How can I transfer/sync Music Library from my Mac to my iPad?

Question

How can I transfer/sync Music Library from my Mac to my iPad?

My Mac has about 20 GB of music. My iPad has about 1.3 GB of music. I want all the music on the Mac to be on the iPad as well. I don't subscribe to Apple Music.

I'm following the steps described in an article in the Mac User Guide titled Sync content between your Mac and iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch over Wi-Fi.

In the Finder > iPad > Music tab, I checked Sync Music onto iPad > Entire Music Library.

When I click the Apply button, I get a message: "Syncing ipad with this Mac will replace media from another library on KJC iMac at home."

KJC iMac at home is one of two iMacs: one I gave away, the other I gave to Apple for recycling, years ago. Both have been gone for a long time. My 2022 MB Pro, and before it a ~2016 MB Pro, replaced the iMacs. I don't know why the old name is still showing up, the old iMacs are long gone from my home network.

In any case, what the Finder message seems to be saying is that the music on my iPad is going to replace the music on my current Mac. That is the exact opposite of what I'm trying to do.

I should add that all of the 20+ GB music on my Mac is legal. It's at least 99% from CD's which I own and have in my possession, accumulated over the last 30 years. The rest was bought from Apple a long time ago.

Can anyone suggest how to transfer the music library from my Mac to my iPad?

Thanks in advance for your help with this. - Ken

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

iPad Air, iPadOS 18

Posted on Jan 4, 2025 05:47 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

muguy

Level 10

90,320 points

Jan 4, 2025 06:13 AM in response to Kenneth Cohen1

n any case, what the Finder message seems to be saying is that the music on my iPad is going to replace the music on my current Mac. That is the exact opposite of what I'm trying to do.

No, this will remove the music synced on the iPad from old libraries. Exactly what you intend to do.

Of course, you have your library backed up too, right?

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Answer 2

AntBee

Level 1

142 points

Jan 9, 2025 11:11 AM in response to Kenneth Cohen1

If you hadn't properly removed all traces of your Apple ID from the previous iMac, and are still using the same Apple ID, your new computer is just telling you that the last computer on which you had used that Apple ID, would be erased, and replaced with what you were placing on your iPad from your new computer. Just as muguy had said, old libraries to an iPad from a new Mac. If you're not aware, it is always best to remove any trace of your Apple ID from any Apple device you may be selling, giving away or even trading in to Apple. It will save you and the new owner(s) lots of headaches. I know that the point is moot, now, given that your issue has been resolved, but I thought you'd like a little more information, just in case you were not aware.

Cheers!

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Answer 3

Jan 10, 2025 12:01 PM in response to AntBee

Thanks, you're right of course. I believe the music dates back to itunes music on a couple of Macs I had between 10 and 20 years ago, when erasing your hard drive was the only way to remove data, and there were no Apple IDs. I think the itunes store has a long memory. :-)

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Answer 4

Jan 9, 2025 07:24 AM in response to muguy

Thanks, it looks like it worked as expected.

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How can I transfer/sync Music Library from my Mac to my iPad?

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