Apple Music makes it easy to access all your favorite songs in one place. With a subscription, you can download almost anything from its catalog for offline listening. You can even combine your iTunes purchases and personal files with streaming songs in the same app. Sounds perfect - but sometimes it isn't.
Imagine this: you've downloaded a bunch of playlists, ready for a long flight. Snacks are packed, you're ready to relax, and then you open Apple Music… only to find some songs - or even your entire Downloaded section - are gone. And it can happen overnight. There must be a reason.
The guide below will help you recover missing downloads and prevent this from happening again on Apple Music. Even if some items can't be identified or redownloaded immediately, following these steps will help you understand why Apple Music removes downloads and get your library back in order.
Part 1. Why Does Apple Music Remove Downloads?
- Sync Library Mismatch: Sometimes Apple Music struggles to keep all devices perfectly in sync. When that happens, downloaded songs may be removed to make the library match across your devices.
- Expired Apple Music Subscription: Songs from the streaming catalog are only available offline while your subscription is active. If it lapses, some downloads may disappear automatically.
- Library Re-scan or Update: Apple Music refreshes your library to stay current. During this process, some songs may be removed if they need updating or don't match the refreshed catalog.
- Storage Optimization Settings: Your device may remove downloads automatically to free up space. If the Optimize Storage setting is enabled, it can remove music from your iPhone that hasn't been played recently.
- DRM Protection: Some tracks have DRM restrictions that limit offline storage. Apple Music may remove these files if there's an issue with the license or the app cannot maintain the download.
Part 2. How to Fix Apple Music Removing Downloads
Step 1: Check your downloads and back up important songs
Open the Music app, go to your Library, and check Downloaded or Downloading. If you see a cloud icon or incomplete progress bar, tap it to download. It's also a good idea to back up any important songs to iCloud or a computer so you don't risk losing them if something goes wrong.
Tip: Use a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection until downloads finish. Avoid switching networks because this can cause the download to fail.
How to Check Downloaded Music on Your iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Music app.
- Go to your Library at the bottom of the screen.
- Tap on Albums, Songs, or Downloaded (under Library).
- Find the album or song you want to check.
- If you see a cloud icon (a small cloud with a downward arrow), the track or album isn't downloaded. Tap the icon to download it.
How to Back Up Downloaded Music on Your iPhone or iPad:
Apple Music or iCloud isn't a full backup solution for your downloads. Consider using a desktop and ViWizard Apple Music Converter to download all songs from your Apple Music library. This creates a safe backup with unprotected audio files that can be re-imported to Apple Music anytime and matched with its catalog.
Keep Apple Music songs forever by saving them in formats like MP3 to play anywhere.
Step 2: Check device storage
Low storage can make Apple Music remove downloads automatically to make room for other activities like app updates, new apps, or videos. Check your device's storage and delete unused apps, videos, or files to free up space. Enough storage ensures downloads stay safe.
How to Check Device Storage on iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage).
- See a breakdown of how much space is used and which apps take up the most storage.
How to Check Downloaded Music Size on iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Scroll down and tap Music.
- Under Downloaded, tap Downloaded Music.
- You'll see all downloaded music and how much space it's using. Delete unwanted songs to free more space.
Step 3: Verify Sync Library setting
Sync Library not only keeps your music consistent across all your devices but also offers an option to download music for offline listening. Go to Settings > Music and make sure Sync Library is on. If it is, toggle it off for 10–15 seconds, then back on. This refreshes your library and may restore purchases.
How to Check Sync Library on iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings > Apps.
- Scroll down and tap Music.
- Ensure the Sync Library toggle is on.
- If it's already on, turn it off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back on to refresh.
Step 4: Turn off "Optimize Storage"
The Optimize Storage feature in iOS manages space by automatically removing downloaded music you haven't listened to in a while. If your device is low on storage, it removes songs to free space for new apps, updates, or downloads. Go to Settings > Music > Optimize Storage and turn it off, or set a minimum storage threshold to prevent automatic removals.
How to Check and Disable Optimize Storage on iPhone or iPad:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and tap Music.
- Under Downloads, find Optimize Storage.
- If it's on, toggle it off.
Step 5: Confirm Apple Music subscription is active
Downloaded streaming songs only work with an active subscription. Once expired, all downloads may be removed as well as other saved songs. Check Settings > [Your Name] > Subscriptions > Apple Music to make sure it's active and billing is up to date.
How to Check Subscription Status on iPhone or iPad:
- Open Settings.
- Tap your name at the top.
- Tap Subscriptions.
- Find Apple Music and make sure it's active.
- Renew or resolve any issues if needed.
Step 6: Update iOS and the Apple Music app
Make sure your device and the Apple Music app are updated to the latest versions. Updates fix bugs that can affect downloads.
How to Update Your iPhone or iPad:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Software Update. Your device will check for updates.
- If available, tap Download and Install.
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Note: If your battery is below 50%, connect your device to a charger before updating.
How to Update Apple Music on iPhone or iPad:
- Open the App Store, search for Apple Music.
- Check if a newer version is available.
- Tap the cloud icon to install the update.
- Open the app and test with new downloads.
Step 7: Restart your device
Restarting clears background issues that may interfere with downloads or storage management.
How to Restart Your iPhone or iPad:
- Press and hold the power button (or side button for newer iPhones) and either volume button until the power-off slider appears.
- Drag the slider to turn off your device.
- Wait about 10 seconds, then press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.
Step 8: Reinstall the Apple Music app
If problems persist, delete and reinstall the app. Note: This removes all downloads, so back up important songs first (screenshot or create a "Downloads" playlist).
How to Reinstall Apple Music on iPhone or iPad:
- Press and hold the Apple Music app icon.
- Tap Remove App, then Delete App.
- Open the App Store, search for Apple Music, and reinstall it.
- Open the app and sign in if needed.
Step 9: Re-download missing songs
After checking storage, subscription, and the app, open Music and tap the cloud icon to restore missing downloads. Use a stable network until downloads complete.
How to Re-download Songs on iPhone or iPad:
- Open the Music app.
- Go to your Library.
- Locate the songs or albums you want to restore.
- Tap the cloud icon to download them again.
- Wait until downloads complete before leaving the app.
Part 3. How to Fix Apple Music Deleting Local Files
If Apple Music keeps removing your local files, it's often due to iCloud Music Library settings, file formats, or account issues. Here are three effective methods to fix it.
Step 1: Check file formats and metadata
Apple Music only supports certain file types. Unsupported formats or missing metadata can prevent files from staying in your library.
- On your computer, open the folder with your local music files.
- Make sure files are in a supported format: MP3, AAC, ALAC, WAV, or AIFF. Convert any unsupported files if needed.
- Open the Music app (Mac) or iTunes (Windows/Mac).
- Check each song's metadata: title, artist, album, and year. Correct any missing or inconsistent info.
- Rename files with unusual characters and keep file sizes reasonable to avoid upload issues.
Step 2: Upload Music to iCloud Music Library
- Open iTunes (Windows/Mac), go to Edit > Preferences > General, and check iCloud Music Library. Or on Mac Music app, go to Music > Preferences > General and check Sync Library.
- Drag and drop your local files into your library.
- Watch the upload progress at the top of the app to make sure all songs finish uploading.
- If files get stuck, restart the app or re-upload the specific files.
Once uploaded, your music will be available on any device signed into your Apple ID.
Step 3: Reupload your local music files to iCloud
If your files were removed or didn't sync, a fresh reupload can restore them.
How to Reupload Local Music Files:
- Open the Music app or iTunes.
- Remove any partially uploaded or duplicate files to avoid conflicts.
- Drag your local music files back into the library.
- Make sure Sync Library / iCloud Music Library is enabled.
- Watch the upload progress until all songs finish uploading.
Part 4. Tips to Stop Apple Music from Removing Downloads
Tip 1: Keep enough free space on your device
Apple Music may automatically delete downloads when storage is low. To avoid this, regularly check your device's available space under Settings > General > iPhone Storage (or the equivalent on Android). Delete unused apps, videos, or photos to free up room. Keeping enough storage ensures your downloads stay intact and aren't removed by system updates or new apps.
Tip 2: Avoid signing out of Apple ID
When you sign out of your Apple ID, all Apple Music downloads are automatically removed for security reasons. To keep your music safe, avoid signing out unless absolutely necessary. If you need to troubleshoot your account, try toggling Sync Library off and on instead. This refreshes your library without erasing your downloads.
Tip 3: Convert or back up your downloads
Apple Music tracks are tied to your subscription and Apple ID, meaning they disappear if you cancel or sign out. To keep your collection safe long-term, back up your music. You can save your local uploads to iCloud or convert Apple Music downloads into common formats like MP3.
For this, we recommend ViWizard Apple Music Converter, a reliable backup solution for both Mac and Windows. It lets you download and convert the Apple Music tracks you've added to your library into MP3, M4A, M4B, AIFF, WAV, or FLAC. Simply add the songs to the conversion list, adjust output settings, and start the conversion. Once complete, your files are stored safely on your computer, ensuring permanent access even outside Apple Music.
Keep Apple Music songs forever by saving them in formats like MP3 to play anywhere.
Tip 4: Track any changes to your music library
If you want to monitor changes in your Apple Music library, a handy third-party tool called Music Library Tracker is available on the App Store with a one-time purchase. It's designed for Apple Music users who want more control over their collections.
With Music Library Tracker, you can keep an eye on unexpected additions, deletions, or edits. On any device that uses iCloud Music Library - like your iPhone or iPad - you'll be able to track detailed information, including title, artist, album, album artist, genre, year of release, disc number, track number, rating, and even Spatial Audio status.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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