Apple Music downloads saving to incorrect folder

I have come across a worrisome issue that I can't seem to solve. Music.app has, in the past, separated Apple Music downloads from files that I own and import into the Library. But, I have discovered that sometimes it does not do this. I would very much prefer to keep my purchased music and "rented" music separated; but, I can't seem to figure out what I have done wrong or how to change the app's behavior.





Any and all help is welcome.

MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023)

Posted on Apr 22, 2024 7:02 AM

Reply

Similar questions

2 replies

Apr 22, 2024 8:35 AM in response to screaminmaritn

The plot thickens!


If I turn off lossless quality and then download one of the files that was being placed in the Music folder, the .m4p file is then downloaded to the Apple Music folder. Mystifying.


I think this answers the question above regarding ownership. I do not, in fact, own this file. I did not purchase the file. But, Music.app thinks I purchased the Lossless version of it (when Lossless downloads are turned on).


I am going to guess that this is a bug, and I am also going to guess that this bug will never be fixed. So, the only way to separate my own files from the imposters is going to be to sort the folder by file-type.

Apr 22, 2024 7:58 AM in response to screaminmaritn

I have discovered another interesting wrinkle. The files that are being incorrectly placed into the Music folder instead of the Apple Music folder are also showing up as Purchased in their file info.



I didn't "purchase" this file. I subscribe to Apple Music, and I simply added the album to my Library. I have tested this by adding tracks to my library, downloading them, and checking their location and purchase status. Anything marked as "purchased" is placed in the Music folder, while anything else is placed in the Apple Music folder. Maybe I'm confused about what "Add to Library" actually means? But I am not buying these albums (as one would buy a record in a brick-and-mortar shop). I only subscribe to Apple Music. Do I actually own these files? If I stop subscribing, can I still play them?

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Apple Music downloads saving to incorrect folder

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.