How to Listen to Apple Music Offline| 3 Simple Ways (2026 Guide)

Wondering how to listen to Apple Music offline? Three easy ways - download with subscription, AirDrop to Mac, or transfer any music with AOMEI FoneBackup. No Wi-Fi needed.

By @Kelsey
Last Updated March 6, 2026
 

Can you listen to Apple Music offline?

My friend is on a short cruise and doesn't want to pay for Wi-Fi. She subscribed to Apple Music and downloaded songs to her phone. But does the app have to check in online to keep playing offline? I don't want her to need Wi-Fi to listen.

- Question from Apple DiscussionsApple Discussions

If you've ever been on a plane, a cruise, or just somewhere with a spotty signal, you've probably asked yourself: how to listen to Apple Music offline? The good news is that yes, you absolutely can. Apple Music lets you download songs, albums, and playlists to your device so you can play them without an internet connection. No Wi-Fi, no cellular data, just your music. This guide walks you through three ways to make it happen. Whether you're a subscriber, a Mac user, or just want your music on a PC, there's a method here for you.

Why Listen to Apple Music Offline?

There are plenty of reasons you might want offline access:

  • Traveling. Planes, cruises, subways—places with no signal or expensive Wi-Fi.
  • Saving data. Streaming music all day eats through your cellular plan fast.
  • Unreliable connections. Not everyone has perfect internet at home.
  • Sharing with others. Sometimes you just want to put music on someone else's device.

Whatever your reason, here's how to do it.

Method 1. Download Music from Apple Music

If you're an Apple Music subscriber, this is the simplest method. Download songs directly to your iPhone, and they're yours to play offline—no internet required.

🔍What you need:

  • An active Apple Music subscription (individual, family, or student)

  • A stable internet connection for downloading

How to download Apple Music for offline listening:

Step 1. Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone.

Step 2. Find a song, album, or playlist you want to save. Touch and hold the item (or tap the three-dot menu).

Step 3. Tap "Add to Library" if it's not already there.

Step 4. Look for the cloud download icon (a cloud with a downward arrow). Tap it. The song will download to your device.

Step 5. Once downloaded, the cloud icon turns into a checkmark. You're all set, even in airplane mode, that song will play.

⚠️Note:

  • Downloaded songs are only available as long as your subscription is active. If you cancel, they disappear. Also, you need to go online at least once every 30 days to keep your downloads valid.

Method 2. Transfer Apple Music via AirDrop

If you have a Mac and want to move Apple Music files between your own devices, AirDrop is a solid option. It uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transfer files wirelessly over short distances.

🔍What you need:

  • A Mac running macOS (with AirDrop enabled)

  • Both devices signed into the same Apple ID (or with AirDrop set to "Everyone")

How to transfer Apple Music with AirDrop:

Step 1. On your iPhone, go to Settings > General > AirDrop. Choose "Contacts Only" or "Everyone." (If you're using the same Apple ID, "Contacts Only" works fine.)

Step 2. Open the Apple Music app on your iPhone. Find the songs you want to transfer. Tap the three-dot menu and select "Share" > "AirDrop."

Step 3. On your Mac, open a Finder window and click "AirDrop" in the sidebar. Make sure AirDrop is turned on.

Step 4. Your iPhone should see your Mac. Tap the Mac's icon to send the files.

Step 5. On your Mac, choose where to save the files (the Downloads folder is the default). Wait for the transfer to complete.

⚠️Note:

  • This method works best for a few songs at a time. Large playlists can be slow or unreliable.

Method 3. Transfer Music to iPhone with AOMEI FoneBackup

Here's the thing about the methods above: they either require an active subscription (Method 1) or a Mac (Method 2). If you're a Windows user or want to move music you already own (like ripped CDs or downloaded files), you need something else.

AOMEI FoneBackup is a free tool that lets you transfer music from your PC to your iPhone with a USB cable. No subscription needed, no Wi-Fi required, just your music files.

AOMEI FoneBackup
Free iPhone Backup & Transfer Software
  • No subscription needed: Transfer music you already own - MP3s, AAC, WAV, FLAC, whatever.
  • Selective transfer: Pick specific songs, not your whole library.
  • Fast USB transfer: No waiting on slow Wi-Fi.
  • Also handles photos, videos, contacts: Same simple process.
  • Wide compatibility: Support all iOS versions and models of iPhone, iPad, and iPod.
Download Freeware Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7
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How to Transfer Music to iPhone with AOMEI FoneBackup (5 Simple Steps):

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI FoneBackup on your Windows PC. Connect your iPhone with a USB cable and tap "Trust This Computer" when prompted.

Step 2. Open AOMEI FoneBackup. On the home screen, click Phone Transfer, then choose PC to iPhone and hit Get Started.

Step 3. Click the Music tab. Then click the folder icon to browse your PC for the songs you want to transfer. Select the files and click Open.

Step 4. Make sure you've added all the music you want. Click the Start Transfer button.

Step 5. Wait a few seconds—done. Disconnect your iPhone and open the Music app to find your songs.

🌟Tip:

AOMEI FoneBackup can also transfer music from iPhone to PC, or even between two iPhones. Handy if you ever need to go the other way.

Conclusion

So, how to listen to Apple Music offline? You've got options. If you're a subscriber, just download songs directly in the app. If you're on a Mac, AirDrop can move files between your devices. But if you're a Windows user or want to transfer music you already own without a subscription, AOMEI FoneBackup is the way to go. Fast, simple, and no monthly fees. Give it a try and take your music anywhere.