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MP3 downloads not opening/paying in iTunes

Usually they just open and play once downloaded, however iTunes recognizes there is something trying to be added, it flashes, but the downloads are not added to my library and do not start playing. They are in my downloads in Safari, in my Downloads folder in Finder and in my Music Library folder. I have tried to click and drag into iTunes, that is also not working. I have been doing this for years and have not changed anything on my MacBook to affect this! Really hoping someone has some insight.


Thank you!

MacBook, OS X 10.11

Posted on Sep 17, 2021 6:31 AM

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Posted on Nov 7, 2021 7:07 PM

Hi, i don't know if you found a way, but while reading the comments, i managed the fix the issue. I had the same problem, could had new mp3 files to my library. I just had to change them into mp4 and it worked ...... So i opened the file, right-clicked to rename my file, and changed the extension to mp4. Easy peasy, but yet so annoying.


Hope that helps !

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 7, 2021 7:07 PM in response to kr0120

Hi, i don't know if you found a way, but while reading the comments, i managed the fix the issue. I had the same problem, could had new mp3 files to my library. I just had to change them into mp4 and it worked ...... So i opened the file, right-clicked to rename my file, and changed the extension to mp4. Easy peasy, but yet so annoying.


Hope that helps !

Oct 22, 2021 9:59 PM in response to GAMESTERJK

Hi! I'm legit just ran into the same problem as you. I used VLC and I can finally open the mp3 file into Apple Music. I hate the extra steps but all you have to do is once you've downloaded the mp3 file go onto VLC click the file option above and press "Convert/Stream" or shift+command+s, select the file, change the profile to audio mp3 and name the new file whatever you want but add ".mp3" next to it. It works for me just fine.

Sep 30, 2021 10:49 PM in response to ed2345

The above support does not work for any of the options with the new Big Sur update:

  • iTunes is not there anymore and dragging to Music does not work
  • when dragging to a standard playlist it blinks up but does not show the song
  • Adding it to the "Automatically Add folder" double click: nothing happens
  • right-click the MP3, "Open With", does not open
  • double click: nothing happens


What happened with the "easy to use" philosophy of Apple?

Please provide me a way out, because I'm getting really annoyed by this useless upgrades

From an 90s Apple adept losing it's loyalty........

Sep 17, 2021 8:01 AM in response to kr0120

KR,


There are many ways to add an MP3 to your iTunes/Music library. It is not uncommon for one or more of them to be broken. Once you are sure the valid MP3 is on your local drive, try some of the following:

  • Drag it into iTunes (or Music)
  • Drag it into a specific playlist (i.e., the open window of a regular playlist, not a smart playlist)
  • Drag it into the "Automatically Add..." folder
  • Use the command File > Import and navigate to its location
  • Right-click the MP3 and choose Open With > iTunes (or Music)
  • Double-click the MP3

There might be more ways, but at least try those.

Nov 27, 2021 1:52 PM in response to matinik13

Spent so much time trying to fix this issue, but only the solution that you gave worked.

Before applying your solution, I could play mp3 with space. Had set all mp3 to open with Music app, could play mp3 in preview, but it was not opening in music app. Finally, as you mentioned, opened the mp3 in QuickTime and exported - Audio Only which created m4a file, then could open the file in Music App...what a relief ;) Thank you!

May 3, 2022 11:55 PM in response to kr0120

Finally found a solution without having to download any outside softwares!!

So these mp3's that I downloaded from the internet were able to be opened in Quicktime. Once I did that, I went to File -> Export as Audio. This turns it into an mp4 and you can put it wherever. I put it on my desktop, double clicked it, and it was able to play in iTunes.

Hope this helps!!

Oct 1, 2021 6:55 AM in response to ed2345

maybe I'm old and not that smart and forgot how to put settings of complex software, but most programs provide some clear error explanation to support.

This new program is just as a closed box which does not give a clue on why the upload an MP3 file fails to the complete library of MP3s I've built up during the last 15 years with iTunes.

The same headache as the introduction of this iCloud business.


BTW: the files are standard MP3s, which I listen to now with VLC, a better alternative.

Oct 1, 2021 7:30 PM in response to Nick_Spain

Came here for the exact same reason. MP3's I've literally had for years no longer open in 'Music'. Some I double-click and Music opens but nothing happens, others open and show up but under "Time" it says "Not available". What's really frustrating is they open and play using preview (when you hit the space button on the file in Finder).


I still use a 4th generation iPod and remember how that and the old iTunes were so nicely functional and well thought out, and ever since then iTunes and Mac OS'es have gotten so overdeveloped they're so much less functional, I hate using iTunes/Music now. And I'm still waiting on a resolution to the MP3 problem but will check out VLC now, thanks Nick_Spain.

Oct 4, 2021 4:59 AM in response to hotcrossbuns51



I still use a 4th generation iPod and remember how that and the old iTunes were so nicely functional and well thought out,

Hi HotCrossBuns,

That might be a rose-colored memory, since rejecting MP3s that other players find playable is an age-old iTunes Problem (see example from 2009). Anyway, VLC is a very good player, and is available at no cost, so do take up Nick's suggestion.

Oct 17, 2021 4:29 PM in response to ed2345

Hello Ed,


I have tried all these options, changing the file extensions, opening up through other browsers, garage band, and more. None of these trouble shootings tend to lead to success. I heard reverting back to an old version of itunes may help but it has seemed to become tedious. If there is any more source of troubleshooting you may have that would be great to hear.


Nov 11, 2021 1:45 PM in response to kr0120

I found a way that works. So download VLC media player (search on Google and download it). Once you have downloaded it, you click on Media > Concert/save and select all the files you want to convert to mp3. After you have converted them, they do open in iTunes. You can also find a video on YouTube about this! when you give in ' MP3 downloads not opening/paying in iTunes' in the search bar.

MP3 downloads not opening/paying in iTunes

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