No, it is not possible to download all of Apple Music at one time. Apple Music has over 75 million songs available for streaming and downloading, far too much content to download all at once. However, there are ways to download large amounts or all of a user’s Apple Music library over time.
Quick Summary
- Apple Music has over 75 million songs, too many to download all at once
- Can download up to 100,000 songs to your library from Apple Music
- Songs download to device storage or iCloud Music Library
- Can re-download any previously downloaded song
- Use iTunes or Music app to download songs
- Songs stay in user’s library until removed
- Takes time and data storage space to download full Apple Music library
How Apple Music Downloading Works
Apple Music, like other streaming services, is designed around access and convenience rather than ownership. The service focuses on streaming with the option to selectively download songs for offline playback when internet access is limited, such as when traveling or commuting.
When a user adds a song to their library, they have the option to download it. Downloaded songs are stored locally on the user’s device storage or in their iCloud Music Library if they have an iCloud storage plan. There is no definitive limit, but Apple recommends downloading no more than 100,000 tracks to ensure optimum performance.
Once downloaded, a song remains available in the user’s library until it is manually removed. It does not expire after a certain period. This means users can play downloaded songs without using their cellular data plan or requiring an internet connection. It provides offline access.
Why You Can’t Download All of Apple Music
There are several key reasons why Apple Music does not allow users to download the entirety of its catalog all at once:
- Catalog size – With over 75 million tracks, downloading the entire Apple Music library would be measured in petabytes of data.
- Device storage – Even large capacity devices could not hold Apple’s entire catalog locally.
- Bandwidth – Attempting to download millions of songs would consume prohibitive amounts of network bandwidth.
- Licensing – Apple’s music licenses are for streaming access, not bulk downloads.
- Usage – Most users stream rather than store large music collections locally.
The download feature is intended for storing an on-the-go selection of music, not the entire catalog. Streaming remains the primary method of access.
How Much of Apple Music Can You Actually Download?
While it’s not feasible to download all of Apple Music at once, users can download a significant portion of their personal music library for offline use. Here are some key points on how much music you can download:
- Up to 100,000 songs can be downloaded per device.
- Hundreds of gigabytes of storage space may be required.
- All purchased iTunes music can be downloaded.
- Only music added to the user’s library is available for download.
- Songs remain downloaded until manually removed.
- Re-downloading is unlimited for previously downloaded music.
Apple Music and iTunes Match subscribers can also store their entire personal library in iCloud Music Library, whether purchased from Apple or not. This library can be streamed or selectively downloaded as needed without counting against the download limit.
How many songs in a typical user’s library?
Studies suggest most users have under 5,000 songs in their personal music libraries. Power users may have libraries in the 10,000 to 20,000 song range. So even at the maximum end, downloading an entire personal Apple Music library is likely possible for most users.
How to Download Your Apple Music Library
To download songs from Apple Music for offline access and backup, follow these general steps:
- Add songs, albums or playlists to your Apple Music library.
- Find the content you want to download in the Music app or iTunes.
- Tap or click the download icon next to any song, album or playlist to download it.
- To download your entire library, use the “Download All” option.
- Manage storage by removing downloads after listening offline.
More detailed instructions:
- Add Apple Music to your library – Search for and add your desired songs, albums and playlists to your personal library.
- Open Music app or iTunes – Access your library on your Mac, PC, iPhone, iPad or Android device.
- Find song, album or playlist – Locate the music you want to download for offline use.
- Tap or click download icon – Desktop and mobile apps have download buttons next to each item.
- Check download status – Make sure download completed properly. Can take time with albums.
- Remove downloads to manage storage – Delete individual items or use “Remove Downloads” option.
Following these instructions, you can download your personal Apple Music library over time. Be patient as it can take time to download extensive playlists and albums.
How to Download Purchased iTunes Music
Music purchased on iTunes can always be downloaded again. Follow these steps:
- Go to Account Settings > Purchased on iTunes or Music app.
- Find your purchased albums or songs.
- Tap or click the iCloud download icon to download.
- Can also use Automatic Downloads to always save new purchases.
Purchased content does not count against your device’s storage capacity limit. You can always re-download previously purchased music as needed. This works even if you no longer subscribe to Apple Music.
Where Does Apple Music Download to?
Apple Music songs download to either device local storage or iCloud Music Library storage if you have an iCloud storage plan. Here is where Apple Music downloads are saved:
- iPhone/iPad storage – Downloads are saved locally if iCloud Music Library isn’t enabled.
- iCloud Music Library – With this option on, downloads go to your iCloud storage and can sync across devices.
- Mac/PC hard drive storage – Music app downloads go to local device storage by default.
- Android device storage – Local device storage only as iCloud Music Library is not an option.
To minimize device storage usage, enable iCloud Music Library to store downloads there instead of local device storage. Downloaded music can then be played from or saved offline on any device with the library enabled.
How much storage space do downloads take?
Audio file storage requirements depend on quality. Here are rough guidelines:
- Standard quality: 5 MB per song
- High quality: 10 MB per song
- Lossless: 30-40 MB per song
So 1,000 high quality songs would take 10GB of storage. Plan storage needs accordingly when building your downloaded Apple Music library.
How to Re-Download Apple Music Songs
Any Apple Music tracks you’ve previously downloaded can easily be re-downloaded if needed:
- Go to Library tab in Music app or iTunes.
- Under Recently Added, find the downloaded song, album or playlist.
- Tap or click the iCloud download icon to re-download.
- Can also search Library to find previously downloaded content.
As long as the song remains in your Apple Music library, you can re-download it indefinitely. This remains true even if you unsubscribe from Apple Music later – your existing downloads stay available.
Why re-download Apple Music songs?
There are a few reasons you may need to re-download Apple Music songs:
- Lost device with downloads
- Changed devices and want songs on new one
- Hard drive failed or reformatted
- Need songs available offline again after deleting
- Song is no longer on device but still in personal library
Re-downloading ensures you always have your Apple Music library available even if local copies get lost or deleted.
How Long Do Downloaded Songs Last?
Downloaded Apple Music songs remain available indefinitely unless removed. There is no expiration on downloads. This gives users full access even when offline or without a subscription. Key points:
- No expiration or time limit on downloads
- Remain until manually deleted
- Stay in library even after canceling Apple Music subscription
- Can re-download previously downloaded songs even if unsubscribed
- Apple may remove songs if rights agreement changes
The main exception is if Apple loses the rights to distribute a particular song. But otherwise, downloads are yours to keep and use offline until intentionally removed.
Do Apple Music downloads work offline?
Yes, being able to play downloaded songs offline is the main purpose of the download feature. Once music is downloaded:
- No internet connection required for offline playback
- Works on airplanes, subways with no service
- Saves cellular data usage on mobile devices vs streaming
Just be sure to download any desired songs or playlists before going offline. Data connection is still needed for initial downloads.
Key Takeaways
Here are some key points to summarize downloading from Apple Music:
- Can’t download all of Apple Music due to massive size
- Up to 100,000 songs can be downloaded per device
- Downloads are saved on device or iCloud Music Library storage
- Takes time and data storage space to build library
- Downloaded songs remain available indefinitely unless removed
- Easy to re-download any previously downloaded song still in library
- Enables offline playback and access anywhere
While not designed for bulk downloads, Apple Music gives subscribers the flexibility to curate and download a sizable music library for on-the-go use. Over time, you can download almost your entire personal Apple Music library following the processes outlined above.
Conclusion
Apple Music’s catalog of over 75 million songs makes downloading everything impractical and infeasible. However, users can download up to 100,000 songs to their devices for offline use and to build a personal music library. Downloads are saved locally or to iCloud Music Library storage and remain available indefinitely unless manually deleted. Previously downloaded content can always be re-downloaded again if needed. With some time and ample storage space, Apple Music users can eventually download nearly their entire Apple Music library by selectively choosing albums, playlists and songs to save offline.
