Music app CD import error "Access to the source volume was denied"

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Music app CD import error "Access to the source volume was denied"

When trying to import a CD into the Music app on an iMac running macOS 15.7.1 Sequoia, I am getting the error message, "Access to the source volume was denied. Check the System settings for removable volume access." The prescribed fix (opening System Settings > Privacy & Security > Files and Folders > Music and making sure Removable Volumes is turned on) DOES NOT WORK. Neither does any combination of turning it off/on, rebooting, and turning it on/off.

This is the same problem reported by another user in post 256037665 dated April, 2025. Unfortunately that thread was closed without a workaround or solution. However, there have been several upvotes for the question and over a dozen "Me Too" clicks, so obviously multiple users are (still) having this problem.

Does anyone have any ideas for something to try? At the moment, I am utterly unable to import any audio CDs into Music.

iMac 27″, macOS 15.7

Posted on Jan 28, 2026 5:17 PM

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Answer 1

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original_jeff Author

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43 points

Jan 31, 2026 11:27 AM in response to original_jeff

While troubleshooting this issue, I discovered that the Music app would not play any songs. Selecting a song and clicking play literally did nothing: no error, no music, nothing. So the problems with Music were obviously more than just with importing from CD. Google searches found many other people experiencing the same problems (inability to play music, inability to import a CD), but no consistent fixes.

The root cause of this issue turned out to be related to the fact that the "source volume" referred to in the error message was not the external optical disc but in fact the internal hard disc, and was caused by a combination of macOS installer bug(s), a ham-handed approach to security, and poor error handling/message text. During a previous macOS update, some combination of Music app settings and the Full Disk Access feature of the TCC framework got mangled. Apparently, Music needs "full disk access", and the app was not included in the list of apps with full disc access. Adding it to the list and turning it on (as shown in the following photo) resolved both the failure to play music, and the error importing CDs.

So, it looks like my problem is now resolved! Hope that helps someone else.

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Answer 2

Jan 28, 2026 6:28 PM in response to original_jeff

Start by updating your Mac to Sequoia 15.7.2, the current release of that OS.

Then, if a simple reboot of your Mac doesn’t fix things, see if the problem still happens in safe mode. Safe mode will often correct weird software behavior by forcing the OS to clear caches, do disk repair and other self-maintenance and housekeeping and temporarily disables third-party mods.

How to use safe mode on your Mac - Apple Support

Does the problem go away in Safe mode?

If so, this may indicate an OS software conflict with your apps.

You can exit safe mode by restarting your Mac normally, then reevaluate the problem.

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Music app CD import error "Access to the source volume was denied"

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