To turn off iCloud Music Library, navigate to the settings on your iOS device, select ‘Music’, and toggle off ‘iCloud Music Library’. On a Mac or PC, open iTunes, go to ‘Preferences’, select the ‘General’ tab, and uncheck the ‘iCloud Music Library’ option. Remember, doing this will remove any Apple Music songs from your device.
What Happens Next?
Once you’ve turned off iCloud Music Library, any Apple Music tracks or playlists you’ve added to your library will be removed from your device. However, any music you’ve purchased through iTunes or music you’ve loaded onto your device manually will remain.
Introduction
For many of us, music is an essential part of our daily routine, whether we’re commuting, working out, or just unwinding. Apple’s iCloud Music Library is a handy feature for music lovers. It lets you access your entire music library on any compatible device. However, there might be instances where you want to turn it off, maybe you prefer using another music service or want to free up some space on your device.
Whatever your reason, turning off iCloud Music Library is a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to understand what it entails. This feature is especially relevant for users who are subscribed to Apple Music or have a vast collection of music on iTunes. Turning off iCloud Music Library will not delete your music files from your computer’s hard drive but will remove the music stored in the cloud, and it won’t be available across all your devices.
So, let’s walk through the steps to turn off iCloud Music Library.
Related: How to Turn Off Volume Limit on iPhone for the Music App
Step by Step Tutorial
This section will guide you through the steps to turn off iCloud Music Library on different devices.
Step 1: Navigate to Settings or iTunes
On an iOS device, open ‘Settings’. On a Mac or PC, open iTunes.
This step is crucial because it is where you will find the option to disable iCloud Music Library. Make sure you are signed in to the correct Apple ID account before proceeding.
Step 2: Select ‘Music’ or ‘Preferences’
On an iOS device, scroll down and select ‘Music’. On a Mac or PC, click on ‘iTunes’ in the menu bar and select ‘Preferences’.
In this step, you are getting closer to the iCloud Music Library setting. Ensure that you are following the steps for your specific device.
Step 3: Toggle Off or Uncheck ‘iCloud Music Library’
On an iOS device, find ‘iCloud Music Library’ and toggle it off. On a Mac or PC, go to the ‘General’ tab and uncheck ‘iCloud Music Library’.
This is the final step to turning off iCloud Music Library. Once completed, the changes will take effect immediately.
Pros of Turning Off iCloud Music Library
There are several benefits to turning off iCloud Music Library.
Pro 1: More Storage Space
Disabling iCloud Music Library frees up cloud storage space.
When you turn off iCloud Music Library, all the Apple Music songs stored on your device will be removed, freeing up space for other apps, documents, and data.
Pro 2: Avoid Duplicates and Mismatched Metadata
Prevents the creation of duplicate files and mismatched song metadata.
Sometimes, iCloud Music Library might create duplicate songs or mismatched song information when syncing across devices. Turning it off prevents these issues.
Pro 3: More Control Over Your Music Library
Gain more control over your music library.
By disabling iCloud Music Library, you manage your music files directly without automatic syncing and potential changes from iCloud.
Cons of Turning Off iCloud Music Library
However, there are also downsides to consider.
Con 1: Loss of Access Across Devices
Losing access to your music library across all devices.
One of iCloud Music Library’s main advantages is that it lets you access your music anytime, anywhere. Turning it off means losing this convenience.
Con 2: Cannot Save Offline from Apple Music
You won’t be able to save songs from Apple Music for offline listening.
If you’re an Apple Music subscriber, turning off iCloud Music Library means you can’t download songs for offline listening.
Con 3: Existing Apple Music Songs Are Removed
All existing Apple Music songs in your library will be removed.
Once you turn off iCloud Music Library, any songs you’ve added from Apple Music will disappear from your library.
Additional Information
Turning off iCloud Music Library is a personal choice and depends on how you prefer to manage your music. Some users prefer the convenience of having their music accessible across all devices, while others might want more control over their library and to avoid potential syncing issues. If you decide to turn it off, you can always reverse the process by following the same steps and re-enabling iCloud Music Library.
Also, remember that this won’t affect the original files on your computer’s iTunes library; it only affects the music stored in iCloud and what’s accessible on your other devices. Keep in mind that if you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you won’t be able to download songs for offline listening once iCloud Music Library is turned off.
Summary
- Navigate to Settings or iTunes.
- Select ‘Music’ or ‘Preferences’.
- Toggle off or uncheck ‘iCloud Music Library’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does turning off iCloud Music Library delete my music files?
No, it only removes the Apple Music songs from your device, not the original files on your computer’s iTunes library.
Can I turn iCloud Music Library back on?
Yes, follow the same steps and toggle on or check the ‘iCloud Music Library’ option.
Does this affect my iTunes purchases?
No, any music you’ve purchased through iTunes will remain on your device.
Can I still access my playlists?
Playlists containing songs from Apple Music will be removed, but other playlists will remain.
Is it possible to use Apple Music without iCloud Music Library?
Yes, but you won’t be able to download songs for offline listening or access your music library across devices.
Conclusion
Whether or not to turn off iCloud Music Library depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your music. Some users might value the convenience and accessibility it offers, while others might prefer more control and to avoid potential syncing issues. Remember, if you ever change your mind, re-enabling iCloud Music Library is just as easy as turning it off. We’ve walked through the steps, explored the pros and cons, and answered some frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision. Happy listening, and enjoy curating your perfect music library!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.