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use apple music without streaming

hi. i just got a new laptop and am using apple music for the first time.

Is it possible to use Apple MUsic more like the old itunes?


i have an extensive private music collection and would like to use JUST the songs I have files for. I don't want to connect to the streaming service. i don't want to 'match music with songs in Apple Music'


thank you.

MacBook Pro (M3 Pro, 2023)

Posted on Dec 3, 2023 9:00 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Dec 3, 2023 9:32 AM

You can use the Music app on a Mac without subscribing to Apple Music.

See information in Apple Music User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

I find it useful to click on the "Table of Contents" item in that support article.


Also, if you have difficulty searching for your own music rather than Apple Music, see the following:


In the Music app menu bar, choose Music > Settings or Preferences > General and insure Show iTunes Store is selected.

Then click in the search box at the top of the left sidebar and then click the iTunes Store option at the top right of the main window as shown in the example in Buy music from the iTunes Store on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

 

If the 3 options don't appear at the top right of the main window after doing the above, 2 things to try:

1) If the View menu in the menu bar contains "Hide Playing Next" or "Hide Lyrics" then click that item so that it changes to "Show Playing Next" or "Show Lyrics."

2) If there is a very small “<” at the top left of the main window (to the right of the sidebar search box), click it one or more times until there is no “<” there.

 

Closing and reopening the Music app has also been reported to be needed in some cases.

 


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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Dec 3, 2023 9:32 AM in response to G Martin

You can use the Music app on a Mac without subscribing to Apple Music.

See information in Apple Music User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

I find it useful to click on the "Table of Contents" item in that support article.


Also, if you have difficulty searching for your own music rather than Apple Music, see the following:


In the Music app menu bar, choose Music > Settings or Preferences > General and insure Show iTunes Store is selected.

Then click in the search box at the top of the left sidebar and then click the iTunes Store option at the top right of the main window as shown in the example in Buy music from the iTunes Store on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

 

If the 3 options don't appear at the top right of the main window after doing the above, 2 things to try:

1) If the View menu in the menu bar contains "Hide Playing Next" or "Hide Lyrics" then click that item so that it changes to "Show Playing Next" or "Show Lyrics."

2) If there is a very small “<” at the top left of the main window (to the right of the sidebar search box), click it one or more times until there is no “<” there.

 

Closing and reopening the Music app has also been reported to be needed in some cases.

 


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Dec 3, 2023 9:28 AM in response to G Martin

Of course, just add your music files to it - first hit CMD + , (comma key) and change settings to prevent copying files to library folder and after that, you will be able just drag and drop your downloaded, ripped, borrowed music to "Artists" section on the left or the icon in the dock. I've never used streaming, only local library my entire life :)

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Dec 3, 2023 9:33 AM in response to G Martin

Yes you will be able to sync files with your iPod or iPhone connected via USB or wifi, plug in your device with USB cable and then it will appear in the left panel on Finder and just choose what to sync from your Music library. Home sharing (i think) was disabled in never versions of Music, but I'm not sure, never used that. But iTunes remote control still works great same as AirPlay streaming to any of your devices

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use apple music without streaming

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