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[Step-by-Step] How To Sync Apple Music From Mac to iPhone

James Davis

Jul 12, 2024 • Filed to: Manage Device Data • Proven solutions

We have come across people asking, “I want to transfer my music to my iPhone. How do I sync music from Mac to iPhone?” Luckily, since both devices are part of Apple's ecosystem, syncing music from your Mac to your iPhone should be a simple and straightforward process, especially with the presence of Apple Music.

Besides syncing Apple Music from Mac to iPhone, there are also other simple methods on how to transfer music from Mac to iPhone. We'll navigate you through each step according to your specific needs, whether you aim to sync all your music, transfer only selected music, or transfer your downloaded songs from Mac to iPhone for free.

Part 1. Simply Sync Apple Music From Mac to iPhone with Ease

Syncing serves as one of the primary methods for transferring music from your MacBook to your iPhone. It's a straightforward process that ensures your music library stays up to date across both devices.

Syncing music from your Mac to your iPhone is a perfect method if:

  • You want to transfer all your music from Apple Music from your Mac to your iPhone
  • You're subscribed to Apple Music

If you fall into these categories, let’s get into how to sync Apple Music from Mac to iPhone:

Step 1: Open Apple Music on your Mac.

Step 2: In the menu bar, navigate to "Account" and log in with the Apple ID Image nameed to your Apple Music subscription.

Step 3: Choose "Music" and select "Settings".

Step 4: Open the "General" tab and check the box next to "Sync Library".

Step 5: Click "OK" and then patiently wait for your music library to sync.

How to sync Apple Music from Mac to iPhone.

To monitor the progress of syncing Mac music to iPhone, go to the bottom of the sidebar of the Apple Music app and click on "Updating Cloud Library." This will provide you with real-time updates on the sync process.

Part 2. How To Sync Music From Mac Computer to iPhone Using iTunes/Finder

iTunes (or Finder, if you're using macOS Catalina or later) allows you to manage your media on your Mac and sync it with your iPhone. These applications provide powerful tools for organizing, purchasing, and transferring music, among other media types.

Method 1: How To Sync Music From Mac to iPhone Using iTunes

If you own an older Mac model below macOS Catalina, iTunes remains a reliable option for transferring music from your Mac to your iPhone. Many people use the iTunes Store to download their favorite songs and videos directly to their devices.

To sync music from iTunes to iPhone, Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open iTunes on your Mac and make a connection between your iPhone and Mac.

Step 2: In iTunes, click the device icon and go to the music section from the left panel.

Step 3: Now, to turn on syncing for your music, tick “Sync Music”.

If the synchronization process doesn’t start automatically, click the Sync button. Then click “Done” to save the changes.

Sync music from iTunes to iPhone.

Method 2: How To Sync Music Mac to iPhone With Finder

Starting from macOS Catalina, Finder takes over the functionality of iTunes, integrating its features into the Finder application. With Finder, you can transfer various types of files from your Mac to your iPhone, including albums, songs, playlists, podcasts, and more.

To learn how to put music from Mac to iPhone using Finder, follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect your iPhone and launch Finder on your Mac.

Step 2: Unlock your iPhone and authorize the connection by trusting the computer.

Step 3: In the Finder window, locate and click on your device. Then, navigate to the "Music" section.

Step 4: Check the box labeled "Sync music onto [your iPhone name]" and choose “Entire music library” or "Selected artists, albums, genres, and playlists".

Click "Apply" to start the music transfer process from your Mac to your iPhone.

transfer music from Macbook to iPhone with Finder.

Part 3. How To Transfer a Song From Mac to iPhone Without Syncing

If you prefer selective transfers of songs from your Mac to your iPhone, there are alternative methods you can use. These methods are particularly useful if you want to transfer audio files from your MacBook.

Method 1. How To Transfer Music From Mac Computer to iPhone via AirDrop

AirDrop provides a convenient wireless option for transferring music from your Macbook to your iPhone. Most newer iOS models come equipped with AirDrop functionality, which enables seamless data transfer between devices.

Before proceeding, ensure that both your Mac and iPhone have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled.

How to add music from Mac to iPhone with Airdrop:

Step 1: Activate AirDrop on Mac and iPhone

Begin by opening the AirDrop settings from Finder or Spotlight on your Mac and activate the feature. Adjust the visibility settings to allow connections from “everyone” for easier device discovery.

Similarly, activate AirDrop on your iPhone by navigating to Settings or accessing the Control Center. Set the visibility to “everyone” to facilitate the connection process.

Step 2: Send audio files from Mac

Next, locate your music files on your Mac using Finder. Select the desired songs and drag them to the AirDrop window, then choose your iPhone as the destination device.

Using Airdrop to transfer music from Macbook to iPhone.

Step 3: Accept the incoming data on your iPhone

After receiving the transfer request, your iPhone will display a prompt asking for permission to accept the data from your Mac. Tap "Accept" to commence the transfer process, allowing you to transfer music from your Mac to your iPhone.

Method 2: How To Transfer Music From Mac Computer to iPhone Using Dropbox

For those with a limited number of music tracks to transfer, using a cloud-based service like Dropbox can be a convenient option. Since Dropbox offers 2 GB of free space per account, it's best suited for transferring a small number of audio files.

How to get music from Mac to iPhone using Dropbox:

Step 1: Upload music from Mac to Dropbox

Access the Dropbox application or website on your Mac. Upload the desired music files to your Dropbox account.

Transfer a song from Mac to iPhone with Dropbox.

Step 2: Download music from Dropbox to iPhone

Once your music files are uploaded to Dropbox, switch to your iPhone and open the Dropbox app. Locate the uploaded music files and download them to your iPhone for offline access.

Part 4. Transfer Music from MacBook to iPhone Selectively

When it comes to transferring music from your MacBook to your iPhone for free and selectively, third-party software like Wondershare Dr.Fone can be your best solution. Dr.Fone’s Phone Manager feature offers the flexibility and control to choose which music files you want to transfer.

This method is particularly suitable if you aim to:

  • Transfer music downloaded on your MacBook
  • Transfer music not obtained through an Apple Music subscription or purchased on iTunes
  • Prefer selective music transfers
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Dr.Fone - Phone Manager (iOS)

Transfer Music from MacBook to iPhone Selectively

  • Transfer, manage, export/import your music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, Apps, etc.
  • Back up your music, photos, videos, contacts, SMS, Apps, etc., to the computer and restore them easily.
  • Transfer music, photos, videos, contacts, messages, etc., from one smartphone to another.
  • Transfer media files between iOS devices and iTunes.
  • Fully compatible with the newest iOS system.
Available on: Windows Mac
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Dr.Fone’s Phone Manager can facilitate both importing and exporting music to your iPhone. It also supports over 20 different data types. Follow these steps on how to transfer music from Mac to iPhone with Dr.Fone’s Phone Manager feature:

Step 1: Launch Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer and connect your iPhone.

Connect your iPhone after opening Wondershare Dr.Fone on your computer.

Transfer music from Macbook to iPhone with Dr.Fone.

Step 2: Open the file type folder.

Once your iPhone is connected, go to "My Device" > "Music" in the left panel of the Dr.Fone interface. This will display all the music stored on your iPhone.

Open the music catalog stored on your iPhone.

Step 3: Transfer songs from your Mac to your iPhone.

To add music from your Mac and transfer them to your iPhone, click "Add" at the top of the platform and select either "Add File" or "Add Folder". Once it’s done uploading, your music will be available to play on your iPhone.

How to add music from Mac to iPhone.

Conclusion

You’ve learned how to sync Apple Music from a Mac to your iPhone. It is a seamless process that allows you to enjoy your favorite songs on the go. With Apple's integrated ecosystem, Apple users can sync their music library from their Mac to their iPhone.

Whether you prefer to sync Apple Music from your Mac to your iPhone or transfer through iTunes or Finder, we've got you covered. Even for those who want to selectively transfer music from Mac to iPhone for free, you can use Wondershare Dr.Fone, as we have outlined in this article.

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James Davis

staff Editor

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