Apple Music

Question

Level 1

22 points

Apple Music

I have Apple Music. I recently purchased a new iMac, replacing a "still working" 2009 iMac. I transferred all my files from old computer to new computer via Time Machine Backup drive. I've been trying to clean up files/folders on new iMac...duplicate photos, music, etc. I found under the Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Apple Music folder a long list of folders with names of Artists and songs that I've never heard of or would ever listen to. I checked the "info" on the Apple music folder and it showed the size "115.25 GB on disk" for 23,619 items. Dumb question..Are these files/folders actually on my Computer drive?? I have no idea how they appeared or how long they've been there.. They were on my old computer also. I'm pretty computer literate, but is there something I'm missing. My question is, Can I delete the ones that I don't want without damaging anything else. I'm bebuffled! Thanks Sorry for long post. Probably too much info!

iMac 24″, macOS 13.2

Posted on Mar 17, 2023 08:41 AM

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Answer 1

Mar 20, 2023 10:01 AM in response to Gwen Harold

Hi Gwen Harold,

It sounds like you may have had the option to copy media enabled when adding to your library with Apple Music. The information below found in the article here can assist: Change where your music files are stored on Mac - Apple Support

"Add files to your library but not to your Music folder

When you add an item already on your computer to your library, Music places a copy of the file in your Music folder. The original file remains in its current location.

You can change this setting so that files are added to your library without being added to the Music folder. You might want to do this, for example, if you prefer to store files on an external disk but still want to view them in Music.

In the Music app on your Mac, choose Music > Settings, then click Files.
Deselect the checkbox next to “Copy files to Music Media folder when adding to library.”

From now on, when you drag a file to your library, the item appears in Music, but the actual file isn’t copied or moved.

Tip: You can temporarily reverse this setting by holding down the Option key while you drag files to the Music window."

You can also find helpful information here: Change Files settings in Music on Mac - Apple Support

Additionally, before deleting any content you can create a backup to ensure your information is saved. How to back up your Mac - Official Apple Support

Cheers.

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Answer 2

lexOS1

Community Specialist

Mar 19, 2023 01:35 PM in response to Gwen Harold

Hi Gwen Harold,

Thank you for participating in the Apple Support Communities. To answer your questions, once everything has completely moved to your new device you change remove the files that you no longer want. Here is a link to help: Delete files and folders on Mac - Apple Support

Have a great day.

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Answer 3

Gwen Harold Author

Level 1

22 points

Mar 19, 2023 08:59 PM in response to lexOS1

I was questioning the Apple Music folder in the Finder. I know I can go in and delete most anything off my drive... but.... See my screenshot. My Apple Music folder shows that the a size of 101.62 GB on the disc. The list of Albums/Artists/songs are numerous. I am not familiar with most of these items....I do not listen to most of this music... and I surely did not import them in this file.... so how did they get there? If I look up an item in the "Music App". it shows that it is "streamed". If it's streaming in Apple Music...why would it be on my drive? I would like to do a major delete in this folder, but I don't want to mess up my Apple Music. Is this folder taking my 101.62 GB on my drive? I spoke via Chat with someone on Apple Support the other day, and he told me I could delete what I don't want but I would like to hear another opinion.

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