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If you own an iPhone, you’ve likely experienced the frustration of being unable to transfer music from your Mac to your iPhone. While the process may seem simple, it can be surprisingly difficult. Fortunately, there are several methods available to make transfer music a breeze. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most effective methods available for transferring songs from your Mac to your iPhone.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Transfer Songs From Mac to iPhone
There could be multiple reasons for transferring music from a Mac to an iPhone. One of the primary reasons is that the Mac contains a more extensive music library compared to the iPhone, and users would like to access this same music collection from both devices. Another reason could be that the user has downloaded an album or a few songs from the internet or purchased songs from iTunes on their Mac, and they want to listen to these songs on their iPhone.
Method 1: Transfer Songs From Mac to iPhone via iTunes
Transferring music from a Mac to an iPhone using iTunes is the most commonly used method. Follow the steps below to transfer songs from your Mac to iPhone.
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable
- Open iTunes on your Mac
- Select the iPhone icon located on the top left corner of the iTunes Window
- Click on Music from the left sidebar menu
- From the "Sync Music" box and choose either "Entire music library" or "Selected playlists, artists, and genres"
- If you selected the "Selected playlists, artists, and genres" option, select the playlists, artists, or genres you want to transfer to your iPhone
- Click on the "Apply" button to start transferring your songs to your iPhone
Method 2: Transfer Songs From Mac to iPhone via Finder
This method is only applicable if you’re currently using macOS Catalina or later versions.
- Connect your iPhone to your Mac using a USB cable
- Open the Finder App on your Mac
- Tap on your iPhone name located in the Finder sidebar
- Click on "Music" located in the header bar
- Select the "Sync music onto your device" checkbox
- From the "Sync Music" box and choose either "Entire music library" or "Selected playlists, artists, and genres"
- If you selected the "Selected playlists, artists, and genres" option, select the playlists, artists, or genres you want to transfer to your iPhone
- Click on the "Apply" button to start transferring your songs to your iPhone
Method 3: Transfer Songs From Mac to iPhone with iCloud Music Library
Using iCloud Music Library is another effective method of transferring songs from a Mac to an iPhone. Follow the steps below to transfer songs from your Mac to iPhone.
- Access iTunes on your Mac and click on "iTunes" located on the top menu bar and then click on "Preferences"
- Click on the "General" button located at the top of the iTunes Preferences window
- From the General Preferences, select the "iCloud Music Library" checkbox
- If prompted, enter your Apple ID and then click "OK"
- Launch the Music App on your iPhone
- Login with your Apple ID
- In the Settings App of your iPhone, enable "iCloud Music Library" and choose "Merge"
What to Do If You Can’t Transfer Songs From Mac to iPhone
There are times when trying to transfer music files from a Mac to an iPhone might fail. Below are some fixes you can try:
- Check the USB cable and ensure it’s well connected to both devices. If necessary, replace the USB cable with a new one.
- Ensure your iPhone is unlocked whenever you connect it to your Mac
- Verify that you’re using the most updated versions of iTunes and macOS
- Try disabling any anti-virus software you have on your Mac temporarily. The antivirus software might be causing the transfer to fail.
- Restart both devices (your Mac and the iPhone) as this might help resolve the issue.
Bonus Tip: How to Transfer Songs from iPhone to Mac
In case you also want to transfer songs from your iPhone to your Mac, the simplest way is by using the AirDrop feature. Simply follow these easy steps below:
- Make sure both devices are connected to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth is turned on
- Open the Finder App on your Mac
- Launch the Control Center on your iPhone. Press on the "AirDrop" icon, then choose your Mac name from the list
- On your Mac, you will see a notification asking you to accept the transfer. Accept the request
- The songs will then transfer from your iPhone to your Mac
5 FAQs About Transferring Songs from Mac to iPhone
Q1: What is the maximum number of songs I can transfer to my iPhone at once?
A: The maximum number of songs you can transfer to your iPhone depends on the available storage space on your iPhone and how much space your music files need.
Q2: Can I transfer Music files from a Mac to iPhone without using iTunes?
A: Yes, you can also transfer songs from a Mac to an iPhone using other software other than iTunes such as Finder, iCloud Music Library, and third-party software such as WALTR, iMyFone TunesMate, and DearMob iPhone Manager.
Q3: What music file format is compatible with both Mac and iPhone?
A: The music file format that is compatible with both the Mac and iPhone is AAC or M4A file format.
Q4: What happens if I disconnect my iPhone while transferring songs from my Mac?
A: If you disconnect your iPhone while transferring songs from your Mac, you may interrupt the transfer process. It is recommended that you wait until the transfer process is complete before disconnecting the devices.
Q5: Can I transfer music from my iPhone to another device using iCloud?
A: Yes, you can transfer music from your iPhone to another device using iCloud by enabling the "iCloud Music Library" option on both devices. Ensure that your music library is up-to-date and sync, then log in to your Apple account and enable this option on the two devices to synchronize your music library.
Final Thoughts
Transferring music from a Mac to an iPhone shouldn’t be challenging. This article has outlined three effective methods that you can use to transfer songs from a Mac to an iPhone quickly. We’ve also listed common issues you might encounter and fixes in case you encounter them. In addition, we’ve provided a bonus tip on how to transfer files from an iPhone to a Mac. Try out these methods and experience a new way of listening to music on your iPhone.