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Thomas Sullivan2

Q: If I stop using iTunes Match will I lose the songs I have not downloaded?

I am using iTunes Match and will stop using it the end of this month.

 

Will I need to download my entire library to my computer before I unsubscribe so I do not lose the music which is stored in the cloud?

 

I know match downloads songs as you play them but others may be stored in the cloud and I do not want to lose these ones.

 

Thank you

Posted on Jan 4, 2016 5:48 PM

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Q: If I stop using iTunes Match will I lose the songs I have not downloaded?

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  • by Jimzgoldfinch,

    Jimzgoldfinch Jimzgoldfinch Jan 5, 2016 1:00 AM in response to Thomas Sullivan2
    Level 6 (9,090 points)
    iTunes
    Jan 5, 2016 1:00 AM in response to Thomas Sullivan2

    Hi,

    You will need to download all your music to your computer otherwise you will lose access to them.

     

    Music you stream on your computer DOES NOT download to your computer as you play them

     

    Jim

  • by Thomas Sullivan2,

    Thomas Sullivan2 Thomas Sullivan2 Jan 5, 2016 4:16 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Photography
    Jan 5, 2016 4:16 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

    So, if i understand the way that Match works...they scan your music make those that are available in iTunes available for you to play online or download as you wish. Those songs that they do not have they upload to their cloud and you may also play those as you wish from their cloud. Essentially, they do not upload ALL your music.

     

    Now, when you wish to leave them YOU have to download ALL of your music or you will lose it. I have in excess of 14,000 songs and what a PITA! Since I have changed computer over the years, I am certain I no longer have all of MY music on one computer.

     

    Tom

  • by Jimzgoldfinch,

    Jimzgoldfinch Jimzgoldfinch Jan 5, 2016 6:00 AM in response to Thomas Sullivan2
    Level 6 (9,090 points)
    iTunes
    Jan 5, 2016 6:00 AM in response to Thomas Sullivan2

    Thomas Sullivan2 wrote:

     

    So, if i understand the way that Match works...they scan your music make those that are available in iTunes available for you to play online or download as you wish.

    Not strictly true. iTunes Match scans the music that is on your iTunes library on your computer to determine what can be matched or needs to be uploaded. The music is then available on other computers or devices to stream or download as required BUT does not change the files on your computer unless you opted to delete them from your hard drive in order for you to stream them.

     

    Did did you back up your library and did you copy it to your new new computer or did you rely on the music to be streamed from the cloud?

    If the music is not on your computer you will lose access to what is in the cloud (except for past iTunes purchases) when your match subscription expires. If you don't have suitable back ups, you will need to download any music that you don't have a physical copy.

     

    Jim