Is it possible to restore Music library on Mac using iPhone?

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Is it possible to restore Music library on Mac using iPhone?

Let's say I have an MacBook and iPhone. I have a lot of MP3 files on the MBP that I add to its Music app, and download to iPhone via Lightning cable. Somehow the MBP loses all its data and there's no backup (or to make it simpler let's take a brand new MBP and call it "MBP 2").

Is it possible to restore MBP 2's Music app state to what it was before the data loss, such as by connecting to iPhone to sync? The iPhone technically has all the music files and hopefully the Music metadata. I've always synced from MBP to iPhone, and don't know whether the reverse would work. I know the common advice is probably to make a Time Machine external backup regularly, but I'm wondering what can be done if there's no backup.

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Jun 8, 2024 3:02 AM

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Answer 1

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turingtest2

Level 10

278,351 points

Jun 8, 2024 8:55 AM in response to someappleuzer

someappleuzer wrote:

...but I'm wondering what can be done if there's no backup.

If I were you I wouldn't start from here.

See Recover your iTunes/Music library from your iPod or iOS device - Apple Community. The easiest method may be a temporary subscription to the Apple Music service, merging the music on the device into an iCloud Music Library which you then download to a computer and backup for security.

tt2

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Answer 2

Jun 8, 2024 3:13 AM in response to someappleuzer

No, Apple has long considered the Mac to be the primary source for any music files that are not part of an Apple Music subscription. The Mac itself should be backed up against any file loss (I keep all my media on two archive drives stored in separate, safe locations in case of theft or fire).

Apple does not say why they won't do the reverse but if it were possible there'd be nothing stopping people from borrowing a friends phone and sharing all their music.

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Is it possible to restore Music library on Mac using iPhone?

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