how to sync music on Big Sur

Hey rw2001,

We're glad you thought to ask Apple Support Communities about syncing your music between your Mac and iPhone while using macOS Big Sur. You mention iCloud too. Are you an Apple Music or iTunes Match subscriber? If so, you'll want to use the iCloud Music Library to sync your music between devices by turning on the "Sync Library" option. Details can be found here: Turn on Sync Library with Apple Music

If you're not using those features, let us know more:

• What happens when you try to sync using these steps: Sync music between your Mac and iPhone or iPad
• Do alerts appear, and if so, what do they say?

The more details you can provide the better.

Take care.

Can anyone point me to where "Sync Library" is located on Big Sur OS and iOS 14.4? I can't find it anywhere.

And please don't post this link: Turn on Sync Library with Apple Music - Apple Support This does not help me as Sync can't be found on Big Sur and 14.4, per these instructions. TIA

Sure... here you go. This is what I see in Big Sur.

After researching this a bit more, I think I figured it out. Rather than going to Music>Preferences, per the linked instructions, I plugged up my iPhone and went to Finder. From Finder, I selected my iPhone and I was then given the ability to see the Sync feature. I'm fixed now. :)

Rick,

That's great information. With using the iCloud Music Library you're not able to manually sync your music between devices. With using this feature though, the music should automatically sync between your Mac and iPhone. That's where the "Sync Library" option comes into play on your Mac and iPhone. If you prefer to continue using iCloud, make sure "Sync Library" is turned on for both your iPhone and Mac.

If you prefer to sync your music manually, that's OK too. You'll want to turn off the "Sync Library" option on your Mac and iPhone, then you should be able to sync it using the Finder.

Let us know how it goes.

Best regards.

Hi - I have tried everything to get my iMac (Big Sur) to sync a playlist on to my iPhone 8. I've read what is on here; I have scoured all the support communities but it just won't happen. I even tried to drag the Playlist from the iMac on to the phone but was told that it was already on the phone !! I am exasperated. Grateful for your help. I am an Apple Music subscriber and I have tried every sync button in sight !

Hi,

Are you signed into your Apple account. Can you post an image of what you are seeing in preferences?

Jim