When you purchase a song on iTunes, you are able to download it to your device and access it anytime. Here’s a quick overview of how downloading songs works on iTunes:
Quick Answer
Yes, when you buy a song on iTunes you can download it. Any music purchased on iTunes is available for download so you can listen offline. Downloaded songs are saved in your iTunes library and can be transferred to iOS devices like iPhones and iPods.
Downloading Purchased Songs on iTunes
iTunes makes it easy to download any music you’ve purchased from their store. Here are the steps to download songs on desktop iTunes:
- Open iTunes and go to your Library
- Locate the song, album, or playlist you want to download
- Right-click on it and select “Make Available Offline”
- The download will begin automatically
- Downloaded items will have a download icon next to them
On mobile iOS devices like iPhones and iPads, you can download purchased iTunes songs using the Apple Music app:
- Open the Apple Music app and tap on the Library tab
- Navigate to the content you want to download
- Tap the download icon (a downward facing arrow) next to each song, album or playlist to download it
- Downloaded content will appear with a checkmark next to it
Internet connection is required to complete the downloads. Once finished, you can then access and play downloaded music offline.
Streaming vs Downloading on iTunes
It’s important to note the difference between streaming and downloading music on iTunes:
- Streaming – When you stream music, you’re listening to it directly from the internet and it is not saved on your device.
- Downloading – Downloading saves a copy of the music file to your local iTunes library or iOS device so you can listen without an internet connection.
Any song or album you purchase on iTunes can be downloaded for offline listening. Streaming is more for listening to Apple Music tracks on-demand without owning them.
Where are Downloaded iTunes Songs Saved?
When you download music purchased on iTunes, the songs are saved in your iTunes application library. You can find your iTunes library folder in these locations:
Windows
\Music\iTunes\iTunes Media\Music
Mac
/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Music
By default, all purchased iTunes content will be downloaded to this folder. You can change the download location in your iTunes preferences if needed.
iOS Devices
For iPhones, iPads and iPods, downloaded songs are saved locally on the device storage. You can find them in the Apple Music app under Library -> Songs. The amount you can save depends on the free storage space on your device.
Listening to Downloaded Songs in iTunes
You can listen to downloaded iTunes songs right within the iTunes app:
- Navigate to your Library
- Find the downloaded song, album or playlist (marked with a download icon)
- Double click to play it
On iOS devices, use the Apple Music app to access downloads:
- Open Apple Music and tap Library
- Go to Songs, Albums or Playlists
- Tap the downloaded item to play it
Downloaded songs will play even without an internet connection. This allows you to listen offline while traveling, on a plane, or anywhere without mobile data or WiFi.
Using Downloads on Multiple Devices
iTunes downloads are saved per registered device. So if you download an album on your iPhone, you won’t see it on your iPad unless you also download it there. Devices linked to the same Apple ID can re-download purchases for free.
How Many Times can you Download Purchased Songs?
There is no limit to how many times you can download songs purchased on iTunes. You can download songs you own as many times as you want on compatible devices. Each new device will require an initial download. After that, you can re-download albums and playlists again if needed.
Some key things about re-downloading iTunes purchases:
- You can download on up to 5 computers linked to your Apple ID
- Downloads are unlimited on iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, iPod)
- To re-download, you’ll need to use the same Apple ID and password
- Previous downloads are erased when you re-download music
Downloading to a New Computer
If getting a new computer, you’ll need to download purchased iTunes songs again. Sign in with your Apple ID and re-download items from your Purchase History.
Do Downloaded Songs Expire?
No, songs downloaded from iTunes do not expire. Once downloaded, the songs are saved indefinitely in your iTunes library and on iOS devices until you manually delete them.
Some key points about expiration:
- Downloaded songs never expire from iTunes purchases
- You retain full access to re-download at any time
- Songs stay in your library unless you delete them
- iOS device downloads remain until manually removed
This makes downloads much safer than streaming. With streaming, you could lose access if licensing agreements change in the future.
What File Format are Downloaded Songs?
iTunes Store downloads are saved in the AAC audio format. AAC stands for Advanced Audio Coding.
- File extension is .M4A for songs
- High quality 256kbps bitrate
- Compatible with all iOS devices
- Works seamlessly with iTunes and Apple Music
AAC provides near CD-quality audio in a compressed format that takes up less storage space. The files are encrypted with DRM copy protection.
Converting File Formats
If needed, you can convert iTunes AAC songs to other formats like MP3 using audio conversion software. Popular converter options include:
| Converter | Platform |
|---|---|
| Freemake Audio Converter | Windows and Mac |
| FFmpeg | Windows, Mac, Linux |
| VLC Media Player | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android |
| iTunes | Mac and Windows |
| Audacity | Windows, Mac and Linux |
Just add the iTunes AAC files, choose MP3 as the output format, and convert. This will remove the DRM protection and allow playing on more devices.
Is iTunes the Best Place to Buy Music Downloads?
Here are some benefits of purchasing downloads on iTunes:
- Huge selection of over 75 million songs
- Great prices on album purchases
- Frequent sales and discounts
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
- High 256kbps audio quality
However, iTunes is not the only place you can purchase music downloads these days. Some alternatives stores to consider include:
Amazon Music
Amazon Music has a catalogue of 90 million songs. Purchased mp3s are saved in your Cloud Library locker. Amazon frequently runs great sales on music. Downloads are compatible with all major platforms.
Bandcamp
Bandcamp offers music downloads direct from indie artists. There is a huge selection of independent music. You can often pay what you want or receive discounts from artists. Downloads are DRM-free mp3s.
HDTracks
For audiophiles, HDTracks offers high-resolution music downloads up to 192kHz/24 bit. They have a large classical, jazz, rock, and pop selection in studio master quality.
Can you Download iTunes Music to Android?
Officially, iTunes music downloads are only supported on Apple devices and software. However, there are some workarounds to get iTunes music working on Android.
Options include:
- Using Apple Music for Android. You can stream your iTunes purchases.
- Converting files to MP3 format using conversion software.
- Emailing files to yourself and downloading on Android.
- Using third-party apps like iSyncr to transfer files.
While more limited, these methods do allow you to get iTunes downloads onto an Android device. You’ll lose out on extras like metadata and album art though when converting formats.
Do iTunesDownloads Work on All Devices?
Here’s a quick compatibility overview for iTunes downloads:
Apple Devices
Work seamlessly with full support on:
- iPhone
- iPad
- iPod Touch
- Mac Computers
- PCs running iTunes
- HomePod
- Apple TV
- Apple Watch
Android Devices
Limited compatibility includes:
- Transferring converted MP3 files
- Streaming via Apple Music app
- Using third-party apps
Other Devices
Partial support includes:
- Amazon Echo
- Sonos speakers
- PS5 and Xbox consoles
For the best experience, use iTunes downloads with Apple ecosystem devices. Support varies elsewhere depending on the format and DRMs.
Do iTunes Downloads Work Offline?
A key benefit of downloading from iTunes is the ability to listen offline. Once the download is complete, you can access the music without an internet connection on supported devices.
Scenarios where offline iTunes listening is useful include:
- Airplane traveling
- International trips without data
- Commuting on trains with spotty signal
- Remote camping or hiking locations
The Apple Music app for iOS makes it easy to grab downloads before going offline. iTunes downloads are encrypted so they are only playable on authorized platforms when offline.
Can you Edit Downloaded Songs?
No, you cannot edit the actual song files downloaded from iTunes due to DRM protections. However, you can edit ID3 metadata like:
- Song title
- Artist name
- Album title
- Genre
- Artwork
On Mac, metadata can be edited by right-clicking the song then choosing Get Info. On Windows, right-click > Properties.
For iOS devices, use the Song Info option to edit metadata in the Apple Music app.
Metadata changes only affect how the song displays in your library. The audio file itself remains unaltered.
Editing Options
To actually edit and remix the audio from iTunes purchases, you would first need to bypass the DRM by converting formats. Programs like Audacity could then be used to edit the song itself.
Do iTunes Downloads Expire if you Cancel Apple Music?
No, iTunes downloads do not expire if you cancel your Apple Music subscription. Downloads from iTunes Store purchases are permanent and remain on your devices.
Here’s what happens if you unsubscribe from Apple Music:
- Downloaded songs purchased on iTunes are unaffected
- Can still re-download previous iTunes purchases
- Lose access to stream Apple Music’s library
- Cannot download additional songs for offline playback
So your own iTunes download library remains intact. You only lose access to anything licensed through the Apple Music streaming subscription.
Can you Get a Refund on iTunes Downloads?
iTunes has a time-limited refund policy on downloads:
- Music: 90 days from purchase
- Movies/TV: 90 days if unwatched
- Books: 14 days from download
To request a refund:
- Sign in to your iTunes account
- Go to your Purchase History
- Find the product and select Report a Problem
- Choose the issue and submit request
If approved within policy timeframes, iTunes will issue a refund to the original payment method. Refund eligibility can depend on your country’s consumer laws as well.
Partial Refunds
For albums, Apple may provide partial refunds if you request a refund within 14 days and have only listened to some of the songs. Unplayed songs could potentially be eligible for a prorated refund.
Conclusion
When you purchase music on iTunes, downloading for offline playback provides lots of conveniences. Downloads let you listen anywhere both online and offline across all your devices. iTunes makes it easy to buy, download, and re-download songs as needed. While downloaded songs have some usage restrictions due to DRM, they offer high quality audio combined with the flexibility of ownership.