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Apple now calls iCloud Music Library Sync Library in the Music app on Mac and the Apple Music app for Windows. In iTunes for Windows, the older name remains. To use it, you need an active Apple Music or iTunes Match subscription, the same Apple Account on every device, and an internet connection.
Before enabling it, back up your original music files and library database. Apple states that Apple Music is not a backup service.
Which setting should you look for?
| App | Setting name |
|---|---|
| Music on Mac | Sync Library |
| Apple Music for Windows | Sync Library |
| iTunes for Windows | iCloud Music Library |
These labels refer to the same cloud-library concept. Apple’s current terminology is documented in its Sync Library support guide.
Before you begin
- Subscribe to Apple Music or iTunes Match.
- Sign in everywhere with the same Apple Account associated with that subscription.
- Connect the computer to the internet.
- Install the latest available version of macOS, Apple Music, or iTunes for your setup.
- Back up your music files and the local Music or iTunes library.
- Allow time for songs to be matched, uploaded, and processed.
Sync Library is not the same as purchasing extra iCloud storage. The requirement is an Apple Music or iTunes Match subscription.
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Enable Sync Library on a Mac
- Open the Music app.
- In the menu bar, choose Account and verify the displayed Apple Account.
- Choose Music > Settings.
- Open the General tab.
- Select Sync Library.
- Click OK.
Look at the bottom of the sidebar for Updating Cloud Library or similar status text. Keep the Mac online while the library is processed. Apple’s Mac instructions are also available in the Music User Guide.
Enable Sync Library in Apple Music for Windows
- Open the Apple Music app.
- At the bottom of the sidebar, select your name and verify the Apple Account.
- Click Sidebar Actions at the top of the sidebar.
- Choose Settings.
- Select General.
- Turn on Sync Library.
Wait for the cloud library to update, then enable Sync Library on each Mac, Windows PC, iPhone, or iPad that should share the collection. See Apple’s Windows Music User Guide for the current interface.
Enable iCloud Music Library in iTunes for Windows
These instructions apply to iTunes, not the newer Apple Music app for Windows:
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- Open iTunes.
- Sign in to the iTunes Store with the Apple Account linked to Apple Music or iTunes Match.
- Choose Edit > Preferences.
- Open the General tab.
- Select iCloud Music Library.
- Click OK.
Allow iTunes time to synchronize the collection. Apple now distributes separate Apple Music, Apple TV, Apple Devices, and other Windows apps, but iTunes remains available for some compatibility and existing content-management workflows. Consult Apple’s iCloud Music Library instructions for iTunes.
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Enable it on an iPhone or iPad
- Open Settings.
- Tap Apps > Music.
- Turn on Sync Library.
Use the same Apple Account as the computer and subscription. The exact Settings layout can vary slightly by iOS or iPadOS release.
What happens after Sync Library is enabled?
Your music library becomes available in the Music or Apple Music app on other devices using the same Apple Account. You can also access the collection through the Apple Music web player.
Imported CD tracks and music purchased outside the iTunes Store may be matched against Apple’s catalog or uploaded. Matching does not necessarily mean that an identical copy of the original file is stored in the cloud. Playlists, artwork, and other metadata may take time to appear elsewhere.
Apple’s iTunes documentation describes a limit of up to 100,000 songs, excluding iTunes Store purchases, and a maximum file size of 200 MB per file. It also states that matched songs may be available as 256-kbps DRM-free AAC when a corresponding iTunes Store version exists, while other uploaded songs retain their original quality. These details are from Apple’s iTunes guide and may not describe every current app interface.
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How to confirm that it worked
- Check for Updating Cloud Library or equivalent progress text on the source computer.
- Wait until processing finishes.
- Open the library on a second device using the same Apple Account.
- Search for a distinctive imported track or playlist.
- Check whether the item is available for streaming and whether it has been downloaded locally.
A song appearing in the cloud library does not necessarily mean it is stored offline on that device. Use the download option when you need offline playback.
If Sync Library is missing
Check these causes in order:
- Confirm that Apple Music or iTunes Match is active.
- Verify the Apple Account. On iTunes, make sure you are signed in to the iTunes Store, not only to another Apple service.
- Confirm that you are using the correct app. The Apple Music Windows app uses Sync Library; iTunes uses iCloud Music Library.
- Update macOS, the Windows app, or iTunes.
- Restart the app.
- Check whether Apple Music or iTunes Match is available in your country or region.
Back up the local library before signing out, changing accounts, or disabling the feature. Do not start by deleting library files or reinstalling the app.
If songs do not appear on another device
- Check that both devices use the same Apple Account.
- Confirm that Sync Library is enabled on the second device.
- Check the source computer’s cloud-library status.
- Wait for tracks still being uploaded or matched.
- Confirm that the files are inside the active Music or iTunes library.
- Check for unsupported files or files larger than Apple’s documented limit.
- Consider country or region availability.
- Make sure you are viewing the full library rather than downloaded-only content.
Do not immediately delete and re-import missing songs. First determine whether the cloud update is still processing.
If the library update appears stuck
- Leave the computer powered on and connected to the internet.
- Check the status indicator at the bottom of the sidebar.
- Confirm that the app is not offline or paused.
- Restart the app.
- Verify the Apple Account and subscription.
- Update the app.
- Test with a small group of tracks rather than repeatedly re-importing the entire collection.
There is no reliable universal completion time. Processing depends on the number of tracks, upload speed, metadata work, and Apple’s service availability. Keep the original files backed up before disabling Sync Library or making major library changes.
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Why duplicate tracks or different versions appear
Matching can make a local recording appear alongside an Apple Music catalog version, an iTunes Store purchase, or an uploaded copy. Compare the:
- Track title and artist
- Album and release year
- File location
- Download status
- Bit rate and format
- Source, such as Apple Music, iTunes Store, matched file, or uploaded file
Do not delete the local original merely because a cloud version is visible.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Sync Library versus USB music syncing
| Sync Library | Manual device syncing |
|---|---|
| Cloud-based access across supported devices | Directly copies selected music to a connected device |
| Requires Apple Music or iTunes Match | Can transfer locally owned music without either subscription |
| Uses the Apple Account and cloud library | Gives more direct control over device contents |
| Best for access across multiple devices | Best for selected music, limited storage, or no subscription |
On Windows, direct music management uses the Apple Devices app. Apple says Sync Library must be turned off before using the manual music-sync workflow for the device. See Apple’s guide to syncing music to an iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFrequently asked questions
Is iCloud Music Library the same as Sync Library?
Yes. Sync Library is Apple’s current name in the Music app on Mac and Apple Music for Windows. iTunes for Windows still uses iCloud Music Library.
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Can I use Sync Library without Apple Music?
You need either an Apple Music subscription or an iTunes Match subscription. Without both, use manual syncing for locally owned music.
Does Sync Library upload MP3s and other personal music?
Eligible personal tracks may be matched or uploaded, depending on Apple’s catalog and file requirements. They are not always stored as identical cloud copies.
Is Sync Library a backup?
No. Keep an independent backup of the original music files and library database.
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Yes, but manual music syncing is a separate workflow. On Windows, turn off Sync Library before using the Apple Devices music-sync option.
What happens if I cancel Apple Music?
Access to Apple Music subscription content and Sync Library can be affected when the subscription ends. Keep your original files and backups rather than relying on cloud availability.
Can I use iTunes instead of Apple Music on Windows?
Yes, where iTunes is available for your setup. Its setting is under Edit > Preferences > General > iCloud Music Library. Apple’s newer Windows apps use different menu paths.
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