how to move iTunes library from external hard drive to macbook
iTunes library currently lives on an old external hard drive. I wish to move it entirely over to my MacBook. What is the best way to do this
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The Apple Support Community will permanently close on November 20, 2026. Starting today, the site will no longer accept new posts and is available in a read-only state.
You can continue to find trusted guidance and support on the official Apple Support site.
We want to thank the community members who have contributed their time and expertise to help others with their Apple products.
iTunes library currently lives on an old external hard drive. I wish to move it entirely over to my MacBook. What is the best way to do this
Assuming your library is in a portable format, you should be able to just copy the folder from the external drive onto the new Mac, and then point iTunes / Music App to the iTunes Library.itl file file there, by holding down the Option key when starting the Music App, and navigating to the new location of the iTunes Library.
click here ➜ Move your iTunes library to another computer - Apple Support
If its not in a portable format, you will need to make it portable.
click here ➜ Make a split library portable - Apple Community
Assuming your library is in a portable format, you should be able to just copy the folder from the external drive onto the new Mac, and then point iTunes / Music App to the iTunes Library.itl file file there, by holding down the Option key when starting the Music App, and navigating to the new location of the iTunes Library.
click here ➜ Move your iTunes library to another computer - Apple Support
If its not in a portable format, you will need to make it portable.
click here ➜ Make a split library portable - Apple Community
how to move iTunes library from external hard drive to macbook