How to Download Music From Apple Music to Computer: Guide With Steps
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You may have built the perfect library on Apple Music, and now you want to download music from Apple Music to your computer. Maybe you want to listen offline, or perhaps you want to back up your songs to other devices to keep them safe.
These two distinct purposes lead to two different answers on how to download Apple Music songs:
- The Official Way: you can download songs via iTunes or the Apple Music app for offline listening only. These files will disappear if you cancel your subscription.
- The Third-Party Way: you can download all music from Apple Music as local files (like MP3 or FLAC). This allows you to truly own tracks and play them on any device.
In this guide, we will show you two ways to download music from Apple Music to computer.
How to Download Apple Music to Computer for Offline Listening (Official)
First, let's answer a common question: Can you download Apple Music on Windows?
Yes, you can. Depending on your system version, you will use either the new Apple Music App or the classic iTunes.
How to download songs from Apple Music (Windows & Mac)
- Open the app: Launch the Apple Music app and log in to your premium account on your computer.
- Add to library: Find the song, album, or playlist you want. Click the plus button to add it to your library.
- Download song from Apple Music: Once added, you will see a Cloud Icon with a Down Arrow next to the track. Click it.
- Check Status: when the cloud icon disappears or turns into a checkmark, the download is complete.
How to download iTunes Music to Computer
If you are on an older version of Windows, iTunes is still the king.
- Launch iTunes and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Search for the music you want and hit "Add to Library"
- Go to Library tab and right-click the song and select Download.
When you download songs from the Apple Music streaming catalog in iTunes, they are saved as protected files (often in M4P format). If you purchase music from the iTunes Store instead, most tracks are delivered as M4A files that you can freely back up and copy for personal use.
Limits of Downloading Songs from Apple Music
Before you download desired songs, it's recommended to understand the Apple Music download limits on how you can use these offline files:
- If you cancel your subscription, all downloads will disappear.
- You have to be online once in 30 days to ensure the activation of your subscription and to prevent the expiration of your downloads
- Apple Music subscription downloads can’t be burned directly to any physical disc; only tracks you purchase from the iTunes Store can be burned to CD or DVD for personal use.
- You can only authorize up to 5 computers to play the downloaded tracks.
- If your downloaded song is removed from the Apple Music service, it will be automatically removed from your offline library
How to Download All Music From Apple Music to Computer: MusicFab
If you want to download all music from Apple Music and keep it forever—even if you cancel your subscription, you need MusicFab.
MusicFab lets you download Apple Music songs, playlists, podcasts, or albums in their original quality with ID3 tags like correct artist, album, and lyrics-saving support.
Super fast, Lossless, and Reliable.
- Download MP3 from Apple Music with many other formats supported like M4A, FLAC, WAV, etc
- Batch processing and save them up to 320 kbps or lossless quality.
- Using a built-in web browser, you can search & download Apple Music content inside the MusicFab tool
How to Download Music From Apple Music on Mac & Windows with MusicFab
MusicFab lets you download 3 songs with no limits during its free trial.
Step 1: Launch MusicFab and choose Apple Music in the main interface.
Step 2: Log into your premium Apple Music account > use the built-in browser to locate and open your preferred songs or playlist > once the arrow button turns green, click it and MusicFab will analyze all tracks.
Step 3: Then you will see a panel where you can choose the output quality and format. Click Download Now. Once finished, click the folder icon, you will find your music stored as standard files on your hard drive.
How to Download Songs From Apple Music Using The Online Tool: APLMate
APLMate is a popular free and fast online Apple Music downloader you can use on computer. You don't need to install software or log in to your account. It is convenient.
Limits:
- Only support MP3 format, up to 320 kbps
- You can process playlist link, but you can't batch download them in one go
- The saved file contains website watermark in the song title
How to Download Music From Apple Music to Computer With APLMate
- Step 1: Paste the copied Apple Music song link in the address bar.
- Step 2: Click Download, it will show the analyzed result, and then tap Download button below the tab.
- Step 3: Click ctrl+j to open your file
Wondering about converting Apple Music to MP3? Go ahead with more online websites in this post.
FAQs
How to Download Music From Apple Music to USB?
Apple Music streaming downloads can't simply be dragged to a USB drive. However, songs you buy from the iTunes Store are delivered as standard AAC/M4A purchases that you can convert or copy them to USB for personal use.
- Step 1: Open the iTunes Store and purchase songs or albums in AAC/M4A format.
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Step 2: In iTunes select “File” > “Convert” > Create MP3 version > locate the file:
- on Mac: ~/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Music
- on Windows: C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media\Music
- Step 3: Once you locate the file, drag and drop it to your USB drive.
Is there a Download All button on Apple Music?
No, Apple Music does not offer a native "Download All" button for your entire library. You have to download playlists one by one. However, MusicFab allows you to download all music from Apple Music at once for batch processing.
Is It Legal to Download Songs From Apple Music?
Downloading via the Apple Music app for offline listening is fully legal. You should follow the rules in your region and do not distribute or share the files with others when using thrid-party tools.
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only.
Apple Music doesn’t let you export songs as MP3. If you just need a quick grab, online Apple Music to MP3 sites can work, but they often output at only 128–192 kbps. For stable 320 kbps files, full playlists, and faster speed, a desktop converter like MusicFab is the better route.
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