Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Can't add mp3 files to ITunes

Would really appreciate some help as I'm about to go crazy!


When I'm trying to add new albums to iTunes they just won't stay in the library. They are mp3 format, not corrupted, not appearing at all. They seem to be uploading as usual after I drag the file into iTunes, but just don't appear in my library thereafter. I have checked several times and they are definitely not there, tried adding files individually, also tried converting them to other iTunes compatible formats- nothing.


Please help, I've got all this great music that won't stay put!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 20, 2012 3:47 PM

Reply
44 replies

Nov 21, 2012 11:54 AM in response to alyssabecht

Drag them to an empty playlist. They may be adding but without labels.


Will the files play in Quicktime Player?


iTunes can be fussy about mp3 files. They are not all the same and if they originated from some obscure PC encoder 15 years ago they may not be to modern iTunes' liking. You can try:


Topic : MP3 Scan+Repair - an ID3 tag evaluator for the Mac - http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2020936


MP3 Scan+Repair (including sources): http://triq.net/mac/mp3-validator-mac-os-x

Nov 21, 2012 3:12 PM in response to Limnos

Success, they are appearing in an untitled playlist but won't appear in my main library. I tried repairing the files using MP3 Scan + Repair- they appear fine.


The weird thing is, it's only the files I've downloaded in the last few days that won't show up in the library- which makes me think it's not the files, but iTunes.


They play fine in Quicktime, VLC etc.


Any other suggestions? I can at least play the tracks off the playlist now!

Nov 21, 2012 4:34 PM in response to alyssabecht

Further info: my housemate just drop-boxed (mac to mac) a few of his albums that work fine in his iTunes and the same thing, they'll show in a playlist with their correct details but not in the main library. iTunes is definitely processing after I add them, and they are definitely not corrupt (shown MP3 scan +repair) - I've attached a couple of pictures to clarify.


Please help! I'm a bit OCB about my music being organised correctly I'll admit!


User uploaded fileUser uploaded fileUser uploaded file

Nov 21, 2012 5:55 PM in response to alyssabecht

Can't really tell what's going on because don't know what is in the ID3 tags beore you add them to iTunes.

If the ID3 tags are blank, iTunes will use the file name as the track name. Artist and Album will be Unknown Artist andUnknown Album.


A few things to try...


  • Sort on the Artist column.
  • View > Column Browser - Use Album Artists.
  • Look in Compilations (under Artists in the left hand column).
  • Reverse sort on Date Added.

Nov 21, 2012 6:46 PM in response to alyssabecht

Don't drag them directly from Dropbox if that is what you are doing. It may be confusing iTunes.


Have you restarted iTunes?


Get info on the tracks in the playlist in which they do appear. Change something in the track information such as adding an X to the end of the artist name. Close Get Info. Does the track appear? (You can undo changes later.)


Delete the tracks from iTunes using the playlist window, but don't let the computer delete the actual files. Drag the files back into iTunes so they are added again.


When these files appear in the playlist window where they do appear, do they have just the filename in the track name or is the full track information parsed in the various fields?

Nov 25, 2012 8:31 AM in response to alyssabecht

I also had this issue.... After trying several things I noticed that the files that I was trying to import successfully showed up in the "Recently Added" playlist. I have no idea why this worked and nothing else, but out of curiosity I dragged the entire "Recently Added" playlist icon into my main iTunes library and suddenly everything finally appeared in my main library. Again, I have no idea as to why this would work, but I'm going to keep doing it until Apple comes up with a fix for this.

Dec 10, 2012 5:09 PM in response to alyssabecht

Restarting iTunes fixed the problem for me. I downloaded a remixed version of "Danza Kudoro" and it wouldn't play originally, despite switching windows to the open iTunes. Then I closed iTunes and double-clicked the mp3 file again, it started up iTunes and was able to play the file, and it appeared normally in the "Recently Added" playlist.


Success!

Can't add mp3 files to ITunes

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.