Apple Music playlist sync fails with large local library

Question

carloriswick Author

Level 1

5 points

Apple Music playlist sync fails with large local library

Hello,

I’m experiencing a persistent Apple Music sync issue related to having a large local music library.

Context

- My local library contains more than 100,000 songs (mostly MP3/ALAC).
- Because of this, Apple Music library upload/sync is disabled or incomplete on my Mac.
- I understand there may be technical or licensing limits around uploading large libraries.

The core issue

Even though upload is limited, I would expect playlist data and Apple Music–streamed content to continue syncing across devices. Currently, that does not work reliably:

- Playlists created or modified on my iPhone (using Apple Music streaming tracks) do not sync to my Mac.
- New Apple Music tracks added to playlists on iOS do not appear on my Mac.
- This occurs even when:
  - “Sync Library” is enabled on all devices
  - I’m signed into the same Apple ID
  - Apple Music subscription is active

As a result, Apple Music behaves as if playlist sync is coupled to full library upload, which severely limits usability for users with large collections.

Expected behavior

Even if local file upload is capped or disabled:

- Apple Music playlists should sync as metadata only
- Apple Music–streamed tracks should sync normally across devices
- Large-library users should not lose core Apple Music functionality

Why this matters

Many long-time Apple users have extensive personal libraries but still rely on Apple Music for discovery, playlists, and cross-device continuity. Losing playlist sync effectively breaks the service for this user group.

I’d like to know:

1. Is this an intentional limitation or a bug?
2. Is there a supported workaround?
3. Are there plans to decouple playlist sync from local library upload limits?

Thank you,

Carlo

Posted on Jan 31, 2026 10:40 PM

Reply

Answer 1

TheLittles

Level 10

203,731 points

Jan 31, 2026 10:56 PM in response to carloriswick

"Apple Music playlist sync fails with large local library: [...]As a result, Apple Music behaves as if playlist sync is coupled to full library upload, which severely limits usability for users with large collections.[...]"

-------

Extensive Playlist Upload Issues:

A. Items Pending to Play:

Items may be pending, though you may not be aware of it. So, sign out of Apple Music, and then sign back in. See my User Tip: Fixing the Music App Stalled in a “Playing Next Loop" - User Tip

B. Turn Off All VPNs:

Are you connected to a VPN? If so, turn it off. See if it then pairs.

C. Upgrade your Router:

There is only so much that board band can handle. So, you might need to upgrade you router --one that it of high speed, and is intended for streaming content.

Reply

Answer 2

carloriswick Author

Level 1

5 points

Jan 31, 2026 11:25 PM in response to TheLittles

Thank you for the suggestions — much appreciated.

To clarify, uploading or matching local files is not the issue I’m trying to solve. I understand and accept that my local library exceeds Apple Music’s upload limit.

The problem is that once the limit is exceeded, Apple Music disables Sync Library entirely, which also prevents:

- Apple Music–only playlists created on iPhone from syncing to Mac
- Apple Music streaming tracks added on iOS from appearing on other devices

This occurs even when:

- There are no pending uploads
- No VPN is in use
- Network quality is good

My question is specifically whether playlist metadata and Apple Music streaming content can sync independently of local library upload limits, or if this coupling is an intentional design decision.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

Reply