Apple Music on newer macOS versions hardcodes a nested ~/Music/Music structure for its default library path, which resists pointing directly to ~/Music.
Why Apple Music Resists
- Forced Subfolders: Modern macOS creates an internal container path (~/Music/Music/Media) to separate media types, overriding legacy top-level folder structures.
- Database Lock: If the application file database (Music Library.musiclibrary) resides inside a specific folder, changing the media path via settings often reverts or snaps to the closest permitted container if permissions or structure mismatch.
Try this
Use Option-Launch: Quit the Apple Music app, hold the Option key, and reopen it. Click Choose Libraryand point it directly to your copied database file inside your custom folder location rather than relying on the settings menu toggle.
Consolidate Files: Go to File > Library > Organize Library and select Consolidate files to force the app to pull external or loose media files into your active path.
Check Hidden Preferences: Advanced workarounds involve modifying hidden .Media Preferences.plistconfiguration flags inside the library directory if the app insists on appending redundant subfolders.
