Previewing and purchasing songs on iTunes without Apple Music subscription

Question

Level 1

4 points

Previewing and purchasing songs on iTunes without Apple Music subscription

I'm on my MacBook. I access iTunes through the Apple Music icon in my "dock".

When I find the music I'm interested in, I'm unable to preview it or purchase it. Every time I click the "play" arrow to preview the song, a window pops up inviting me to subscribe to Apple Music. Do I have to subscribe to Apple Music in order even to preview a song in iTunes?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Do you have to subscribe to Apple Music in order to preview a song and perhaps buy it in iTunes?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 13.3

Posted on Aug 3, 2025 05:30 PM

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Answer 1

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

54,242 points

Aug 3, 2025 05:35 PM in response to Schyma

No, you do not need to subscribe to Apple Music. Are you sure you are using the iTunes Store in the Apple Music sidebar? It is only visible if you go to Music > Settings > General > iTunes Store, and have that selected. Then select the iTunes Store in the sidebar and you should be able to preview the song and also have the option to purchase it.

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Answer 2

Schyma Author

Level 1

4 points

Aug 3, 2025 06:23 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

Thank you, Mac Jim ID!!! I had selected iTunes in the settings. BUT Apple Music was also selected. Once I deselected that, iTunes worked perfectly! THANK YOU very much!!!

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Answer 3

Mac Jim ID

Level 9

54,242 points

Aug 3, 2025 07:15 PM in response to Schyma

Right on! Thanks for the update.

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