How to sync music from computer to devices

iPhone, or Android:

Downloading this app can be very helpful in playing music from 3rd party downloads:

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Transferring music files from your computer to your iPhone typically involves using Apple's ecosystem (iTunes on Windows, or Finder/Music app on Mac) or a cloud-based solution. iPhones are more locked down than Android when it comes to direct file transfers, so you can't just drag and drop files via a USB cable in the same way.

Here are the most common and effective methods:

This is Apple's official and most integrated method.

For Windows PCs (using iTunes):

1. Download and Install iTunes: If you don't have it, download and install the latest version of iTunes from Apple's website or the Microsoft Store.
2. Add Music to iTunes Library:
   
   • Open iTunes.
   • Go to File > Add File to Library or Add Folder to Library.
   • Navigate to where your music files are stored on your computer and select them. They will be imported into your iTunes library.

1. Connect iPhone: Plug your iPhone into your PC using a USB cable.
   
2. Authorize/Trust Computer: On your iPhone, you might see a "Trust This Computer?" prompt. Tap "Trust" and enter your passcode.
3. Select iPhone in iTunes: In iTunes, click the small device icon (looks like an iPhone) near the top left of the window.
   
4. Go to Music Section: In the sidebar on the left, under "Settings," click "Music."
5. Sync Music:
   
   • Check the box next to "Sync Music."
   • You can choose "Entire music library" to sync everything, or "Selected playlists, artists, albums, and genres" for more control. If you choose selected, check the boxes next to the specific music you want to transfer.
     

1. Apply/Sync: Click the "Apply" or "Sync" button in the bottom right corner. iTunes will now transfer the selected music to your iPhone.
2. Play on iPhone: Once synced, the music will appear in the Music app on your iPhone.
   

For macOS (macOS Catalina 10.15 or later, using Finder/Music app):

• Music App: Your music library is now managed directly in the Music app.
• Finder: Syncing your iPhone is done through Finder.

1. Add Music to Music App Library:
   
   • Open the Music app on your Mac.
   • Go to File > Import... (or simply drag and drop your music files from Finder into the Music app window).Your music will be added to your Mac's Music library.
     

1. Connect iPhone: Plug your iPhone into your Mac using a USB or USB-C cable.
2. Authorize/Trust Computer: On your iPhone, you might see a "Trust This Computer?" prompt. Tap "Trust" and enter your passcode.
3. Select iPhone in Finder: Open a new Finder window. Your iPhone should appear in the sidebar under "Locations." Click on it.
4. Go to Music Tab: In the top bar of the Finder window, click the "Music" tab.
5. Sync Music:
   
   • Check the box next to "Sync music onto [your iPhone's name]."
   • You can choose to sync "Entire music library" or select specific artists, albums, genres, or playlists.
     

1. Apply/Sync: Click the "Apply" or "Sync" button in the bottom right corner. Finder will now transfer the selected music to your iPhone.
2. Play on iPhone: The music will appear in the Music app on your iPhone.
   

Important Notes for iTunes/Finder Syncing:

• One-Way Sync (Mostly): Syncing is generally a one-way process from your computer to your iPhone. If you manually delete music from your iPhone, it might be added back during the next sync if it's still selected in your computer's library.
• Overwrite Warning: If your iPhone was previously synced with a different computer's library, syncing with a new computer will usually warn you that it will erase the existing synced music on your iPhone and replace it with the new library.
• iCloud Music Library/Apple Music: If you subscribe to Apple Music and have "Sync Library" enabled (formerly iCloud Music Library), your music library is managed in the cloud. You won't typically use direct sync via iTunes/Finder for Apple Music content, as it's meant to sync automatically through iCloud. You might need to turn off "Sync Library" in Settings > Music on your iPhone to use manual syncing.
  

This is a great option for accessing your music without connecting your phone to your computer.

Steps:

1. Upload to Cloud: On your computer, upload your music files to a cloud storage service like:
   
   • iCloud Drive: Integrated with Apple devices.
   • Dropbox
   • Google Drive
   • OneDrive

1. Install Cloud App: On your iPhone, download and install the corresponding cloud storage app from the App Store.
2. Access & Play: Open the app on your iPhone, navigate to your music files. You can typically:
   
   • Stream them directly: Play them over Wi-Fi or cellular data.
   • Download for offline playback: Most cloud apps have an option (often a download icon or "Make available offline") to save files to your iPhone's local storage within that app.
   • Open in another app: You might be able to use the "Share" or "Open In..." option to send the file to a third-party music player app (like VLC for Mobile) if you prefer its features or need to play unsupported formats.

Several third-party apps specialize in easier file transfers or offer robust media players.

• Documents by Readdle: This is a popular app that allows you to manage various file types on your iPhone. It has a Wi-Fi Transfer feature that lets you drag and drop files from your computer's web browser directly into the Documents app on your iPhone. Once in Documents, you can play them within the app's player.
  
  • Steps: Download Documents on iPhone. On your computer, open a web browser and go to docstransfer.com. Enter the code shown in the Documents app to connect. Drag and drop files.
    
• VLC for Mobile: While primarily a media player, VLC can also handle file transfers via Wi-Fi from a web browser on your computer. It supports a very wide range of audio formats.
• Other File Managers: Search the App Store for "file manager" or "music transfer" apps. Many offer similar Wi-Fi transfer or cloud integration features.

Choose the method that best fits your comfort level, the size of your music library, and how you prefer to manage and play your music!

Here's how you can play music files from your computer on your Android phone, covering the most common and effective methods:

This is the simplest way to move individual files or entire music folders directly from your computer to your Android phone's storage.

Steps:

1. Connect your Android Phone: Plug one end of a USB cable into your computer and the other end into your Android phone.
   
2. Set USB Connection Mode: On your Android phone, a notification should appear in the notification shade (pull down from the top of the screen) that says something like "USB for charging" or "USB debugging connected." Tap this notification.
3. Select "File Transfer" (MTP) Mode: From the options that appear (e.g., "Charging only," "Photo transfer (PTP)," "File transfer / MTP"), select "File transfer" or "Media Transfer Protocol (MTP)." Your phone's internal storage and/or SD card (if it has one) should now appear as a drive on your computer.
   
   
   • On Windows: Your phone will show up as a portable device under "This PC" or "My Computer."
     
   • On macOS: You might need to install a small, free application called Android File Transfer (if you don't already have it). Once installed, it will automatically open when you connect your phone in MTP mode.

1. Navigate to Music Folder: On your computer, open the phone's storage. Look for a folder usually named "Music" (if it doesn't exist, you can create one).
   
2. Copy Music Files: Drag and drop your music files (e.g., MP3s, FLACs) or entire music folders from your computer into the "Music" folder on your phone.
   
3. Disconnect Safely: Once the transfer is complete, safely eject your phone from your computer (e.g., by right-clicking its drive icon on Windows and choosing "Eject") before unplugging the USB cable.
4. Play on Phone: Open your preferred music player app on your Android phone (e.g., Google Play Music, YouTube Music, Spotify, VLC, Poweramp, etc.). It should automatically scan your device and add the new music to your library. If not, look for an option to "Scan library" or "Refresh."

This method is great for syncing music across multiple devices and accessing it anywhere with an internet connection (and often for offline playback if downloaded within the app).

Steps:

1. Upload to Cloud: On your computer, upload your music files to a cloud storage service like:
   
   • Google Drive: Excellent integration with Android.
     
   • Dropbox
   • OneDrive
   • Amazon Drive

1. Install Cloud App: On your Android phone, download and install the corresponding cloud storage app.
2. Access & Play: Open the app on your phone, navigate to your music files. You can often:
   
   • Stream them directly: Play them without downloading, consuming data.
   • Download for offline playback: Look for an option to "Make available offline" or a download icon (usually a downward arrow) next to the file.
   • Open in another app: Use the "Open with" or "Share" option to play the file in a dedicated music player app on your phone.

This is more advanced and lets you stream music directly from your computer to your phone over your home network, without needing to copy files to the phone's storage.

Steps:

1. Set up a Media Server on your Computer:
   
   • Plex: Very popular, offers a great interface, organizes your media, and can stream locally or over the internet.
   • Universal Media Server (UMS): Free, open-source, and supports many devices.
   • Windows Media Player: Can act as a basic media server on Windows PCs.

1. Install Corresponding App on Android: Download the client app for your chosen media server (e.g., Plex app) on your Android phone.
2. Connect & Stream: Open the app on your phone, connect to your media server (usually automatically detected on the same Wi-Fi network), and start streaming your music.

As mentioned in the USB section, if you're a Mac user, Android File Transfer is a dedicated piece of software that facilitates the USB transfer process, making it seamless. Other third-party sync tools might also exist for more specific needs.

Choose the method that best suits your comfort level, the size of your music library, and how frequently you want to access your music on the go!