If you don’t use Apple Music or another streaming service for Music, you can still manually collect all your music and sync it to an iPhone, iPad or iPod. You will need to use the standard Music app for Mac or Windows (iTunes).
In Music or iTunes you can then create a music library with, for example, mp3 files or albums that you buy in the iTunes Store. You can then manually sync the music with your Apple devices.
Music Library in Music or iTunes
If you don’t use Apple Music or Spotify, for example, you will have to manually compile a music library if you also want to enjoy music on your iPhone or iPad. You may have manually expanded your library with new albums and songs in recent years.
You can still manage your music library manually by adding MP3 files, iTunes Store purchases, or other music files. Click File in the menu bar and choose Add to Library or Import to add files (more info). You can also manually drag the songs into the Music or iTunes window.
Manually sync music Mac
Manually syncing your music library with your iPhone, iPad or iPod is very easy. All you need to do is physically connect your device to your Mac with the USB cable. Then follow the steps below:
- Connect your iPhone, iPad or iPod to your Mac
- Unlock your iDevice and confirm the pairing
- Open Finder
- In the navigation column, look for your iDevice under ‘Locations’
- Click on this and the overview will open immediately
- Open the ‘Music’ tab
Next, you can decide which music to sync to your device. This can be your entire music library, but also specific albums, artists, playlists, etc. Check all the items you want and click ‘Sync’ to transfer the content to your device (more info).
Sync Music with Windows
Want to sync your Windows music library with your iPhone, iPad or iPod? You can use the Apple Devices App for Windows. The music present in the Music app (formerly iTunes) can then be transferred to your mobile devices.
- Open Apple Devices App for Windows
- Connect the Apple device to your Windows computer with a USB cable
- Go to the Apple Devices app on your Windows computer
- Select the device in the navigation column
- Choose Music
Next, you can decide which music to sync to your device. This can be your entire music library, but also specific albums, artists, playlists, etc. Check all the items you want and click ‘Sync’ to transfer the content to your device (more info).