If you are wondering how do you add music on iTunes, the process depends on where your songs come from. You can import MP3 files, copy music from an audio CD, download previous purchases, or use an Apple Music subscription. This guide explains each method and how to sync your library with an iPhone or iPad.
> Note: On Macs running macOS Catalina or later, iTunes was replaced by the Apple Music app. Windows users may still use iTunes, although Apple also provides separate Music, TV, and Devices apps for newer Windows installations.
How Do You Add Music on iTunes From Your Computer?
The easiest way to add music is to import audio files already saved on your computer. iTunes supports common formats such as MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless, WAV, and AIFF.
- Open iTunes on Windows, or the Music app on a newer Mac.
- Select File from the menu.
- Choose Add File to Library to import individual songs, or Add Folder to Library to import an entire folder.
- Browse to the song or folder, select it, and click Open.
You can also drag music files directly into the iTunes window. The songs should appear in Library > Songs and may also be organized under Albums, Artists, or Genres.
By default, iTunes may copy imported files into its media folder. To check this setting, open Edit > Preferences on Windows or Music > Settings on Mac. Under Files, look for the option labeled Copy files to Media folder when adding to library.
If this setting is enabled, iTunes creates a separate copy and leaves the original file where it was. This makes your library easier to manage, but it can use extra storage. If you disable it, iTunes only references the original location, so moving or deleting that file can make the song unavailable.
How Do You Add Music on iTunes From a CD?
You can import music from an audio CD using a computer with a built-in or external CD drive. This converts the tracks into digital files that appear in your iTunes library.
- Connect the CD drive and insert the audio CD.
- Open iTunes.
- Wait for the disc to appear in the sidebar.
- Review the track names and album information.
- Click Import CD or Import CD Settings.
- Choose an audio format and click OK.
For most people, AAC Encoder at 256 kbps provides a good balance between sound quality and file size. Choose Apple Lossless Encoder if you want to preserve CD-quality audio, although those files require more storage. MP3 is useful when you need broad compatibility with older devices and non-Apple players.
If iTunes does not show the correct artist or album information, select the album and choose Get Track Names. You can also edit the details manually by right-clicking a track and selecting Song Info or Get Info.
After importing, eject the CD and confirm that the songs play from your library before removing or donating the disc.
Add Music From the iTunes Store or Apple Music
Music purchased from the iTunes Store can usually be downloaded again using the Apple Account that made the purchase. In iTunes, open Account > Purchased, choose Music, and download the items you want. On the Music app, use your account’s purchased music section.
Purchased songs are generally added to your library automatically after downloading. If they do not appear, verify that you are signed in with the correct Apple Account and check your internet connection.
Apple Music works differently. With an Apple Music subscription, you can search for a song, album, or playlist and select Add to Library. The music then appears in your library while your subscription is active. You can also select the download button to listen offline.
Apple Music subscription downloads are not ordinary MP3 files. They use licensing protection and cannot be copied freely to another service or kept after the subscription ends. Purchased music and your own imported files are different because you retain access to those files independently of a subscription.
If you use Sync Library, your Apple Music library, playlists, and compatible imported content can appear across devices signed in to the same Apple Account. Turn it on under Settings in the Music app or iTunes preferences.
Organize and Edit Your iTunes Music Library
Once music is added, organization makes it easier to find and sync. Select a song, right-click it, and choose Song Info or Get Info to edit its title, artist, album, genre, track number, or artwork.
To create a playlist:
- Choose File > New > Playlist.
- Give the playlist a name.
- Drag songs into it.
You can also create smart playlists that automatically collect songs based on rules such as artist, genre, rating, or play count.
If you see duplicate tracks, compare their file locations and lengths before deleting anything. Remove only the duplicate you do not need, and choose whether to remove it from the library or move the file to the Recycle Bin. Always keep a backup of important music before making large changes.
Sync Music to an iPhone or iPad
Adding music to iTunes does not automatically place it on every device. To transfer music manually:
- Connect your iPhone or iPad to the computer.
- Open iTunes or the Apple Devices app.
- Select the device icon.
- Choose Music.
- Enable Sync Music.
- Select your entire library, specific artists, albums, or playlists.
- Click Apply or Sync.
Syncing can replace music previously added through another computer, so read any warning before continuing. If you use Apple Music and Sync Library, you may not need a cable. Sign in with the same Apple Account on each device and enable library syncing.
If a song will not sync, check whether it is downloaded locally, whether the device has enough storage, and whether the song is restricted by Apple Music licensing. Also confirm that the iPhone is not set to manually manage music while you are attempting automatic syncing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add MP3 files to iTunes?
Yes. Use File > Add File to Library, or drag the MP3 into the iTunes window. The file will appear in your music library.
Why is my added music not showing on my iPhone?
Your computer library and iPhone may not be syncing. Connect the device, select it in iTunes or Apple Devices, enable music syncing, and click Apply. If you use Apple Music, check that Sync Library is enabled on both devices.
Can I add music to iTunes without copying the files?
Yes. Disable Copy files to Media folder when adding to library in iTunes’ file preferences. However, do not move or rename the original files afterward, or iTunes may lose track of them.
Conclusion
Learning how do you add music on iTunes is straightforward once you identify the source. Import computer files, rip CDs, download purchases, or add Apple Music tracks to your library. Then organize your songs and sync the music you want to your mobile devices.
