Apple users often notice music and playlists suddenly disappear from Apple Music. The most irritating part is when you don’t understand why it is happening. If you are one of the users who is wondering how to fix iTunes library content disappearing issues, then your answer is by creating a backup.
In this post, we are going to discuss how to create a backup of your iTunes Library.
Note: You need to ensure that your whole library has been downloaded in a local storage.
If you have iCloud Music Library or iTunes, then your music might have been stored in the cloud. However, to ensure all of the music & other content purchased is available as a backup, you have to download all of the content to your Mac. Read this to know how:
There are various ways to create a backup of your system. You can use the in-built tool of Mac named Time Machine or you can go with any cloud backup services as well. If you want to know how to take a backup of your Mac through Time Machine, then you need to open this.
How To Create Backup Of Your iTunes Library Manually?
If you want to create a separate backup of your iTunes library, then there are two different ways to get it done. You can consolidate the library or by copying your iTunes library with a backup source. First, we’re going to talk about how to consolidate your library.
How to Consolidate Your Library?
Firstly, you need to keep all the files for which you want to take backup at one place and then you need to consolidate your iTunes library.
Step 1: You need to download a local copy of your music to your Mac. Please ignore if you already did that.
Step 2: Open iTunes on your device.
Step 3: You need to hit File which is located at the top-left corner of your screen. You can locate it next to iTunes.
Step 4: Locate the Library and hover the cursor on it to get the drop-down list.
Step 5: Choose Organize Library from the drop-down list.
Step 6: Now, you need to check-mark the box which is located beside “Consolidate Files” .
Step 7: Hit OK.
By performing the steps, you can get a copy of all the files in the iTunes media folder. Moreover, all the original content will be securely stored in the current location as well.
Use External Drives to Create A Copy of Your iTunes Library
Firstly, you need to connect your external drive to your Mac through a USB cable.
Step 1: Launch Finder. You can open Finder using the Spotlight.
Step 2: Now, you need to choose your Mac’s Hard drive.
Step 3: Select your Music folder.
Step 4: Choose the iTunes tab and drag that folder to your external drive icon which is available at your desktop. You can copy the content to your online cloud or another online backup.
Step 5: Select Authenticate, you might get a prompt on the screen then you need to give permission to create a copy of the iTunes folder.
Step 6: Now, you need to enter your administrator password.
Step 7: Hit OK.
You will notice your Mac is creating a copy of the backup. It might take a bit longer depending upon the iTunes library size and speed of your machine. So, be patient and validate your time with something productive.
How to Create A Temporary Backup of Your iTunes Library?
If you want to organize your library or want to make a few changes to your iTunes library and don’t have an option to use an external drive to create a backup, then you can create a temporary backup for your iTunes library. As the name says, it is a temporary method. You can’t rely on the temporary method for a longer duration, but it is what can be used it for desperate times.
Step 1: Launch Finder.
Step 2: Choose the Drive where you want to create a backup.
Step 3: Select the music folder.
Step 4: Now, you need to right-click in the iTunes folder.
Step 5: Choose Duplicate from the available menu.
Step 6: Now, you need to Move the copied iTunes folder to a fresh location which will help you to locate the folder easily.
Step 7: Please keep in the mind, you can eliminate the copied iTunes folder when your work is done.
Now, you have learned how to create a backup of your iTunes library. You can follow the above methods and ensure your purchases. In case, you get an issue, please drop a message in the comments below.