Apple Music & disappearing songs or (smart) playlists

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Apple Music & disappearing songs or (smart) playlists

I am a long time apple user and bought a lot of media since 2000 via iTunes (mobileMe) - I also burned via iTunes in the past all my physical CD's into iTunes

it was all setup with smart playlists and everything was syncing across me apple devices.

Then I decided let's try Apple Music, as Apple is continuously pushing their musics service.

a few months ago I thought it and stopped it as it is too expensive.

My (smart) playlists are gone

My burned CD's are gone

some of my bought music is gone

And I am now realising the huge apple vendor lock-in I am having

What is a good way to

stop this push off Apple Music (I don't want it anymore)
get my playlists back
get my burned CD's in iTunes back

MacBook Pro (2021)

Posted on Jun 28, 2025 01:23 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 30, 2025 07:29 AM in response to rvanerven

Hi,

Did you make a backup of your music before subscribing to Apple Music. If so, you should be able to restore your music ripped from CD's. As far as iTunes purchases are concerned, see Redownload music from the iTunes Store on your Mac – Apple Support (UK)

I would add that subscribing to Apple Music should not affect existing music on your computer unless you opt to replace or delete matched tracks and stream the music. You will of course lose access to any music the you obtained fro your subscription.

Jim

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