iTunes 12: Unable to transfer music between computers

For years, iTunes allowed me to transfer music between authorized Macs on my home network. The side bar showed "shared" libraries, and when selected, you would then see the other computer's library to the right of the side bar. However, the side bar would still contain library information for the computer that you were using. Now, with iTunes 12, you have to select the computer that you want to view, and the side bar only contains information for that computer. I can see NO POSSIBLE WAY to transfer music between computers. I just bought my daughter a Macbook Pro, and wanted to be able to transfer some of the albums from my vast music collection, most of which was transferred from my CDs. I'm guessing the only way to do it so back up my music to an external drive, then import it into her computer. A process that would be acceptable if this were 2002. Any suggestions?

Posted on Oct 20, 2014 9:31 AM

36 replies

Drew Reece

Level 6

10,684 points

Dec 2, 2015 8:49 AM in response to Technicallychallenged77

I don't understand what would make the difference, if you think it is a bug do your best to explain it & submit it to Apple…

http://www.apple.com/feedback/itunesapp.html

It sounds like it could be a software error (or possibly user error - nothing personal 🙂). Both input devices should allow you to do the same basic tasks. Good luck with it.

DrVali

Level 1

5 points

Dec 24, 2015 5:47 PM in response to demichae

I was having a problem with this as well.

Turns out there are TWO places where you have to turn on home sharing.

One is under the File:Home Sharing menu, and the other is under the Store:Authorize this Computer and Store:Sign In menu.

Very unclear, because if you haven't turned on Home Sharing in the File Menu, but you've authorized this computer and are signed in, you can see the other library but you can't transfer stuff between it.

Jan 30, 2016 8:13 PM in response to Stuggy

This person's comments perfectly express the problems I encounter trying to use iTunes. What a hot mess. Trying to share PURCHASED iTunes songs using Home Sharing requires a process that it obtuse beyond belief.

Feb 3, 2016 1:07 PM in response to DrVali

DrVali nailed it like a badass gentleman and scholar.

THIS is the answer, ladies and gents. You need to sign in your Apple ID in TWO places. Thank you, sir.

mg2505a

Level 1

4 points

Jun 4, 2016 4:32 PM in response to Danieljgrimes

This was a huge help. I was so frustratingly trying everything and apparently this was my problem! Thank you!

nat's mac

Level 2

194 points

Jul 8, 2016 5:41 PM in response to demichae

Actually, none of these solutions worked for me and I sat staring at iTunes until I had an idea- and it worked. I think it was because I was trying to use Family Sharing in addition to Home Sharing. However, I think this should still work even if you aren't using family sharing.

In iTunes, open the iTunes store. In the menu bar on the right, click Purchased. If you use Family Sharing, click the drop down menu at the top and select the family member with the music you'd like to download on your computer. A list of music should appear. Click the cloud-download button to add the music you want.

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iTunes 12: Unable to transfer music between computers