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I purchase mp3 files directly from musicians. I would like to copy them to my iPhone 12 mini so that I can listen when I'm out and about. How can I import these into Music, or alternatively, directly onto my iPhone?
iPhone 12 mini
That would be nice if it worked. But it doesn't for me. I even attempted to create a new iTunes library but when I attempt to import and locate the files on disk, nothing happens. Same with syncing to my phone.
2020 MacBook Pro M1, macOS Monterey 12.6, iPhone 12 Mini (iOS 15.6.1).
I've also tried on my 2017 MacBook Pro (i7, macOS Monterey 12.6).
Well, now we're getting somewhere. Sort of. On my 2017 MacBook Pro, I copied the m4v files to the "Automatically Add to Music" folder and when I launched Music, there they were. But then, when I plugged my phone in, I wasn't able to copy them. So, I went back to my M1 MacBook Pro, and when I copied the same files to the "Automatically Add to Music" folder and launched Music, nothing happened.
I miss the days when Apple was the image of "user friendly" interface design. The company has now turned into another Microsoft, forcing everyone into its world view. I used to be able to "Add to Library" in iTunes and then copy to my phone with just a couple of clicks. Apple has done away with iPods, and pretty soon it will be impossible to play non-Apple branded/purchased music on any Apple device (those cheap mp3 players at Best Buy are beginning to look very attractive!).
There is a potential issue, more usually associated with mp3 files ripped from YouTube, when the files are, in fact, in AAC format and should have a .m4a file extension. Music will silently reject files it sees as being incorrectly formatted. Changing the file extension is a workaround. Test with a sample track to see if does the trick. To confirm Music is actively rejecting files copy them into the Automatically Add to Music folder in your media folder. If they go to a Not Added folder you will know there is an issue, if not exactly what it is.
See also Repair security permissions for iTunes/Music for Mac - Apple Community.
tt2
My latest purchase included both mp3 and high-quality m4v files. I have tried importing both types. No go.
On the M1 MacBook Pro press and hold down option as you launch Music and explicitly select the Music Library.musiclibrary file that you think your library should be using. Under Music > Preferences > Files make sure that you know the location of your active media folder. Try adding files again via Automatically Add to Music. What happens?
What can't you sync or manually add content from the 2017 MBP? Are there any error messages when you try?
tt2
Thank you. You've been very helpful, and I've now managed to get the latest songs onto my phone. I'm gripey about Apple losing its "it just works" image, which is what gave it a leg up on the other guys. Sadly, they've now just become another one of "the other guys."
Where have you created your library? What happens when you drop one of these files in the Automatically Add to Music folder? Where does it end up?
tt2
You're welcome. 🙂
tt2
How To Import Original MP3 Files Into Music?
