If you've ever experienced Apple Music not playing a specific song-or even your whole library-you know how frustrating it can be. This can happen on iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC. Sometimes, you may also see a prompt saying something like, "Cannot Open – This Content Is Not Authorized." Is it just you, or are others facing the same issue?
Apple Music not playing doesn't always mean something is seriously wrong. In many cases, it's a small issue that can be fixed with a simple step. Maybe the app needs a refresh, a cache file is corrupted, or a setting is bit off. You don't need to be a tech expert to get it back on track.
The first things to check are usually the simplest: your internet connection and your Apple Music subscription. You can also check Apple's system status to see whether Apple Music is currently down.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the most common reasons Apple Music isn't playing and show practical ways to fix it. By the end, your favorite songs should be streaming or downloaded on Apple Music, and your listening experience will be smoother than ever.
Part 1. Why Is Apple Music Not Playing?
Apple Music may stop playing due to network issues, subscription problems, content restrictions, or incorrect device settings. It's important to check these key factors and set them up properly, as they often serve as quick fixes on different devices, including iPhone/iPad, Android, Windows PC, and Mac.
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Your internet connection is like the road your music travels on. Whether you're on Wi-Fi or mobile data, songs need a clear path to reach your device. Even if other apps seem fine, streaming music from Apple Music requires a steady connection. Without it, Apple Music can pause, skip, or get stuck at 0:00.
Even if your internet seems to be working, make sure both Wi-Fi and cellular data are allowed for Apple Music.
If Wi-Fi issues persist, try restarting your router or switching to a different network. Also, check for interference, like too many devices connected at once.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1 Open Settings > Wi-Fi / Cellular, depending on which connections you're using for Apple Music.
Step 2 Make sure the network you're connected to has a strong signal.
Step 3 Go back to Settings > Apps > Music > Wireless Data, and ensure both Wi-Fi & Cellular Data are allowed.
Step 4 Try playing a song. If it starts instantly, your internet was the main issue.
On Android
Step 1 Open Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi.
Step 2 Ensure you're connected and the signal is stable.
Step 3 Open Settings > Apps > Apple Music > Mobile data & Wi-Fi and ensure Background data is allowed.
On PC/Mac
Step 1 Click the Wi-Fi icon in the menu bar (Mac) or taskbar (Windows) to verify connection.
Step 2 Open a browser and visit a website to confirm your internet is working.
2. Check for Apple Music Service Status
Sometimes the problem isn't your device at all. Apple Music relies on servers to deliver your songs, and if those servers are down, your music won't play until the service is back online. Checking Apple's system status is an easy way to see if the issue is on Apple's side before spending time troubleshooting-it can save you a lot of unnecessary frustration.
Luckily, when server issues or bugs are fixed, a new version of the Apple Music app often becomes available to get your music back on track.
Step 1 Open your preferred browser.
Step 2 Go to Apple System Status.
Step 3 Locate Apple Music. If it shows yellow or red, the service may be down or experiencing issues.
3. Check Your Apple Music Subscription
Your Apple Music subscription is like the key to a locked library. If your subscription has expired, is linked to the wrong Apple ID, or has a small billing issue, the app may block access to your songs. Tracks might skip, show errors, or disappear entirely. Double-checking that your account is active, signed in correctly, and in good standing often solves the problem without any complicated steps.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1 Open Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions > Apple Music.
Step 2 Make sure the status shows Active.
Step 3 If expired, renew Apple Music and wait a few minutes for the app to recognize it.
On Android
Step 1 Open Apple Music app > Menu (three lines) > Account > View Account > Subscriptions.
Step 2 Confirm your subscription is active.
On PC/Mac
Step 1 Open iTunes (PC) or Music app (Mac).
Step 2 Click Account > View My Account.
Step 3 Verify your Apple Music subscription status.
4. Check Explicit Content Filter
Sometimes songs won't play because of content restrictions. Apple Music can block explicit songs if the feature is turned on in your device settings. This is common for kids' accounts, shared devices, or when restrictions are accidentally enabled.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1 Open Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Step 2 Tap Content Restrictions > Music, Podcasts & News.
Step 3 Make sure Explicit is allowed.
On Android
Step 1 Open Apple Music app > Menu (three lines) > Settings > Content Restrictions.
Step 2 Turn off Enable Content Restrictions or ensure it's disabled for music.
On Windows PC
Step 1 Open iTunes > Edit > Preferences > Restrictions.
Step 2 Click the padlock to make changes.
Step 3 Uncheck Music with explicit content to allow explicit songs.
On Mac
Step 1 Open System Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Step 2 Under Music, Podcasts & News, choose Clean to unblock explicit music.
Part 2. How to Fix Apple Music Not Playing
Before moving on, make sure everything in Part 1 is set up correctly. Once you've confirmed that the problem isn't with your account or connection, you can focus on fixing issues related to the app or your device. Here are step-by-step guides to help refresh Apple Music and restore playback, depending on which device you're using.
1. Restart the Apple Music App
If Apple Music isn't responding, don't worry. Restarting the app is simple and often fixes playback glitches by refreshing the app's connection to Apple Music servers.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1 Swipe up from the bottom (or double-tap Home on older devices) to open App Switcher.
Step 2 Swipe Apple Music up to close it.
Step 3 Tap the app icon to reopen.
On Android
Step 1 Tap Recent Apps or swipe up from the bottom.
Step 2 Swipe Apple Music off the screen to close it.
Step 3 Reopen the app from your home screen or app drawer.
On PC/Mac
Step 1 Close iTunes or Music app completely.
Step 2 Reopen the app from Start Menu/Applications or the dock.
2. Check Device Volume and Audio Output
Volume and audio output settings can sometimes cause playback issues. Make sure your music is playing through the correct speakers, headphones, or AirPlay device so nothing is redirecting the sound unexpectedly.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1 Press Volume Up to increase volume.
Step 2 Swipe down from the top-right to open Control Center.
Step 3 Ensure the correct audio output is selected (device speaker, Bluetooth headphones, or Apple HomePod).
On Android
Step 1 Press Volume Up to increase volume.
Step 2 Open the Apple Music app.
Step 3 Tap the Cast icon at the top.
Step 4 Make sure the correct Chromecast device is selected to cast Apple Music streams.
On PC
Step 1 Right-click the Speaker icon in the taskbar and select Open Sound Settings.
Step 2 Under Advanced sound options, click App volume and device preferences.
Step 3 Ensure Apple Music is running in the background and appears in the app list.
Step 4 Select the correct output device and adjust volume to avoid issues like low or no sound while streaming.
On Mac
Step 1 Open System Settings.
Step 2 Click General in the sidebar, then select AirDrop & Handoff.
Step 3 Turn on AirPlay Receiver.
Step 4 Next to Allow AirPlay for, choose the correct output device (devices only or anyone on the same network).
Step 5 Check that Apple Music is streaming through the intended output and adjust volume as needed.
3. Update Apple Music App
Running an outdated version of Apple Music can cause unexpected errors. Updating the app ensures you have the latest fixes and features, which often restores normal functionality.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1 Open App Store > Today > Profile Icon.
Step 2 Scroll to Available Updates and tap Update next to Apple Music if present.
On Android
Step 1 Open Google Play Store > Profile Icon > Manage apps & device > Updates available.
Step 2 Tap Update next to Apple Music.
On PC/Mac
Step 1 Open iTunes (PC) or Music app (Mac).
Step 2 Check for updates via Help > Check for Updates (PC) or Music > Check for Updates (Mac).
4. Update Your Device Software
Your device's software works together with Apple Music to handle streaming and audio. Updating your iPhone, Android, Windows PC, or Mac can fix system-level bugs that might prevent Apple Music songs from playing.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1 Open Settings > General > Software Update.
Step 2 Tap Download and Install if an update is available.
On Android
Step 1 Open Settings > System > System Update.
Step 2 Tap Check for updates and install if available.
On PC (Windows)
Step 1 Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Step 2 Click Check for updates.
On Mac
Step 1 Open Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.
Step 2 Click Update Now if available. Mac updates usually include both macOS and the Music app.
5. Clear Apple Music App Cache (Android Only)
Cached data can build up or get corrupted over time. This option is only available on Android. Clearing the cache refreshes the library and removes corrupted cache files, which can solve playback problems.
Step 1 Open Settings > Apps & notifications > Apple Music > Storage & cache.
Step 2 Tap Clear Cache. You can also Force Stop to fully refresh your library and remove corrupted cache files.
6. Turn "Sync Library" Off and On
Sync Library keeps your music consistent across devices. If some songs won't play, turning this off and back on refreshes your library and often restores access to missing or unplayable tracks.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1 Open Settings > Music.
Step 2 Toggle Sync Library off, wait a few seconds, then toggle it back on. Your music will remain intact; this is just a simple refresh.
On PC/Mac
Step 1 Open iTunes or Music app > Preferences > Library tab.
Step 2 Uncheck Sync Library (Mac) or iCloud Music Library (PC), click OK.
Step 3 Wait a few seconds, then re-enable it.
7. Remove and Re-Add Problematic Songs
Occasionally, individual songs fail to load or play correctly. Removing the affected songs and re-adding them replaces any corrupted files and gets your music working again.
On iPhone/iPad/Android
Step 1 Open Library > Songs.
Step 2 Find the song > tap More (…) > Remove or Delete from Library.
Step 3 Search for the song and tap Add to re-add it to your playlist or library.
On PC/Mac
Step 1 Open iTunes or Music app > Library.
Step 2 Right-click the song > Delete from Library.
Step 3 Re-add the song from your purchased/downloaded collection.
8. Redownload Songs That Won't Play
If a song won't stream, redownloading ensures you have a complete, playable version directly on your device.
On iPhone/iPad/Android
Step 1 Open Library.
Step 2 Find the song that won't play.
Step 3 Tap the cloud icon to download it again. Songs that won't stream may work seamlessly when downloaded offline.
On PC/Mac
Step 1 Open iTunes/Music app > Library.
Step 2 Right-click the problem song > Download.
9. Sign Out and Back Into Your Apple ID
Apple Music links your library and playback to your Apple ID. Signing out and back in resets account connections and fixes issues caused by authentication or account setup problems.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1 Open Settings > [your name] > Sign Out.
Step 2 Restart your device.
Step 3 Go back to Settings > Sign In to log in again.
On Android
Step 1 Open Apple Music app > Menu (…) > Account > Sign Out.
Step 2 Sign back in with your Apple ID.
On PC/Mac
Step 1 Open iTunes/Music app > Account > Sign Out.
Step 2 Sign back in with your Apple ID.
10. Reset Network Settings (Last Resort)
Network settings control Wi-Fi, cellular, and VPN connections. Resetting them clears misconfigurations that might block Apple Music from streaming, giving the app a fresh start to connect to the internet.
On iPhone/iPad
Step 1 Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.
Step 2 Tap Reset Network Settings. This will remove saved networks and VPNs, so be ready to re-enter passwords.
Step 3 Reconnect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.
Part 3. Best Alternative Ways to Fix Apple Music Not Playing
If Apple Music still refuses to play your songs after all the fixes, you can consider an alternative way to enjoy your music without limits.
Most users never think about ownership when downloading songs from Apple Music. The truth is, those tracks aren't really yours but are protected by Apple's encryption. That's why you can't freely move them to other apps or devices.
A reliable way around this is to use ViWizard Apple Music Converter. The tool lets you convert your Apple Music tracks to common formats like MP3, M4A, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, or M4B, so you can play them on any device you like. Once converted, the files are completely yours to keep - no internet connection, app glitches, or subscription limits standing in your way.
ViWizard keeps everything intact, including original audio quality, album art, and metadata. This means your playlists stay organized, and your songs sound just as good as before. It's also an easy way to back up your music, prevent playback errors, and manage your library more freely. If you often run into Apple Music playback problems, ViWizard offers a smooth, long-term fix that gives you full control over your music.
Keep Apple Music songs forever by saving them in formats like MP3 to play anywhere.
Step 1Install and Launch the Converter
Start by downloading and installing ViWizard Apple Music Converter on your Windows or Mac computer. Once installed, open the program and sign in with your Apple Music account. This allows the tool to load your full music library, including playlists, albums, and downloaded tracks.
Step 2Set the Output Format and Preferences
Go to the settings panel and select your preferred output format, such as MP3, M4A, WAV, FLAC, or AIFF. You can also customize sound quality by adjusting the bit rate or sample rate. Be sure to keep ID3 tags and metadata - that way, your converted songs will retain their original titles, artists, and album artwork.
Step 3Select the Songs to Convert
Browse through your Apple Music library and choose the songs, albums, or playlists that won't play properly in the Apple Music app. Add them to the conversion list. This step ensures that even songs affected by errors or DRM restrictions will soon become playable again.
Step 4Start the Conversion and Locate Your Files
Click Convert to start the process. Once it's done, open the output folder on your computer to find your converted music files. They'll now be in a standard format and fully DRM-free, meaning you can play them on any device, transfer them anywhere, and enjoy smooth playback without worrying about Apple Music app errors or connection issues.
Summary
We have explored several solutions to fix Apple Music not playing. It is not that hard, right? Now you can fix Apple Music not playing songs without much effort. Are you interested in how to play Apple Music on any device you like? ViWizard Apple Music Converter should be your first choice. It can convert Apple Music, iTunes audiobooks, and Audible audiobooks to MP3 within simple steps. Just click the download button below to have a try now.
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Rick Lee, an IT solutions expert with 25 years of experience, specializes in system optimization, troubleshooting, and security. He's the author of over a dozen books and helps businesses and individuals solve tech challenges.
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