Many iPhone users rely on the Music app to access and play music stored in their iTunes library. The Music app comes pre-installed on iPhones and provides a convenient way to browse, listen to, and manage music. However, some users may want to delete the Music app from their iPhone to save storage space or declutter their home screen. A common question that arises is: If I delete the Music app from my iPhone, will it also delete the music from my iTunes library?
Quick Answer
Deleting the Music app from your iPhone does not delete or remove any music from your iTunes library. The Music app on iPhone is simply an interface to access and play content synced from your iTunes library on Mac or PC. Your music library itself is stored separately in iTunes on your computer or in iCloud. Therefore, deleting the iPhone Music app has no effect on the actual music content in your iTunes library.
Does Deleting the Music App Delete Music from iTunes?
When you sync your iPhone to iTunes on a computer, the music (along with other media like movies and TV shows) from your iTunes library gets copied onto your iPhone storage. The Music app on the iPhone provides access to this synced music content. However, your iTunes library itself remains unchanged and intact on your computer.
Here are some key points to understand:
- The Music app on iPhone does not actually store any music files itself. It simply accesses music synced from your iTunes library.
- Your iTunes library containing all your music content exists separately on your Mac or Windows PC.
- Deleting the Music app from iPhone does not affect the iTunes library on your computer where the music is stored.
- Any music synced from iTunes onto your iPhone will also remain on the iPhone storage after deleting the Music app.
Therefore, deleting or removing the Music app from your iPhone will not delete or remove any of your actual music content from the iTunes library on your computer.
Music App Acts as an Interface to iTunes Library
The Music app on iPhone essentially functions as an interface or front-end access to the music content stored in your iTunes library. It allows browsing your library, playlists, artists, albums, genres etc. that have been synced from iTunes. It also provides playback controls for the synced music.
However, the app itself does not store the actual music files and content. Those remain safely stored in the iTunes library on your computer. Deleting the app removes the interface, but your music remains intact within iTunes.
Syncing Copies Music to iPhone Storage
When you connect your iPhone to the computer and sync with iTunes, the music, podcasts, videos and other media in your iTunes library get copied over to the iPhone storage. This allows you to access that synced content via the Music app when not connected to iTunes.
So even after deleting the Music app, all the music that was previously synced to the iPhone from iTunes will continue to remain on the iPhone. You simply lose the interface to access that music, unless you use a third-party app.
Using iCloud Music Library
For users who enable iCloud Music Library in iTunes, the Music app on iPhone accesses music saved in iCloud rather than syncing it from iTunes. However, the concept remains the same. Just like with iTunes, deleting the Music app does not remove any music content stored in your iCloud Music Library.
What Happens When You Delete the Music App?
When you delete the Music app from your iPhone, here is specifically what happens:
- The Music app icon disappears from your iPhone Home Screen
- You lose access to the interface for browsing and playing synced iTunes music
- Any iTunes music synced to the iPhone remains stored on the device
- Your iTunes library and music content on computer or iCloud remains completely untouched
- You can no longer open or play synced music files directly from iPhone storage
So in summary, while the app provides access to your music library, it does not actually contain or store the music itself. Deleting it removes the access without affecting your music collection.
How to Play Synced Music After Deleting App?
If you sync music from iTunes to your iPhone before deleting the Music app, that synced content will continue to take up storage space on your device. Here are some ways you can still access and play that music after removing the app:
- Reinstall the Music app from the App Store to regain access to synced music.
- Use a third-party iOS music player app to find and play synced files.
- Connect iPhone to computer and manually export synced music back to iTunes.
- Erase iPhone and sync with iTunes again to get Music app and content back.
Should You Delete the Music App?
Here are some pros and cons to weigh when considering whether to remove the Music app from your iPhone:
Reasons to Delete the Music App
- Save storage space on your iPhone if you don’t listen to synced music often
- Declutter your home screen if you primarily use streaming services
- Get rid of an unused app taking up space on your device
Reasons Not to Delete the App
- Lose easy access to your iTunes or iCloud music library
- Inability to play synced music files directly from iPhone storage
- Need to re-download larger app if you later want Music app back
- Apple recommends keeping most pre-installed apps
In general, if you regularly listen to music synced from iTunes or iCloud, it is recommended to keep the Music app on your iPhone. But if you solely use streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, deleting the Music app may be an option to reclaim some storage space.
How to Delete Music App from iPhone
If you decide you definitely want to remove the Music app, it just takes a few simple steps to delete it from your iPhone:
- Find the Music app icon on your iPhone Home Screen
- Long-press on the Music app icon until the icons start wiggling
- Tap the X that appears in the top-left corner of the Music app icon
- Confirm that you want to delete the app
That’s it! The Music app will be removed from your iPhone. Just keep in mind that this does not delete or remove any of your actual music content from iTunes or iCloud.
Readded the Music App Later
If you change your mind later and want access to your synced music again, you can easily redownload the Music app for free from the App Store:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone
- Search for “Music”
- Tap “Get” to reinstall the Apple Music app
- The app will download and add the icon back to your home screen
Once reinstalled, you can use the Music app again to access any music you’ve synced or saved to your iCloud Music Library.
Other Ways to Manage iPhone Music
In addition to the native Music app, there are a few other options for managing music on your iPhone:
Use iTunes on Computer
Connect your iPhone to a computer and use iTunes to:
- Sync music between iPhone and computer
- Manually add and delete content
- Fully back up and restore iPhone
iCloud Music Library
Enable iCloud Music Library in iTunes to:
- Store music in iCloud instead of iPhone storage
- Stream iCloud music to iPhone over the internet
- Download iCloud music for offline playback
Third-Party Apps
Use other iOS apps to:
- Play music stored on iPhone device storage
- Access files through cloud storage services
- Stream from music subscriptions and online platforms
While the Music app provides seamless integration with your iTunes and iCloud music, alternative apps may offer additional features and flexibility.
Conclusion
Deleting the Music app from your iPhone removes the interface to access synced iTunes/iCloud content, but does not delete or remove the actual music files and library. Music synced from iTunes will still remain stored on your device. Your iTunes library stays intact on your computer. And your iCloud Music Library remains fully accessible.
Before deleting the Music app, make sure to consider the pros and cons and how you primarily listen to music on your iPhone. Reinstalling the app later from the App Store is quick and easy if you change your mind. But also know there are other options like iTunes and third-party apps for managing and playing music without the standard Music app.