Apple Music on MacBook Air M1 plays songs with glitches but when played directly from the Finder, they play ok?

Hi, has anyone had this issue before? I'm using Apple Music on a MacBook Air M1. The files in Apple Music say error under the cloud status column. I have tried copying the files that are located in an external hard drive using the Finder app into another location (directly into the SSD of the MacBook), then deleting the files directly in the Apple Music library. Then updating the iCloud library and waiting for it to finish. Then adding the duplicate files. When imported they still play with the glitches. Not sure how to proceed! I have tried playing the songs both directly on Funder and also using the VLC app.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!


MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.5

Posted on Jul 19, 2025 10:09 AM

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3 replies

Jul 25, 2025 10:24 PM in response to jtarbay

"Apple Music on MacBook Air M1 plays songs with glitches but when played directly from the Finder, they play ok?

Hi, has anyone had this issue before? I'm using Apple Music on a MacBook Air M1. The files in Apple Music say error under the cloud status column.[...]"

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Provide a Screenshot of this Error Seen:

Please provide a screenshot of the error. That would most certainly help. IMPORTANT: Blockout any personal information, whatsoever, (i.e. names and phone numbers) by covering it with red-colored rectangles and such, through use of the Photos app. Go here: Take a Screenshot on Mac - Apple Support


Jul 30, 2025 01:53 PM in response to jtarbay

Hi, a screenshot won't help because the issue is that it makes a glitchy sound. Here is a link with an audio recording I made.


Audio glitch


I have tried removing the album from the library, updating iCloud within Apple Music, waiting several days, then re-importing the album. Still has the same glitch!


It's so strange that the files sound perfectly fine on other apps and even on the Finder preview!

Jul 30, 2025 08:33 PM in response to jtarbay

"Apple Music on MacBook Air M1 plays songs with glitches but when played directly from the Finder, they play ok?: Hi, a screenshot won't help because the issue is that it makes a glitchy sound. Here is a link with an audio recording I made. Audio glitch[...]"

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Troubleshooting Apple Music Glitches:


A. Single-Out this Device:

What happens when you try this one another device? Do you get the same error? If so, then it is an issue with the song. If not, then it is an issue with the device.


B. Boot in Safe Mode:

In Safe ModeLogin Items do not run at login, certain preferences are set aside, and damaged system files are then reset. So, once booted in to Safe Mode, wait 30 seconds, and then boot up normally, attempting another play. For instructions, go here: How to Use Safe Mode on your Mac - Apple Support


C. Request a New Purchase:

These are from iTunes Store, correct? IF so, and being only a sound issue, give Apple a call, and request a new purchase. It would be given to you as a new item in your iTunes Library. I've been through it myself. In once instance, it was a song, and the other instance, it was a movie, playing on all of my devices. Apple replace it.

Apple Contact Info:

Apple Music on MacBook Air M1 plays songs with glitches but when played directly from the Finder, they play ok?

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