Determining the active music library in Apple Music

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Level 1

13 points

Determining the active music library in Apple Music

I have my large music collection (not a subscription) in several places (Mac Minis & a portable drive). It's been a nightmare cleaning up multiple libraries that the program created but I've managed it. Now my question is this - is there any way to tell what library Apple Music is using at a particular time? I know how to choose a library when I open the app. What I want to know is if there's a way to determine which library is in use after I've opened the app. I'd like to avoid re-creating the issue I've just cleaned up.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Which Music Library

Mac mini (M1, 2020)

Posted on Jul 21, 2025 05:38 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

277,729 points

Jul 22, 2025 03:07 AM in response to nanhoa

Apple Music always opens the last library selected by option-starting Apple Music, unless that library cannot be reached. If you have multiple libraries for different purposes I recommend creating an empty playlist folder of the form ! Library Description ! in each library, as this will sort to the top of the playlist sidebar, meaning you can always look in the same place to determine which library you currently have open.

See also Managing your Mac media libraries - Apple Community.

tt2

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Answer 2

TheLittles

Level 10

201,503 points

Jul 21, 2025 06:44 PM in response to nanhoa

"Determining the active music library in Apple Music: [...]Now my question is this - is there any way to tell what library Apple Music is using at a particular time?[...]"

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The Library would be highlighted.

Screenshot:

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Answer 3

nanhoa Author

Level 1

13 points

Jul 23, 2025 08:03 AM in response to turingtest2

Yes I'm looking for a way to catch when I'm in the "wrong" library and messing up my organization. A playlist is the perfect solution! Once again the depth of your knowledge is greatly appreciated. You go way beyond the basics that Apple shares with us and know the little tips and tricks that solve loads of problems.

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Answer 4

nanhoa Author

Level 1

13 points

Jul 23, 2025 07:58 AM in response to TheLittles

that's not a "library", it's a sorting indication

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