription is active.
- Restart your iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Android device.
- Update the Apple Music app.
- Connect to a stable Wi-Fi network.
- Free up storage space.
- Enable Sync Library in your settings.
- Sign out and sign back into your Apple ID.
How to Enable Automatic Downloads
If you regularly add new music to your library, you can have Apple Music download it automatically.
On iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps, then Music.
- Turn on Automatic Downloads.
Any new music you add to your library will automatically download when your device has an internet connection.
How Much Storage Do Apple Music Downloads Use?
The amount of storage depends on the number of songs and the audio quality you choose. Higher-quality audio uses more space.
You can monitor available storage by going to:
- iPhone: Settings → General → iPhone Storage
- Android: Settings → Storage
- Mac: Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage
Can You Keep Downloaded Songs After Canceling Apple Music?
No. Downloaded Apple Music songs require an active subscription. If your subscription ends, downloaded songs will remain on your device for a short time but will no longer play until you renew your subscription.
Music that you purchased separately from the iTunes Store is different—it remains yours even without an Apple Music subscription.
Tips for Offline Listening
- Download music over Wi-Fi to avoid using mobile data.
- Create playlists before traveling.
- Delete old downloads to free up storage.
- Keep the Apple Music app updated.
- Enable Automatic Downloads if you frequently add new music.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to download music from Apple Music is simple and makes it easy to enjoy your favorite songs wherever you are. With an active Apple Music subscription, you can download albums, playlists, and individual songs to your supported devices and listen without an internet connection.
To get the best experience, keep enough storage available, use Wi-Fi for large downloads, and make sure your Apple Music subscription remains active. With your music downloaded, you’ll always have your favorite tracks ready to play—whether you’re on a flight, commuting, or relaxing at home.
