How to Enable iCloud Music Library on iPhone/Mac/PC

Harmonize your devices! Learn how to enable iCloud Music Library effortlessly on iPhone, Mac, and PC with our comprehensive step-by-step guide.

By @Demi Last Updated January 12, 2024

iCloud Music Library is a powerful feature that allows Apple users to access their entire music library across multiple devices seamlessly. By enabling iCloud Music Library, users can sync their music collection, playlists, and preferences, ensuring a consistent music experience across iPhone, Mac, and PC.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the overview of iCloud Music Library, step-by-step instructions on how to enable it on different devices, troubleshooting if iCloud Music Library doesn't work, and a bonus tip on sharing music among iOS devices and PC using FoneTool.

Overview of iCloud Music Library

iCloud Music Library is part of Apple's larger iCloud ecosystem, designed to enhance the music experience for users who subscribe to Apple Music or iTunes Match. This feature allows users to store their entire music library in the cloud, making it accessible from any device linked to their Apple ID. Here are some FAQs to help you better understand the iCloud Music Library feature:

Does iCloud Music Library count toward my iCloud storage cost ❓ Nope. You can store up to 100,000 songs with an Apple Music or iTunes Match subscription; it doesn't count toward your iCloud storage costs.

Does it work with Apple Music and iTunes Match ❓ Yup, both the Apple Music subscription service and the stand-alone iTunes Match option. iCloud Music Library lets you upload or "match" your personal music library with the DRM-free iTunes Store catalog.

If you have an Apple Music account, you can take advantage of iCloud Music Library and subscription music; if you have a stand-alone iTunes Match subscription, you only have access to your iCloud Music Library.

What is the difference between iTunes Match and iCloud Music Library ❓ While both services allow access to your music across devices, iTunes Match specifically matches and uploads your songs, even if they're not purchased from iTunes. iCloud Music Library includes all Apple Music content.

What happens to my iCloud Music Library if I cancel my Apple Music subscription ❓ If you cancel your subscription, you'll lose access to Apple Music content, but your personal library (uploaded and matched songs) remains available.

How to enable iCloud Music Library on iPhone/Mac/PC

To utilize the excellent iCloud Music Library feature, you need to enable iCloud Music Library on your devices first. Here are the detailed steps you can follow to make it.

How to Enable iCloud Music Library on iPhone Enabling iCloud Music Library on your iPhone is a straightforward process. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap on "Music" to access music settings.

Step 2: Toggle the switch next to "iCloud Music Library" to enable it. You may be prompted to merge or replace your existing music library; choose according to your preference.

Step 3: Wait for Syncing: iCloud Music Library will now sync your music collection with the cloud. The time it takes depends on the size of your library and internet speed.

How to Enable iCloud Music Library on Mac Enabling iCloud Music Library on a Mac involves using the Music app. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Open the "Music" app on your Mac. In the menu bar, go to "Music" and select "Preferences."

Step 2: In the "General" tab, check the box next to "iCloud Music Library" to enable it.

Step 3: Confirm Action: Confirm the action, and your music library will start syncing with iCloud.

How to Enable iCloud Music Library on PC For Windows users with iTunes, enabling iCloud Music Library involves similar steps:

Step 1: Open the iTunes app on your PC. In the menu bar, go to "Edit" and select "Preferences."

Step 2: In the "General" tab, check the box next to "iCloud Music Library."

Step 3: Confirm the action, and your music library will start syncing with iCloud.

What to do if iCloud Music Library doesn’t work?

If you encounter issues with iCloud Music Library, try the following troubleshooting steps:

🔧  Restart Devices: Restart your iPhone, Mac, or PC to refresh system processes.

🔧  Check iCloud Status: Visit Apple's System Status page to check if there are any ongoing issues with iCloud services.

🔧  Re-enable iCloud Music Library: Disable and re-enable iCloud Music Library on your device to kickstart the syncing process.

🔧  Update Music App/iTunes: Ensure that you are using the latest version of the Music app on iPhone or iTunes on Mac/PC.

🔧  Contact Apple Support: If issues persist, contact Apple Support for personalized assistance.

Bonus tip: Share music among iOS devices and PC by FoneTool

While iCloud Music Library is excellent for syncing music across Apple devices, FoneTool offers an alternative method for sharing music between iOS devices and PCs.

Why does FoneTool stand out? FoneTool allows you to share music files from any source across different accounts. No matter whether you purchased music in iTunes or get songs from CD, USB, etc., you can utilize FoneTool to add music from iPhone to PC and vice versa without deleting existing files.

Just for an example, I’ll show you how to transfer music from iPhone A to iPhone B.  But firstly, download FoneTool by clicking the icon below.

Download FreewareWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

Step 1. Connect your iPhone A to computer with USB > Launch FoneTool and choose Phone Transfer option > Mouse over to iPhone to PC and click Start Transfer.

Step 2. Click the plus icon > Check the Music icon and uncheck the others > Preview and select the songs you want to transfer > Click OK to confirm.

Step 3. Choose a destination from Transfer Settings as per you like (Local folders, external hard drives, USB, etc. are all allowed) > Click Start Transfer to start the process.

Step 4. Unplug iPhone A and plug iPhone B into PC > Choose PC to iPhone from FoneTool > Click Music > Drag-n-Drop or open-n-choose the transferred songs to iPhone B > Click Start Transfer to confirm.

Conclusion

Enabling iCloud Music Library on your iPhone, Mac, or PC is a convenient way to ensure a consistent music experience across your Apple devices. With seamless syncing and access to your entire music library, iCloud Music Library enhances the way you enjoy your favorite tunes.

While iCloud Music Library is an excellent tool, FoneTool offers an alternative method for users who want a faster and more versatile solution for sharing music between iOS devices and PCs. By combining the power of iCloud and FoneTool, users can optimize their music management experience, ensuring that their favorite tunes are always within reach, regardless of the device they're using.