DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
DocumentaryTube
Apple Music

Moving from YouTube Music to Apple Music is much easier now—here’s how

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Yes—moving from YouTube Music to Apple Music is substantially easier as of August 18, 2026. Apple Music now has a built-in Transfer Music from Other Music Services workflow on iPhone, iPad, Android and the web. It can recreate eligible playlists and match songs, albums, artists and, in some source-service flows, liked songs.

It is still a one-time copy rather than a perfect account migration: uploaded files, podcasts, some shared or curated playlists and unavailable recordings may be left behind, and later changes do not synchronize between the services.

The quickest route: Apple Music’s built-in transfer

Apple documents the current workflow here: Apple Music transfer instructions. The transfer is provided by a third party inside Apple’s interface, and availability varies by country, account type and source service. These steps assume a supported market such as the United States.

iPhone or iPad

  1. Open Apple Music and tap your photo, monogram or account button.
  2. Choose Transfer Music from Other Music Services.
  3. Select YouTube Music and sign in when prompted.
  4. Choose the content available for transfer, then tap Add to Library.
  5. Wait while Apple Music matches the catalog items. If Some Music Needs Review appears, inspect the proposed alternatives before saving them.

Android

  1. Open Apple Music, tap More, then Settings.
  2. Tap Transfer Music from Other Music Services.
  3. Select YouTube Music, authenticate both accounts and choose the content.
  4. Tap Add to Library, then review unmatched tracks.

An active Apple Music subscription and a current Apple Music app are required. Menu names can differ slightly by app version or region.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Apple EarPods Headphones with Lightning Connector
  • SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
  • HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
  • BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with Lightning Connector also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
  • COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a Lightning connector and support iOS 10 or later, including iPod touch, iPad, and iPhone. Also works with iPad models with iPadOS.
  • INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.

Web

  1. Go to music.apple.com and sign in with the Apple Account attached to your subscription.
  2. Open the account menu and choose Transfer Music.
  3. Select YouTube Music, choose all or selected available items, and click Add to Library.
  4. Use Review to resolve alternate or unmatched versions.

Apple’s web guide explains the review process: transfer music from other services.

What “moving” actually means

The service rebuilds library information in Apple Music. It does not copy YouTube Music’s audio files, downloads, account settings or listening history.

Rank #2
Apple EarPods Headphones with USB-C Plug, Wired Ear Buds with Built-in Remote to Control Music, Phone Calls, and Volume
  • SUPERIOR COMFORT — Unlike traditional circular ear buds, the design of EarPods is defined by the geometry of the ear. Which makes them more comfortable for more people than any other ear bud–style headphones.
  • HIGH-QUALITY AUDIO — The speakers inside EarPods have been engineered to maximize sound output and minimize sound loss, which means you get high-quality audio.
  • BUILT-IN REMOTE — EarPods with USB-C plug also include a built-in remote that lets you adjust the volume, control the playback of music and video, and answer or end calls with a pinch of the cord.
  • COMPATIBILITY — Works with all devices that have a USB-C port.
  • INTEGRATED MICROPHONE — A built-in microphone precisely captures your voice while you’re on the phone, taking a FaceTime call, or summoning Siri — so you’re always heard loud and clear.
Content Expected result
Playlists you created Usually recreated by matching tracks in Apple Music
Owned collaborative playlists May transfer, depending on the route and source data
Playlists saved from other users Often excluded because you do not own them
YouTube Music editorial playlists Not transferable through Google’s direct playlist route
Liked songs Route-dependent; Apple may place them in Favorite Songs, while Google Takeout excludes the Liked Music playlist
Albums and artists May transfer through Apple’s broader workflow when the source integration exposes them
Podcasts Not included in the YouTube Music music-playlist transfer
Uploads, private audio and local files Not copied as catalog tracks; back up and import files separately
Offline downloads Not transferred as files
Playlist folders Do not assume they will be reproduced
History, recommendations, comments and subscriptions Remain YouTube or Google account data

Apple says the original service remains available and later edits are not synchronized: Apple’s transfer support page. Turn on Sync Library on Apple devices that should receive the imported content; Apple’s requirements are listed at Apple Support.

If Apple’s transfer control is missing: Google Takeout

Google documents a fallback that copies eligible YouTube Music playlists to Apple Music:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
FireMirror: Screen Mirroring (for AirPlay), Cast to Fire TV from Apple iPhone iPad Mac iOS, Display Share, Web Video Casting, Audio Streaming, Photos, Supports Spotify Music & YouTube, Free Trial
  • Screen mirroring: Easily mirror the screen of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to your Fire TV via AirPlay.
  • Audio and video streaming: Enjoy high-quality audio and video streaming with FireMirror.
  • Compatibility: FireMirror supports a wide range of devices, including iPhone, iPad, and Mac models.
  • Easy setup: FireMirror is quick and easy to set up, with no additional hardware required.
  • Popular streaming services: FireMirror supports popular streaming services such as Apple Music, Spotify, and YouTube.
  1. Open Google’s playlist-transfer page or Google Account dashboard.
  2. Find YouTube and choose Transfer data.
  3. Select the eligible playlists, choose Apple Music, sign in and authorize the transfer.
  4. Accept the request and wait for Google’s completion email.

This is a one-time copy and requires an Apple Music subscription. Google’s route transfers playlists you created; it does not transfer saved playlists owned by others, YouTube Music-curated playlists or the Liked Music playlist. Podcasts, uploads, private content and other non-catalog audio are unsupported. Google describes the process as transferring all eligible created playlists rather than selecting individual songs, and a completed copy cannot be rolled back as one action. Work, school, organizational, Advanced Protection and other restricted accounts may not qualify.

Why songs go missing or match incorrectly

Apple compares metadata and catalog availability, not the original audio file. Exact matches are less likely for live performances, remixes, edits, regional releases, music videos, inconsistent metadata and recordings unavailable in Apple Music.

Rank #4
Wired Headphones for iPhone Earbuds with Lightning Connector,2 Packs Built-in Mic & Volume Control HiFi Stereo Nosie Reduction Earphones Compatible with iPhone 14/13/12/11/XR/XS/X/8/7 Support All iOS
  • New Pop-up Headphones: As this earphone is a Bluet00th connectivity version. You need to turn on the Bluet00th in your Phone or Pad, then plug the earphone in to connect them. When next time you use the earphone again, it will automatically connect to your device in 2-8 seconds. it is the first step that must done.
  • Remote Control and Microphone: The ear buds for iphone included remote control allows you to adjust volume, control playback, and answer or end calls with a simple cord pinch. The built in microphone ensures clear communication and enhances audio quality.
  • Remote Control and Microphone: The ear buds for iphone included remote control allows you to adjust volume, control playback, and answer or end calls with a simple cord pinch. The built in microphone ensures clear communication and enhances audio quality.
  • Remote Control and Microphone: The ear buds for iphone included remote control allows you to adjust volume, control playback, and answer or end calls with a simple cord pinch. The built in microphone ensures clear communication and enhances audio quality.
  • Perfect Stereo Sound: Ergonomic and ultra-lightweight in-ear designed with solid sound-insulating material,reduces external noise while minimizing the sound leakage,giving you clear sound.
  • Open the review screen and compare artist, album, version, explicit status and release year.
  • Accept an alternate only when it is genuinely the same recording.
  • Search Apple Music manually for items marked unavailable.
  • Check whether the missing item was a podcast, upload, audiobook, video or other unsupported content.
  • Keep YouTube Music active until your important playlists have been audited.

Large transfers may finish in minutes or take hours. You normally do not need to keep the transfer screen open.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Which method fits your library?

Method Best for Trade-offs
Apple Music transfer Most users, especially those needing songs, albums, favorites and playlists Coverage and selection vary by source, region and account; matching still needs review
Google Takeout Created playlists when Apple’s control is unavailable Playlist-focused, excludes likes and several playlist types, no continuing sync
Soundiiz Large libraries, many services, batch work and recurring synchronization Requires connecting both accounts; pricing is volatile. Its page showed Free, Premium at $39/year billed annually or $5/month, and Creator at $75/year or $9.50/month when crawled; verify current prices at Soundiiz pricing
TuneMyMusic Browser-based one-time transfers outside an official route Third-party permissions and imperfect matching; no current price is stated here. Workflow: TuneMyMusic transfer
Manual rebuild Small playlists or libraries with unusual recordings Most control, but impractical for hundreds of playlists

Google identifies Soundiiz and TuneMyMusic as alternatives when a direct route is unavailable, but does not guarantee their quality: Google’s YouTube Music help.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Best Value
[Apple MFi Certified] Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone Jack Adapter, 2 Pack Earphone Audio Jack Aux, Dongle Cable Compatible with iPhone 13/12/11 Pro/XR/XS Max/X/8/7 Support All iOS& Music Control
  • 【Apple MFi Certified】:The adapters are certified by MFi to ensure they let you use audio accessories with precision clarity, including music and the 3.5mm headphone jack.No Error Message Pops Up.
  • 【High quality sound】:It supports up to 24bit 48kHz lossless output, 100% copper wire core provides high-speed and stable signal transmission for better and comfortable experience, Perfect match all 3.5 earphone.
  • 【Wide Compatibility】: Particularly Designed for iPhone Lovers.You will be able to listen to music with a headphone for iPhone 11/11 Pro/11 Pro Max, iPhone XR/XS/XS Max/X, iPhone 8/8 Plus, iPhone 7/7 Plus 6/6Plus iPod/iPad. Compatible with All IOS.
  • 【Samll and Durable】: Durable without breaking, using high elastic TPE material to increase toughness, anti-oxidation and no rust to ensure the stable sound transmission. lightweight and unique with portable size.
  • 【Service and Warranty】:Provide 12 months worry-free return / 24 hours after-sales service. To ensure your shopping experience, if you have any questions, please contact us immediately and we will answer your questions.

Pre-transfer and post-transfer checklist

Before starting

  • Confirm the Apple Account is the one tied to your Apple Music subscription.
  • Update Apple Music and your device operating system.
  • Enable Sync Library.
  • List your essential playlists and identify saved playlists, uploads and podcasts that need separate handling.
  • Confirm that your region supports the feature; Apple excludes China mainland, Myanmar and Russia from this transfer availability.

After completion

  • Check Recently Added and the Apple Music Library.
  • Look for transferred favorites and inspect your most important playlists.
  • Replace wrong live, remix, deluxe or regional matches.
  • Wait for the completion email if a playlist is not immediately visible.
  • Do not start overlapping transfers; large libraries can remain processing for hours.
  • Keep YouTube Music until the audit is complete, then cancel its subscription only when the Apple Music result meets your needs.

Common problems and fixes

The option does not appear

Check the Apple Account, subscription, app and operating-system updates, then try music.apple.com. Confirm Sync Library and use Google Takeout for eligible created playlists if necessary. Child accounts and Managed Apple Accounts are excluded from Apple’s support route.

Playlists never appear

Check Recently Added, verify that you used the intended Apple Account and confirm the playlists were created or owned by you. A transfer email may arrive after the library is visible.

The process seems stuck

Leave it running, check email for completion or errors and avoid launching another transfer. If Google Takeout was canceled after sharing began, some content may already have copied.

Bottom line

Start with Apple Music’s built-in transfer. It removes much of the old manual work, but it does not promise a lossless migration: catalog matching, ownership rules, unsupported content and regional availability still matter. Use Google Takeout as a playlist-only fallback, and pay for Soundiiz or TuneMyMusic only when you need broader coverage, batch controls or ongoing synchronization.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Read next

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.