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In a world where everyone’s music listening needs have been taken over by streaming services, there are those who keep “traditional” music libraries. Despite coming in later than others, Apple Music is turning into the de-facto music streaming option for everyone, including Android users.
The great thing about using Apple Music is its obvious integration with macOS, iOS, and iPadOS. But while iTunes as we know has been changed forever, it’s still possible to keep a more traditional library of music.
A few years ago, Apple opted to try and help iTunes users with iTunes Match. It was introduced as a part of the iCloud suite of web-based services. Essentially you have to upload your music collection, and then your music becomes available on any compatible device.
It’s not exactly the same as Apple Music, as you are streaming from Match, instead of Apple’s streaming service. There are some limitations to this, although not many users ever reach that 100,000 song limit.
The biggest benefit of Match is that if iTunes/Apple Music can locate the song in its library, you have access to the highest quality version. Uploaded music that is not found in iTunes, is limited to using either the AAC or MP3 format.
The truth of the matter is that iTunes Match and iCloud Music Library work in tandem. These are not two entirely separate services from Apple. The music uploaded via iTunes Match syncs with your iCloud Music Library.
Then, when you go to listen to your files on a different device with the same Apple ID, iCloud Music Library kicks in and provides the files. These files show a cloud-download icon, allowing you to download them directly to your devices if you want to.
Before simply signing up, you want to double-check to see if you’ve already subscribed to Match. It’s pretty easy to do so, provided you know where to look.
If you are already subscribed to this music service, then the window says: “Your iTunes library is now available in iCloud.” There’s also a subheading, sharing how many songs are available via Match and iCloud Music Library. This helps you to recognize whether something is amiss in your library or not.
The first thing to take note of is that if you are a paying-subscriber to Apple Music, iTunes Match is included. Meaning you not only have access to all of your music but the entire Apple Music catalog.
In the event that you don’t have Apple Music, iTunes Match will set you back for $24.99 per year. Compared to the $120 from Apple Music, it seems like a heckuva deal. But the savings are definitely more for those who have an enormous personal library including music not found elsewhere.
Once you’ve subscribed, you must enable “Sync Library” in order to access those files across your devices.
Regardless of whether you’ve just decided to stop using the new Music app or just need to download your songs, it’s important to be able to. Maybe you want to unsubscribe from iTunes Match altogether, but don’t want to lose your files. Here’s how you can download all of your iTunes Match songs:
Once the Smart Playlist has been created, you’ll be able to download the songs from your library.
Depending on your internet speed and the number of songs, this process could take some time. Make sure that your Mac doesn’t automatically go to sleep, and stretch your legs a bit. Once complete, you can move the downloaded files just like you would any other files.
Now that your music library is downloaded locally, you likely want to cancel your iTunes Match subscription. Even with the update to macOS Big Sur, it’s pretty easy to manage those subscriptions.
Shortly after, an email will arrive in your inbox confirming the cancellation of the subscription. If it doesn’t come right away, just give it some time and double-check your SPAM folder. It’s important to note that if you cancel iTunes Match before the year is up, you will still have access until the date the subscription runs out.
Andrew is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US.
He has written for a variety of sites over the years, including iMore, Android Central, Phandroid, and a few others. Now, he spends his days working for an HVAC company, while moonlighting as a freelance writer at night.
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