I have some music stored in the Files app on my iPhone that I want to transfer to Apple Music. I’m not sure how to go about doing it. Can someone guide me through the steps or suggest a solution? I want to add these songs so I can play them within the Apple Music app.
Oh man, wouldn’t it be so simple if you could just drag and drop those tunes straight into Apple Music on your iPhone? But no, Apple had to make it a full-on quest. Here’s how you do it:
- First, get those files onto your computer (Mac preferred, PC works too, but good luck). Use Airdrop, a cable, or email them to yourself, whatever gets the job done.
- Open iTunes (yes, it’s still a thing, apparently) or the Apple Music app on your computer.
- Drag the songs into your library there. Look for the “Add to Library” option if dragging doesn’t work.
- Then, sync your library with iCloud. Go to Apple Music or iTunes settings—there’s a checkbox for iCloud Music Library (or Sync Library, because Apple can’t stick to one name). Turn it ON if it’s not already. Wait, and pray to the tech gods.
- On your iPhone, make sure iCloud Music Library/Sync Library is enabled too. (Settings > Music). After it syncs, those songs should magically show up in your Apple Music app.
Oh, you wanted to skip the computer entirely? Well, Apple doesn’t exactly make that easy. You’d need a third-party file manager app that lets you import to Music directly. A sketchy workaround, but hey, your call.
Enjoy your unnecessarily complicated mission to simply listen to music. Classic Apple.
Ugh, yeah, @mike34 covered the whole “you have to use a computer” drama, but let’s be real—not everyone wants to go through that hassle. Here’s my take.
If you really don’t wanna touch iTunes (and who could blame you), there are apps on the App Store like Documents by Readdle or VLC media player. They won’t put your songs directly into Apple Music, but you can at least play the files on your phone through those apps. Not ideal, but it skips the PC dance.
Another option? Look up third-party apps that let you move audio files into your actual Apple Music library without needing to sync through iTunes. They exist, but many seem sketchy or charge a fee. Proceed with caution.
Honestly, Apple’s got some nerve making this so ridiculous. It’s 2023; why isn’t there a simple “Add from Files” option? Almost every other platform lets you do something this basic!
tl;dr: Computer method works if you’re patient (see @mike34’s steps), but if you want a direct-from-iPhone solution, prepare for extra apps or to settle for just playing the tracks separately from Apple Music. Choose your battle.
Alright, let’s untangle this web of adding songs from Files to Apple Music on iPhone with a different flavor. I’ll be diving into the reality of Apple’s weird restrictions and exploring both native options and possible alternative hacks:
Reality Check
Apple doesn’t let you natively add music to the iPhone’s Apple Music library directly. The sanctity of the “walled garden” approach means you’re often left wrestling with iTunes—or as they now call it, the Apple Music desktop app. Nevertheless, there are workable routes. Here’s how you can break the wall.
Route 1: The Computer-Purgatory
Similar to what others mentioned (sup @vrijheidsvogel & @mike34), this involves syncing your music via iTunes or Apple Music on your Mac/PC. Key steps:
Pros of this method:
- Officially supported.
- No weird apps needed.
Cons of this method: - Need a computer.
- iTunes/Apple Music syncing is painfully slow.
Honestly? It’s as if Apple wants us to forget adding external music altogether and just settle for their streaming catalog.
Route 2: Third-Party App Shenanigans
- Good news: There are apps that bypass the need for computers. Apps like Documents by Readdle or FileBrowser let you play files directly from your Files app, though they won’t sync to Apple Music.
- Some apps like Cesium might have once had integration, but Apple’s updates keep breaking third-party setups. Tread carefully here.
Pros of this approach:
- Avoids desk setups; fully iPhone-based.
- Some seamless file-handlers can even organize playlists for your music.
Cons:
- No direct Apple Music library sync.
- Sketchiness, cost, or clunky interfaces at times (RIP user trust).
Route 3: Drag and Drop Isn’t Entirely Dead
If you’re rocking macOS Ventura or later, Finder sync has streamlined things a bit more conveniently compared to old-school iTunes syncing. Pros? Less hassle, but again, needs a Mac. Finder doesn’t feel as ancient as iTunes and skips some of the syncing drama. It’s worth exploring.
Mood Breaker Alert: Apple, Why?
Like, why not let us directly upload through the Files app? It’s absurd that even in 2023, we’re stuck jumping through hoops for something as basic as “add local files to music.” This ecosystem-tyranny often makes many of us eye Android or other ecosystems. However, keep in mind Apple’s pros: excellent sound quality inside Apple Music and ad-free playback, which keeps some of us hooked.
Final Useful Notes
- If you’re okay skipping Apple Music entirely, apps like Plexamp can let you build your personal music library from your computer and stream it anywhere—no syncing required with iTunes.
- For now, Apple devices thrive on making us stream-first, complicating personal file uploads. That’s why @vrijheidsvogel’s and @mike34’s advice, even if frustrating, is sadly the most legit for now.
Choose your method based on convenience, but let’s keep crossing our fingers that Apple adds an “import from Files” feature in… maybe iOS 20?