Skip to Content

How to Turn on Automatic Downloads for Songs in Apple Music

by

Normally when you add songs or albums from the Apple Music catalog to your library and then play them back, the tracks are streamed to your device or computer.

DG apple music
This avoids using up local storage, but it also has a major drawback –- the content becomes unavailable if you don't have an active internet or cellular connection.

Fortunately, you can avoid this situation altogether by enabling Automatic Downloads. With this option turned on, ‌Apple Music‌ content automatically downloads to your device or computer when you add it to your Library.

Enabling Automatic Downloads on iPhone and iPad

  1. Launch the Settings app on your iOS device.
  2. Tap Music in the apps list.
    automatic downloads in apple music ios

  3. Turn on the toggle switch next to Automatic Downloads.

Enabling Automatic Downloads on Your Computer

  1. Launch iTunes.
  2. On Mac, choose iTunes -> Preferences from the menu bar. On Windows, choose Edit -> Preferences from the iTunes window menu bar.
    macos mojave itunes preferences apple music automatic downloads

  3. Click the Downloads tab, and under Automatic Downloads, check the box next to Music.
  4. Click OK.

Note that you can download and access the same content on up to 10 devices for as long as your ‌Apple Music‌ subscription is active.

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Released Seven New Products Today

Wednesday March 11, 2026 7:05 am PDT by
Starting today, the seven new Apple products that were announced last week are available at Apple Stores and beginning to arrive to customers. The colorful MacBook Neo and all of the other new products are on display at most Apple Store locations around the world starting today. Apple Stores have inventory of the new products for both walk-in customers and Apple Store pickup, but...
iOS 27 Mock Quick

10+ New Features Coming in iOS 27

Friday March 13, 2026 2:13 pm PDT by
We're only three months away from Apple's WWDC 2026 event, which will see the company unveil iOS 27. With the fully revamped version of Siri possibly delayed until September, iOS 27 is shaping up to be the update we wanted iOS 26 to be. There will be new Apple Intelligence features, updates for the iPhone Fold, and more, with the latest rumors summarized below. Foldable iPhone Features...
Apple 50 Years of Thinking Different

Apple Announces 50th Anniversary Plans

Thursday March 12, 2026 6:10 am PDT by
Apple today announced that it will celebrate the company's 50th anniversary over the coming weeks, but it has yet to reveal any specific plans. Apple was founded on April 1, 1976, so the company will turn 50 on April 1, 2026. "While Apple is known for looking forward, this milestone offers a special moment to reflect on the journey that has brought the company here, to celebrate the...