iTunes 12 "Add To Library" simply doesn't work

Question

iTunes 12 "Add To Library" simply doesn't work

I'm running iTunes 12 (12.3.2.35, to be exact).

I'm trying to add an AAC file from my desktop to my iTunes library so that I can sync it with my phone. When I go to "Add To Library," select the file, and click "Open", nothing happens. The song isn't loaded into iTunes--not the library, and not the 'now playing' section.

My library is located on an external drive that is mounted, working properly, and that I have read & write permissions on. I have tried restarting my computer.

This is really, really frustrating.

Posted on Mar 26, 2016 1:35 PM

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Answer 1

ed2345

Level 9

63,602 points

Mar 27, 2016 3:13 PM in response to Chris Corrado

Chris,

Drag the file into the Automatically Add to iTunes folder, which can be found in your iTunes Media folder.

If it is a valid AAC file it will be added to your library. if not, it will be placed in the "Not Added" folder.

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Answer 2

Limnos

Level 10

428,171 points

Mar 26, 2016 2:53 PM in response to Chris Corrado

Sometimes tracks do not contain metadata such as names. Look in your Recently Added folder.

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Answer 3

Mar 26, 2016 5:22 PM in response to Limnos

It's not in the Recently Added folder, and it doesn't show up when I look it up directly using the search field.

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Answer 4

turingtest2

Level 10

278,263 points

Mar 27, 2016 12:57 PM in response to Chris Corrado

Try the method ed has given. If there is a reason why iTunes cannot import the file you won't get any error message, but if it is moved into Not Added that will confirm there is a problem with the source file.

tt2

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Answer 5

Mar 27, 2016 3:14 PM in response to ed2345

Thanks, guys.

Looks like there was definitely a problem with the AAC file. I exported the same piece of audio and did it as a .wav, and iTunes imported that with no problems.

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Answer 6

Limnos

Level 10

428,171 points

Mar 27, 2016 3:22 PM in response to Chris Corrado

Just a warning, iTunes data for a wav file will not be stored in the file. If you delete it and re-add it you will definitely find my earlier answer applies.

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Answer 7

pnosko

Level 1

4 points

May 12, 2016 12:58 AM in response to ed2345

Thanks. Would it have killed Apple to have iTunes display an error message when using the INTUITIVE File > Add to library?

iTunes seems to get worse with every new release.

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Answer 8

ed2345

Level 9

63,602 points

May 13, 2016 5:33 PM in response to pnosko

pnosko wrote:

Thanks. Would it have killed Apple to have iTunes display an error message when using the INTUITIVE File > Add to library?

iTunes seems to get worse with every new release.

Ha! That behavior may be puzzling, but nothing to do with getting worse; it was the same in 2007:

the iTunes concept of usability is to error silently on files it cannot handle

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