Purchased AAC audio files vs uploaded or converted AAC audio files on my iPhone 12

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Level 1

4 points

Purchased AAC audio files vs uploaded or converted AAC audio files on my iPhone 12

I have a music library on my 2019 iMac (Sonoma 14.4.1) that includes music purchased via Apple Music (version 1.4.4.48), iTunes, Amazon and uploaded from discs. The Music app on my iPhone 12 will only play Purchased AAC audio files. It will NOT play uploaded (unpurchased) AAC audio files, or any of the other thousands of MPEG audio files. I can convert an MPEG file to an AAC version, but without the "purchased" tag it will not ply via Music on my iPhone. I am also incensed that music I upload from purchased CD's to AAC audio file format will not play through the phone. Am I to believe that only music purchased through Apple is playable on my iPhone?

iPhone SE, iOS 15

Posted on Apr 13, 2024 1:21 PM

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Answer 1

ed2345

Level 9

63,602 points

Apr 13, 2024 6:40 PM in response to Rick Learned

Hi Rick,

Yes, without an Apple Music subscription, iTunes Match is an economical way to get your library onto the phone(s). Or, you can do it the old-fashioned way, by periodically connecting the phone via USB and initiating a sync, which still works and is free. But you have to do one or the other if you want non-purchased songs on the phone!

(BTW, being roughly your age, I can agree what a game-changer the cloud has been for photo management!)

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Answer 2

Rick Learned Author

Level 1

4 points

Apr 13, 2024 5:14 PM in response to ed2345

Thanks so much for the quick reply!

Actually, no I haven't... used to do it all the time with my old Mac, iTunes and iPhone SE. Just plugged in my 12 mini and am syncing the music library as we speak. Started looking into iCloud backup while waiting and discovered iTunes Match for 25 bucks a year (staying away from the Apple Music monthly subscription price as it doesn't suit my style of music listening). Guess if I sprung for that, which is palatable to me, I could have access to my music across all linked devices and free up the space on my phone.

Approaching my 70's and have been an Apple customer for 20 years, trying to keep up with the new stuff, but only what is practical to me without getting overwhelmed. Just recently joined iCloud and like how it manages my photos, but didn't know about the music aspect until now. Thanks for leading me down the path!

Would be happy to hear any thoughts/tips you may have regarding the subject.

Best regards, and again, thank you!

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Answer 3

ed2345

Level 9

63,602 points

Apr 13, 2024 3:31 PM in response to Rick Learned

Rick,

Have you synced your phone to your library, either by a subscription or by syncing with the computer?

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Purchased AAC audio files vs uploaded or converted AAC audio files on my iPhone 12

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