What to Do When Songs Won't Download on iTunes? [Fixed]

Still struggling with the issue of “songs won't download on iTunes”? Learn about the many ways to fix this issue, including checking your Internet connection, updating iTunes, and more.

By @May Last Updated October 24, 2024

Are you experiencing the frustrating problem of “songs won't download on iTunes”? Don't worry, you are not alone. This guide is designed to help you tackle this issue head-on through a variety of effective methods. Whatever case you are in, you can follow this guide to fix the iTunes song won't download issue easily. Read on!

Why Won’t My Songs Download on iTunes?

There are several reasons why your songs may not be downloaded on iTunes. Here is a list of common factors that could be causing this issue:

  • Internet Connection: A poor or unstable Internet connection may prevent the download from completing successfully.
  • Outdated iTunes Version: Using an older version of iTunes may result in compatibility issues that may affect the download.
  • Insufficient Storage Space: If your device has insufficient storage space, the download may fail due to insufficient space.
  • Corrupted iTunes Cache: The cache in iTunes may be corrupted, resulting in download errors.
  • ...

How to Fix Songs Won't Download on iTunes - 6 Simple Fixes

If you are experiencing the frustrating issue of “songs won't download from iTunes to iPhone”, you have come to the right place. This section will show you 6 effective fixes to help you download music successfully.

Fix 1. Check Your Internet Connection

The first way to fix the “songs won't download on iTunes” issue is to check your internet connection. iTunes requires a steady and reliable connection to download songs. Here is how to check:

  • Test Your Connection: Open a web browser and try visiting some websites to see if they load quickly. If they don't load quickly, there may be a problem with your connection.
  • Restart Your Router: Unplug your router, wait about 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This usually fixes temporary network problems.
  • Switch to a Wired Connection: If you're using Wi-Fi, try connecting your device directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. Wired connections tend to be more stable.

Fix 2. Update iTunes to the Latest Version

Outdated software may cause compatibility issues, which can lead to problems such as songs not downloading. Make sure your iTunes is up to date. Follow the simple steps to update iTunes:

Step 1. Open iTunes, click Help in the menu bar and select Check for Updates.

Step 2. Follow the prompts to install any available updates.

Keeping iTunes updated ensures you have the latest features and bug fixes, which might resolve the downloading issue.

Fix 3. Check Available Storage on Your iPhone

Sometimes songs cannot be downloaded on iTunes to iPhone because iPhone storage is full. Here is a quick guide on how to check storage space:

Step 1. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage.

Step 2. Here you will see a breakdown of what's taking up space and what's available.

If you are running low on storage space, consider deleting unnecessary files or apps to free up space.

Fix 4. Sign Out and Sign Back into iTunes

Sometimes, logging out of your iTunes account and then logging back in can refresh your connection and resolve download issues. Try this simple step and see if it makes a difference in your download experience.

Step 1. Open iTunes and click on the Accounts tab > Select Sign Out.

Step 2. Once you've signed out, restart iTunes and sign in again with your Apple ID.

Fix 5. Reset iTunes Store Cache

Clearing the iTunes Store cache can help fix various download-related issues. Follow these steps to reset the cache:

Step 1. Open iTunes and go to Edit > Preferences.

Step 2. Navigate to the Advanced tab > Click Reset Cache.

Fix 6. Contact Apple Support

If none of the above fixes work, it might be time to reach out to Apple Support. They can provide more in-depth troubleshooting or identify if there’s a broader issue affecting your account.

Step 1. Visit the Apple Support website and select iTunes & App Store to explore your options.

Step 2. Chat with a support representative, schedule a call, or visit an Apple Store for in-person assistance.

Bonus Tip: An iTunes Alternative to Transfer Songs to iPhone

If some songs won't download iTunes or you haven't used iTunes yet, consider trying FoneTool, a powerful iOS backup and transfer tool. This software is widely acclaimed and has earned the trust of a large number of iOS and Windows users. Here’s why it's a top choice:

👉 Preview all your songs and pick the ones you want to transfer. 👉 Speed tests show that it takes only 9 minutes and 14 seconds to transfer 1,000 songs. 👉 Easily move photos, music, videos, messages, and more between iPhone and PC.

The user-friendly interface of FoneTool makes it simple to transfer songs from your computer to your iPhone without needing iTunes. Just follow these steps:

Step 1. Download, install, and open FoneTool on your PC > Connect your iOS device to the computer.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 2. Locate the Phone Transfer section, choose PC to iPhone, and click the Start Transfer button.

Step 3. Locate the Music icon and click the "+" icon to add the songs you wish to move to your iPhone > Then, click OK to confirm your selection.

Step 4. Click Start Transfer to transfer songs from your PC to your iPhone.

In addition to transferring files from PC to iPhone, this iPhone transfer app can help you transfer music from iPhone to iPhone, or iPhone to PC easily.

FoneTool

This powerful iPhone data management tool is the best way to backup iPhone without iCloud or iTunes.

  • iOS 18/17/16/15/14/13/12/11 and former
  • iPadOS 18/17/16/15/14/13/12/11 and former
  • iPhone 15/14(Plus)/Pro(Max), 13/13 mini/Pro (Max)
  • iPhone 12/12 mini/Pro (Max), iPhone 11/11 Pro (Max)

If you find out that songs won't download on iTunes or any other iOS problems after upgrading to iOS 17 or 18, FoneTool's iOS System Repair can help. To resolve the issue, connect your iPhone to a PC via USB, open the Toolbox, and select the iOS System Repair option to restore your device to proper functioning.

The Bottom Line

It can be frustrating when songs won't download on iTunes, but by following these fixes you should be able to troubleshoot the problem. Remember to be patient and try each method carefully to determine which one works best for your situation.

In addition, you can use FoneTool, an alternative to iTunes, to transfer your songs from PC to iPhone and vice versa. Why not give it a try? Download FoneTool and use it now!