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can't delete purchased music from iPhone

Apologies if this is addressed somewhere on this forum. I searched, but gave up after about 45 minutes.

I have 24 songs purchased through iTunes on my phone, all of which have been transferred to my iTunes library (and multiple backups). They've been synced to my iPod (not the phone one). I cannot delete these songs off my phone. I have been able to delete other songs on my iPhone and Purchased on iPhone playlists and the entire playlists. The only way I've been able to get these songs off the phone is by unchecking the "Sync Music" option altogether in iTunes and then syncing my phone. If I recheck "Sync Music," those 24 songs are still there. I made a new playlist for my phone with 35 songs and ended up with 59 songs on my phone.

I'm baffled by this. Not a huge deal, but it's very annoying, and I'd love to get an answer to how to delete them (or find out if it's just not possible). If I can't delete them, I'll know never to download anything from iTunes off my phone again.

Thanks much for any help!

iPhone OS 3.0

Posted on Mar 1, 2011 8:22 PM

Reply
70 replies

Feb 6, 2014 10:54 AM in response to Blessedlad

Ok I'm going to tell you something REALLY stupid that I found out about iTunes (or myself, but most likely iTunes)


So I've only managed music to my phone by Playlists. Never in iTunes have I ever looked down at the other options (by album, by artist, etc.)


However, low and behold, the purchased music was checked in the Artist pane -- and since I never ever scrolled though that (huge) list, of course I never noticed it.


Uncheck artist, sync phone, FINALLY it is gone.


😁😊

Mar 1, 2014 5:39 AM in response to bayoukitty

I am completely stuck! I have just got a wireless Sonos system but it won't play 2 albums that were purchased from itunes some time ago (Arctic mOnkeys and Kaiser Chiefs). They are DRM protected. I can't re-purchase unprotected ones as these keep appearing as purchases and so I am stuck with them. Finally, I deleted KC from my computer and bought a CD, hoping to re-load the new CD (unprotected) version. I spoke to Itunes by phone last night and they were not helpful. Just said that I should subscribe to Match.


Today I deleted the KC album from the computer but it still shows on my iphone and ipad ( both with iOS 7.0.6)which are the things that control the speakers! Even when I synch it still keeps the KC on the iphone and ipad even though it isn't on the PC. I deleted all music from the iphone but it is still there with a little icloud on it. I temporarily removed the icloud account but that makes no difference.


I just can't find a way to remove the useless versions so that I can install the upgrades. It is driving me potty. I am not very techy but would welcome some good advice. the only thing I can think of at the moment is to put he albums on my husband's itunes and use his iphone as a controller.

Mar 21, 2014 8:37 PM in response to bayoukitty

I had the same problem and just now figuered it. Heres what I did.


1. Connect iPhone to iTunes on your computer

2.Click on "iTunes store" under the "STORE" tab

(MAKE SURE: you're signed onto your iTunes account)

3.Under "QUICKLINKS" click on "PURCHASED"


from there on you can select

MUSIC-MOVIES, ETC...

an "X" should appear on the top that allows you to delete the song or app you wish to delete and then go ahead and sync your device and that should do it!


Hope this helps!

Apr 17, 2014 8:14 PM in response to bayoukitty

HOLY CRAP I JUST FIGURED OUT HOW TO DO IT !!!!!


DISCLAIMER: this will delete ALL music on your phone, but it is GUARANTEED TO WORK


go to settings>general>usage from there wait til the specs show up, then click on music, then at the top right you will see an icon that says edit. click on it and you will see a minus sign to the left of the bar where it says music, click on it and it will ask you if you want to delete and vuala! It just hit me and it deleted EVERYTHING.


Hope this works for you guys!!! 😀

Apr 29, 2014 7:13 AM in response to djlidz08

I appreciate all suggestions but the problem is more tricky. I can delete from phone as suggested but the original download is still in the Cloud or somewhere so I couldn't re-download later version that will play on non Apple products. The only answer is to delete the original and then load the album from a CD. Any attempt to get it from iTunes ends up with you getting back your original purchase. You can't ' undo' the actual

Purchase though you can delete copies from iPhone as you suggested. I now have new versions and all is well. It meant getting CDs though.

can't delete purchased music from iPhone

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