Problem with Ordering of Smart Playlists on iPhone 12

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Problem with Ordering of Smart Playlists on iPhone 12

Hi. Regardless of the order in which I arrange tracks in the smart playlists on my iMac, they ALWAYS appear on my iPhone in reverse alphabetical order of artiste/group.

I've tried using Copy to Play Order and adding new Edit Rules such as "Media kind is Music", but I haven't found anything that works, i.e that ensures that the iPhone playlists follow the order of the lists on the iMac.

If anyone's got a solution, I'd love to hear it!

iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021, 2 ports)

Posted on Dec 4, 2022 2:47 AM

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Answer 1

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Richard2468 Author

Level 1

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Jan 15, 2023 5:06 AM in response to Richard2468

Just as a follow-up: I tried unticking "Live Updating" in "Edit Rules" and that seems to work (although I can see no logical reason why it should). Anyway, the playlist order on my iPhone now matches the order on my iMac.

I guess a side-effect is that new tracks won't automatically appear on the playlist, so periodically I'll have to remember to tick the box, update the playlist and then untick the box again. A faff, but at least I've got a solution of sorts!

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Answer 2

turingtest2

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278,351 points

Dec 4, 2022 6:00 AM in response to Richard2468

On your phone open a playlist. Tap the three dots at the top right, then tap Sort By. Pick a field, and tap the chevron to reverse the order if you wish.

tt2

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Answer 3

turingtest2

Level 10

278,351 points

Dec 4, 2022 1:22 PM in response to Richard2468

Apologies. I thought I'd picked a smart playlist when I was checking my phone. Copy to Play Order ought to do it, but I've just tried fixing one of my smart lists, and updating iCloud Music Library. The order on my phone has changed, but it isn't the Album by Artist order that I've chosen. 😕

tt2

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Answer 4

Richard2468 Author

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Dec 6, 2022 1:47 PM in response to turingtest2

Yes, it's weird, isn't it? It's clearly following some embedded rule, but I have no idea how to change it!

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Answer 5

turingtest2

Level 10

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Jan 15, 2023 5:15 AM in response to Richard2468

Glad to hear that you've found a workaround. 🙂

tt2

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Answer 6

Richard2468 Author

Level 1

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Dec 4, 2022 9:17 AM in response to turingtest2

Thanks very much, tt2, but that option isn't available with smart playlists. The only options you get with smart playlists are: Edit, Delete from Library, Add to a Playlist, SharePlay, Love and Suggest Less Like This.

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Problem with Ordering of Smart Playlists on iPhone 12

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