Downloaded songs will no longer play

Apple Music 1.3.6.14 will not play dozens of songs ripped from my own CDs earlier this year. Instead, I get an error message like this:


How do I fix that?

iMac 21.5″ 4K, macOS 13.7

Posted on Nov 22, 2025 1:30 PM

Reply
5 replies

Nov 22, 2025 3:49 PM in response to RKJMG

Re: Downloaded songs will no longer play


Seems like the folder of songs may have been moved to a different location, and the Music app needs your help to locate them ?


Re: How do I fix that?


There are a few different ways you could choose from: Check after any you try to see whether the issue is fixed.


(1) If you are not already using the newest MacOS Ventura 13.7.6 version

  • Check whether there's an update for your Mac OS in System Settings > General > Software updates.

(If you choose to update: please remember it is wise to back-up your Mac first.)


(2) * If not updating MacOS: Try re-starting your Mac

( Apple menu (click black Apple on the left in top menu bar) > Restart) Wait for Mac to rstart, and log back in.

(ie: deletes temporary files, may update recent setting changes etc., re-establishes connections,


(3) * Search for the files (or folder the sngs are in) and move them / it back to where it was..

or

(4) * Try clicking the red "locate" button shown in your screen-shot, navigate to the file the Music app can't find

(ie: "Puccini- La Boheme - Non Sono in Vena") so the Music app can open it.

or

(5) * Find the folder of songs, and double-click a file to hear it play in the Mac's QuickTime player app

Nov 23, 2025 3:07 PM in response to RKJMG

Thank you kindly for trying those suggestions, for replying, and for letting us know your problem-situation continues.


So it seems Apple Music looks for the imported songs from CD's in the Library in the Music app. Eg: If the songs are only on a playlist, that would explain why they are not being located.


Add music to build your library in Music on Mac - Apple Support

Eg says:


Resource: Apple Music User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

Downloaded songs will no longer play

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