Playlists empty after transfer to new Mac

Importing an XML exported library only works when the files are at exactly the same paths on the new system as they were on the old one. If the files aren't found the playlists get created, but no songs are added to them. When you move the library correctly you copy over the old library database, either a .itl file in the case of iTunes, or a .musiclibrary package in the case of Music, and you select that database when you launch the app. This opens your original database with its playlists intact. If you've changed where this data lives (due to a different user or system drive name) then there may still be remedial action required to make the library work correctly, but it will have populated playlists. Read my advice carefully, and revisit the migration of your library once more. It may be that all you need to do is hold down option while launching Music and explicitly select the Music Library.music library package that you copied over on the most recent attempt. Music might otherwise be still connected to the library that you have deleted.

tt2

See Move your iTunes/Music library to a new computer - Apple Community.

tt2

You're welcome. 🙂

tt2