iTunes Store songs won't download to MacBook (error -54)

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Level 1

95 points

iTunes Store songs won't download to MacBook (error -54)

I recently purchased two songs from the iTunes Store but I am unable to download the songs to my MacBook (I can download the songs to my iPhone). I receive err = -54 which is supposedly means my internet connection was interrupted during the download attempt. However, I am able to play the songs from the internet, so it appears my connection is fine.

I've tried over the course of 3 days and get the same error. I have rebooted my MacBook, my router, my cable modem. I have cleared my iTunes and Music caches.

Any additional avenues troubleshoot the error?

Mike

MacBook Pro (2017 – 2020)

Posted on Jul 16, 2026 5:01 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 16, 2026 7:22 AM in response to rotorblades

Can you see your downloaded music from the iPhone in the Library -> "Recently Added" or "Songs" list in the Music app on your Mac?

If you bought your music titles with the same Apple Account as on your iPhone, they should appear in this list and can be downloaded again by taping on the Cloud icon next to them.

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Answer 2

Jul 16, 2026 6:14 AM in response to rotorblades

Did you follow the steps mentioned in this related article to download your music purchases onto your Mac?

Redownload music from the iTunes Store on your Mac - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Jul 25, 2026 9:26 AM in response to rotorblades

I have multiple devices registered for Apple Music, and will have to download the songs on each device separately, because on my Mac "Automatic Downloads" is not enabled in the Preferences for the Music App.

They will appear in the "Recently Added" list.

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Answer 4

rotorblades Author

Level 1

95 points

Jul 16, 2026 7:01 AM in response to Ingo2711

Thank you for the suggestions and, yes, I've done all that. For clarification, it was an initial download and not a redownload. I was signed into my Apple account and I made sure my MacBook was authorized before I downloaded. Didn't check hidden purchases (as it was a new purchase), but I checked that just now and the songs are not hidden.

As a test, I just purchased another song, different artist, and get the same error. So, connected to the internet and iTunes Store to make the purchase (while signed into my account) then as it starts to download get the err = -54 error. Almost seems like an issue with the iTunes Store site. But, it downloads to my iPhone with no issue.

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Answer 5

rotorblades Author

Level 1

95 points

Jul 25, 2026 6:36 AM in response to Ingo2711

The songs do appear on my macOS as "Recently Added", however not as being downloaded to my MacBook.

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