Why Can't I Import from Apple Music/iTunes?
Quick Answer
The Problem: Apple Music subscription songs are DRM-protected and cannot be imported.
The Solution:
- ✅ CAN Import: iTunes Store purchases (songs you bought)
- ❌ CANNOT Import: Apple Music subscription streaming
How to Import iTunes Purchases:
- Download the song locally (no cloud icon ☁️)
- Open Audio Jam → Tap "+" → Select "Music Library" or "Files"
- Choose your downloaded song → Import
Understanding the Difference
❌ Apple Music Subscription (Cannot Import)
What it is:
- Monthly subscription service ($10.99/month)
- Stream millions of songs
- Songs are DRM-encrypted
- Can only play in Apple Music app
Why it doesn't work:
- Files are encrypted
- Require Apple Music app to decrypt
- Third-party apps cannot access
- This is intentional copyright protection
✅ iTunes Store Purchases (Can Import)
What it is:
- One-time purchase per song ($0.99-$1.29)
- Download and own permanently
- No DRM encryption
- Can use in any app
Why it works:
- Files are not encrypted
- Stored as regular M4A files
- Can be accessed by Audio Jam
- You own the file
How to Import iTunes Purchases
Step 1: Verify You Purchased (Not Subscribed)
Check in Apple Music app:
- Open Apple Music
- Find the song
- Look for "Purchased" label
- If it says "Added" or has cloud icon, it's subscription
Check purchase history:
- Open App Store
- Tap profile icon → Purchase History
- Search for song name
- Verify purchase date and amount
Step 2: Download Locally
Important: Song must be downloaded to device, not just in cloud.
- Open Apple Music app
- Find your purchased song
- Look for cloud icon ☁️
- If cloud icon present: Tap to download
- If no cloud icon: Already downloaded ✅
- Wait for download to complete
- Verify cloud icon is gone
Step 3: Import to Audio Jam
Method A: From Music Library
- Open Audio Jam
- Tap "+" button
- Select "Music Library"
- Find your song
- Tap to import
- Wait for processing
Method B: From Files
- Open Audio Jam
- Tap "+" button
- Select "Files"
- Navigate to Music folder
- Find your song file
- Tap to import
- Wait for processing
What is DRM?
DRM = Digital Rights Management
Purpose:
- Protects copyrights
- Prevents unauthorized copying
- Controls where files can be played
How it works:
- Encrypts audio files
- Requires specific app to decrypt
- Locks files to authorized devices
- Prevents third-party access
Why streaming uses DRM:
- Protects music industry
- Prevents piracy
- Ensures artists get paid
- Required by record labels
Troubleshooting
Still Can't Import After Downloading?
Check these:
Using correct Apple ID?
- Must be same Apple ID used for purchase
- Settings → [Your Name] → Check email
File fully downloaded?
- No cloud icon ☁️ should be visible
- Check in Files app
Actually purchased (not subscription)?
- Verify in purchase history
- Subscription songs won't work
File in iCloud only?
- Download to device storage
- See article "Why Can't I Access Music in iCloud?"
Error Messages
"Cannot access file"
- File may be DRM-protected (subscription)
- Or file is in iCloud only
"Unsupported format"
- Unlikely for iTunes purchases
- Try re-downloading the file
"File not found"
- File may have been deleted
- Re-download from iTunes
Alternative Solutions
If You Have Apple Music Subscription:
Option 1: Purchase Songs Individually
- Buy songs you want to practice
- $0.99-$1.29 per song
- Permanent ownership
- Can import to Audio Jam
Option 2: Use Free Music
- Download from free music websites
- See article "How to Get Importable Music Files"
- Build practice library legally
Option 3: Screen Recording
- Last resort method
- Record screen while playing
- Import recording
- See article "How to Import Music via Screen Recording"
Quick Reference
| Source | Can Import? | How to Import |
|---|---|---|
| iTunes Store Purchase | ✅ Yes | Download locally → Import |
| Apple Music Subscription | ❌ No | DRM protected - cannot import |
| Apple Music Purchase | ✅ Yes | Download locally → Import |
| CD Ripped to iTunes | ✅ Yes | Already local - import directly |
| Matched Songs (iTunes Match) | ✅ Usually | Download locally → Import |
Cost Comparison
Apple Music Subscription:
- Cost: $10.99/month
- Access: Millions of songs (streaming only)
- Import to Audio Jam: ❌ No
iTunes Purchases:
- Cost: $0.99-$1.29 per song
- Access: Purchased songs only (download and own)
- Import to Audio Jam: ✅ Yes
Recommendation:
- Keep Apple Music for listening
- Purchase specific songs you want to practice in Audio Jam
- Best of both worlds
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I pay for Apple Music. Why can't I import songs? A: Apple Music subscription is a streaming service. Songs are DRM-protected and can only play in Apple Music app. You need to purchase songs individually to import them.
Q: Can I remove DRM from Apple Music songs? A: Removing DRM violates Apple's terms of service and may be illegal. We recommend purchasing DRM-free versions instead.
Q: How do I know if I purchased or subscribed? A: Check your purchase history in App Store. Purchases show specific song names and prices. Subscriptions show monthly charges.
Q: Can I import songs from iTunes Match? A: Usually yes, if they're downloaded locally. iTunes Match songs are typically DRM-free.
Q: What if I already paid for Apple Music? A: Subscription and purchases are separate. Subscription gives streaming access; purchases give file ownership.
Q: Is there a way to convert subscription songs? A: No legal way. The encryption is intentional copyright protection.