How does iTunes work with iCloud?

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How does iTunes work with iCloud?

Maybe it doesn't? I'm trying to backup my iTunes library on my MacBook Pro and I finally got iCloud yesterday (late to the party, I know) to do it. I figured it would just automatically backup everything on my computer like my old external drive did. But that's not the case. And when I went to try uploading it manually, it wouldn't just do the whole iTunes folder, it wanted me to do each album individually, which doesn't seem right. And practically every result on Google when I search for help is for iPhone/Pad/Pod for some reason, which is frustrating.

Basically I want to backup my music without an external hard drive, and for some reason I'm having trouble figuring out how to make it happen.

MacBook Pro, macOS Mojave (10.14)

Posted on Nov 7, 2018 3:51 PM

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Answer 1

Nov 11, 2018 7:04 PM in response to hntdhs

Hi,

Icloud storage is not meant for Music. Manage your iCloud storage - Apple Support

You could subscribe to either Subscribe to iTunes Match - Apple Support Or Join Apple Music on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC - Apple Support. Both allow you to access your music across your devices. Whilst this provides an iCloud music library, they are not back up services.

It is good practice to maintain a separate back up on external drives. I suggest that you continue to use external drives which are relatively inexpensive.

Jim

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Answer 2

Nov 15, 2018 5:12 PM in response to hntdhs

Hi,

Read this user tip FAQ: Why iTunes Match Can Not Be Used as a Backup

Jim

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Answer 3

hntdhs Author

Level 1

6 points

Nov 11, 2018 7:10 PM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

Thanks a lot for the reply, that helps a lot. One question - could you tell me why iCloud music library isn't a backup library? Reading a bit about it, I can't tell why, but I did see it said that in the smaller print, and you said the same thing here. And are there any issues with music being deleted from your iTunes library with this? I've heard horror stories.

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How does iTunes work with iCloud?

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