How to Fix Apple Music Search Not Working

Part 1. Why Is My Apple Music Search Not Working?

Ever tried searching for your favorite tunes on Apple Music, only to be left scratching your head when the results don't match up, or your search history disappears into thin air? It's a common frustration. Sometimes, the search function on Apple Music just doesn't work as smoothly as we'd like, turning what should be a pleasurable music-browsing experience into a hassle.

Let me explain why this happens:

Network Connectivity Issues: One significant reason behind Apple Music search problems is unreliable internet connections. If your Wi-Fi or data connection isn't stable, it can disrupt your ability to search effectively. Picture trying to navigate a bustling city street with a glitchy GPS – it's frustrating and prone to wrong turns.

Outdated Apple Music App or Device Software: Another culprit is using outdated versions of the Apple Music app or your device's operating system. Just like your favorite apps need updates to stay in top shape, Apple Music and your device's software require regular updates too. Neglecting these updates can lead to compatibility issues that interfere with the search feature.

Bugs or System Glitches: Even the smoothest software can hit a rough patch. Bugs and glitches can disrupt the seamless operation of Apple Music, including its search function. It's akin to encountering a pothole on an otherwise smooth road – unexpected and jarring. Thankfully, these hiccups usually iron out with updates or a bit of troubleshooting.

Other Common Causes: Besides the usual suspects, there might be other sneaky reasons behind your Apple Music search troubles. Factors like corrupted app data, account issues, or even problems on Apple's end could be throwing a wrench in the works. Identifying the exact cause might require a bit of detective work, but it's entirely manageable!

Part 2. How to Fix Apple Music Search Not Working

If you're facing issues with Apple Music search, fear not! Here's a user-friendly guide to troubleshoot and fix the problem:

1. Check Apple Music System Status

Before diving into troubleshooting, it's wise to check the Apple System Status. Sometimes, the issue might stem from server-side problems. Visit Apple's System Status page to see if there are any reported issues. If there are, all you can do is wait until Apple resolves them. Patience is key!

2. Test and Improve Your Internet Connection

Ensure your internet connection is stable. Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular data or resetting your router if needed. A solid connection is essential for seamless searching on Apple Music.

3. Disable VPN, Ad Blockers, or Proxy Settings

VPNs, ad blockers, or proxy settings can block Apple Music from connecting properly. Disable them temporarily to test if the search works.

• On iPhone and iPad:
  1. Go to Settings > VPN and toggle it off.
  2. Disable any ad blocker apps running in the background.
• On Android:
  1. Open Settings > Network & Internet > VPN and turn off any active VPN.
  2. Temporarily disable ad blockers or security apps that might filter traffic.
• On Mac and Windows:
  1. Disconnect from VPN apps or proxies temporarily.
  2. Restart Apple Music/iTunes and test the search feature.

4. Restart the Apple Music App

If the search problem persists, try restarting the Apple Music app. Here's how:

• On iPhone: Double-click the Home button or swipe up from the bottom (depending on your device). Swipe up on the Apple Music app to force close it. Then, reopen the app from your home screen.



• On Android: Open the Recent Apps menu and swipe away the Apple Music app. Then, relaunch the app from your device's home screen.
• On Mac:
  1. Click on the Apple Music app icon in the Dock to bring the app to the foreground.
  2. Go to the "Apple Music" menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
  3. Select "Quit Apple Music" from the drop-down menu.
  4. Once the app has closed, click on the Apple Music icon in the Dock again to reopen it.
• On Windows:
  1. Open iTunes.
  2. Click on "File" in the menu bar at the top of the iTunes window.
  3. Select "Exit" from the drop-down menu to close iTunes completely.
  4. Relaunch iTunes from your desktop shortcut or Start menu.

5. Restart Your iPhone, iPad, or Other Device

If you're still facing issues with Apple Music search, a device restart might do the trick. Here's how to do it on different devices:

• On iPhone: Press and hold the power button until the slider appears. Drag the slider to turn off your iPhone. Once it's off, press and hold the power button again until the Apple logo appears.
• On Android: Press and hold the power button until the power menu appears. Depending on your device, select "Restart" or "Reboot" from the menu. Once your device restarts, try searching on Apple Music again.
• On Mac: Click on the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select "Restart." Confirm the restart if prompted. Once your Mac restarts, open Apple Music and check if the search issue persists.
• On Windows: Click on the Start button and select the power icon. Choose "Restart" from the menu. Once your computer restarts, reopen Apple Music and see if the search problem is resolved.

6. Sign Out and Back In to Your Apple ID

Sometimes, signing out of your Apple Music account and signing back in can refresh your session and resolve search issues. Here's how to do it on different devices:

• On iPhone and iPad: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Media & Purchases > Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted, then tap "Turn Off."



• On Android: Open the Apple Music app, tap on the menu icon (usually three dots), and select "Settings." Scroll down and tap on "Sign Out."



• On Mac: Open Apple Music, go to Account > Sign Out from the menu bar at the top of your screen.
• On Windows: Open iTunes, click on Account > Sign Out from the menu bar at the top of the screen.

7. Show Apple Music

Open the Apple Music app, go to Settings, and make sure the "Show Apple Music" option is toggled on.

8. Update the Apple Music App and Device Software

Outdated apps or system software can cause search issues. Make sure both Apple Music and your device are up to date.

• On iPhone and iPad:
  1. Open the App Store and tap your profile icon at the top.
  2. Scroll to see pending updates. If Apple Music has an update, tap Update.
  3. To update iOS, go to Settings > General > Software Update and follow the instructions.
• On Android:
  1. Open Google Play Store and tap your profile icon.
  2. Tap Manage apps & device, then Updates available.
  3. If Apple Music appears, tap Update.
  4. Update your Android system via Settings > System > Software update if available.
• On Mac:
  1. Open the App Store and click Updates in the sidebar.
  2. If an Apple Music or macOS update is available, click Update.
• On Windows:
  1. Open iTunes and go to Help > Check for Updates.
  2. Follow prompts to update iTunes if needed.

9. Clear Apple Music Cache (Android Only)

Cache files can sometimes interfere with search functionality. Clearing the cache can help.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apple Music.
2. Tap Storage & cache.
3. Select Clear Cache.
4. Reopen Apple Music and try searching again.

Note: This option is only available on Android devices. iOS and Mac manage cache automatically.

10. Reset Network Settings on Your Device

If network settings are misconfigured, resetting them can fix connectivity-related search problems.

On iPhone and iPad:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Network Settings.
2. Enter your passcode and confirm. Your Wi-Fi networks, passwords, and VPN settings will be reset.
3. Reconnect to Wi-Fi and check Apple Music search.

11. Reinstall Apple Music:

If all else fails, try reinstalling the Apple Music app. Here's how to do it on different devices:

• On iPhone and iPad: Press and hold the Apple Music app icon until it wiggles, then tap the "X" in the corner to delete it. Go to the App Store, search for Apple Music, and reinstall it.
• On Android: Open the Google Play Store, search for Apple Music, and uninstall it. Then, reinstall it from the Play Store.
• On Mac: Open Finder, go to Applications, and drag the Apple Music app to the Trash. Empty the Trash, then download and install Apple Music from the App Store.
• On Windows: Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features. Find Apple Music in the list, right-click on it, and select "Uninstall." Once it's uninstalled, download and reinstall Apple Music from the Microsoft Store.

Part 3. Alternative Ways to Search on Apple Music

If all the methods above are tried with no success, here're more alternatives to search for Apple Music.

Option 1: Use the Apple Music Web Player (music.apple.com)

You can use a browser to visit the music.apple.com to search for Apple Music. Even if you don't subscribe to Apple Music or the Apple ID can't be used for this second, you can still use the Search function for the desired Apple Music contents. You can also sign in to your Apple ID to access your library and add the desired Apple Music contents from the search results.

How to search for Apple Music on music.apple.com:

1. Use a browser to visit this music.apple.com.
2. Click the Search field to search for the desired Apple Music contents in Categories.



3. To add it to your library, click the "Sign in" button to use your Apple ID and password to sign in to Apple Music's web version.

Option 2: Use Google to Search for Apple Music Songs or Albums

Chances are that the issue is on Apple Music's ends and the methods don't make senses for some users. No worries. Google is powerful for all Apple Music users to find the desired Apple Music contents. Follow these steps.

How to search for Apple Music on Google:

1. Use a browser to open Google.
2. In the Search field, enter "[Apple Music Content's Name] + Apple Music" and search for it.
3. Now Google will show multiple results. Go into the top result, for example "BTS on Apple Music" and this will lead to the exact result on music.apple.com.

Option 3: Use Siri or Google Assistant for Voice Search on Apple Music

You can use Siri to search for Apple Music in the Music app. Just Activate Siri, then make a request with voice.

• Play Apple Music: You can play any song, artist, album, playlist, or station. Say, for example, "Play 'Gasoline' by The Weeknd" or "Play Kehlani." Siri can also play popular songs from different genres or years. Say "Play the top songs from 1990." You can also play music on AirPlay 2-enabled devices in a specific room. Say something like "Play the latest album by Camila Cabello in the living room."
• Add music from Apple Music to your library: Say, for example, "Add 'Evergreen' by Omar Apollo to my library." Or while playing something, say "Add this to my library." (Apple Music subscription required. Not available with Apple Music Voice.)
• Add a song or album to a playlist: While playing a song, say something like "Add this song to my Workout playlist" or "Add this album to my Sunday Morning playlist."
• Find out more about the current song: Say "What's playing?", "Who sings this song?", or "Who is this song by?"
• Play songs based on their lyrics: Say "Play the song with the lyrics" and then say a key phrase from the lyrics.

Bouns: How to Download and Convert Apple Music to MP3

If none of these fixes solve Apple Music search not working, and you’re tired of paying for Apple Music, you might consider pausing or canceling your subscription while waiting for Apple’s response. Keep in mind that without a subscription, you cannot access all Apple Music songs, including any downloaded tracks.

If you want to keep the songs you already have, there’s a solution: convert Apple Music to MP3. Once converted, you can use any music player to listen to them without an active subscription. Converting Apple Music to MP3 requires a dedicated application to remove Apple Music’s restrictions. ViWizard Apple Music Converter can help. It allows you to convert Apple Music tracks while retaining all ID3 tags and metadata, such as song title, album cover, genre, year, and more.

When ViWizard Apple Music Converter is installed on your computer, it can access your entire Apple Music library, including songs from the Apple Music Web Player. You can also use its built-in Search tool to quickly find your favorite Apple Music tracks for downloading and converting, which is useful if the in-app search feature is not working.

Key Features of ViWizard Apple Music Converter

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• Convert Apple Music songs, albums, playlists, and artists into MP3 for easy access
• Preserve lossless audio, high-resolution lossless, and Dolby Atmos quality
• Strip DRM from Apple Music for unrestricted offline listening
• Save converted audio files while retaining full ID3 tag details