How to use local files instead of the cloud?

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Level 1

16 points

How to use local files instead of the cloud?

I have been really happy with Apple Music overall. I switched from Spotify immediately and have not regretted the decision.

However, I have one major gripe: Now that I have turned on Apple Music, iTunes does not utilize the local files for my 48gb music library, resulting in having to stream music that I already "owned" before signing up for apple music. Does anyone know any way around this?

I frequently use the data plan on my mobile device to get online, and having to stream all of my music all of the time is not cost effective. Also, when I am on a plane or in other situations where there is no WiFi, it's annoying that I can't play my local library, even though it's sitting there on my hard drive.

I know I can download local copies of all my music from iTunes, but why should I have to when it is already on my hard drive? Could be a simple setting: "prefer local files"

MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2011), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.4)

Posted on Nov 8, 2015 7:53 AM

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Answer 1

ejdub Author

Level 1

16 points

Nov 8, 2015 9:37 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

Thanks Jim. I opened iTunes whilst holding the option key and made sure my library was selected (iTunes Library.itl in my Music folder). Still, songs that are on my local hard drive play from iCloud. For example, the band Ballroom Astronaut is not available the iTunes store. The file status and location shows up as Uploaded to iCloud, and in order to play the song I need an internet connection:

However, the files for this song are still on my local drive, in my iTunes media folder:

Is there no way for iTunes to default these files rather than the iCloud version? Before I upgraded to Apple Music I was just using iTunes Match and I'm fairly certain this is how it worked (played local files if available). Regarding my mobile devices, Apple Music is working just as expected there. I don't have to keep a large library on my phone and am able to stream whatever music I want from my library.

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Answer 2

Nov 8, 2015 9:09 AM in response to ejdub

Hi,

When you subscribed to Apple Music, your hard drive was scanned to determine what can be match or needs to be uploaded. The location of your iTunes library should not have changed. I suggest that you hold option key whilst opening iTunes and from pop up choose library and navigate to your music folder.

With Apple Music, all your music will be available on your iOS devices but you need to make them available offline for use when your are out and about. You cannot manually sync when you have Apple Music turned. You would need to turn off Apple music to manually sync but you would not get Apple music tracks because of DRM.

Jim

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