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iPhone music app will not play downloaded playlists or songs offline

Hello,

I'm having an issue with Apple Music on my iPhone 12 mini. I have the current update (iOS 16.0.2) but this problem was occurring before the update as well.


In the music app, downloaded ALBUMS will play offline just fine. However, if I add a PLAYLIST to my library and download it, it will not play when I'm not connected to wifi. It gives the error message "The Internet connection appears to be offline." The same problem occurs when I add/download individual songs. The songs are indicated as being downloaded on the device but will not play offline.


Any reason why entire albums will work but playlists or individual songs will not? Any fix for this?


Thank you.

iPhone 12 mini, iOS 16

Posted on Oct 7, 2022 12:31 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 8, 2022 5:22 PM

Hello cp8614,


We understand that you cannot listen to playlists and individual songs you’ve downloaded to your device for offline listening. Can you tell us if the affected songs play any audio, even if only for a portion of the song? Is your device all up-to-date? Update your iPhone or iPad. Also, do you use Apple Music with any other devices? If so, are they exhibiting the same behavior? Lastly, give the steps in the link below a try in the section titled “Download music from Apple Music to your iPhone,” and let us know if you still have the same problem.


Add music to iPhone and listen offline - Apple Support


* Download a song, album, or playlist: Touch and hold music you’ve added to your library, then tap Download.
After you’ve added a playlist or album, you can also tap the Download button at the top of the screen.

Note: You must turn on Sync Library to download music from Apple Music to your library (go to Settings  > Music, then turn on Sync Library).

*Always download music: Go to Settings > Music, then turn on Automatic Downloads.

Songs you add are automatically downloaded to iPhone.

*See download progress: On the Library screen, tap Downloaded Music, then tap Downloading.

Note: If the music you’re downloading is available in Dolby Atmos, the Dolby button  appears next to the item, and you can download it either in Dolby Atmos or in stereo. To download music in Dolby Atmos when available, go to Settings  > Music, then turn on Download in Dolby Atmos. See Listen to Dolby Atmos music on iPhone.


We recommend the steps above because they will show you how to listen to music offline.


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.


Cheers!


Similar questions

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 8, 2022 5:22 PM in response to cp8614

Hello cp8614,


We understand that you cannot listen to playlists and individual songs you’ve downloaded to your device for offline listening. Can you tell us if the affected songs play any audio, even if only for a portion of the song? Is your device all up-to-date? Update your iPhone or iPad. Also, do you use Apple Music with any other devices? If so, are they exhibiting the same behavior? Lastly, give the steps in the link below a try in the section titled “Download music from Apple Music to your iPhone,” and let us know if you still have the same problem.


Add music to iPhone and listen offline - Apple Support


* Download a song, album, or playlist: Touch and hold music you’ve added to your library, then tap Download.
After you’ve added a playlist or album, you can also tap the Download button at the top of the screen.

Note: You must turn on Sync Library to download music from Apple Music to your library (go to Settings  > Music, then turn on Sync Library).

*Always download music: Go to Settings > Music, then turn on Automatic Downloads.

Songs you add are automatically downloaded to iPhone.

*See download progress: On the Library screen, tap Downloaded Music, then tap Downloading.

Note: If the music you’re downloading is available in Dolby Atmos, the Dolby button  appears next to the item, and you can download it either in Dolby Atmos or in stereo. To download music in Dolby Atmos when available, go to Settings  > Music, then turn on Download in Dolby Atmos. See Listen to Dolby Atmos music on iPhone.


We recommend the steps above because they will show you how to listen to music offline.


Thanks for using the Apple Support Communities.


Cheers!


Oct 8, 2022 6:12 PM in response to J_Johnnyboy

Hi, music on my computer/windows is showing all the music. I connect my iPhone or iPad and try to sync. Now there’s music on my iPhone and iPad that show not downloaded. Plus, not all the music is showing up on my iPhone iPad. I’m so frustrated. Have done all the suggestions turn sync library on and off restart phone. Offloaded iTunes app. Deleted the app reinstalled. I’m running 5.7ios. Should updating to 16 help? Or make a difference. I’m so confused and don’t know what to do. Pam

iPhone music app will not play downloaded playlists or songs offline

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