Where is the Apple Music library located on Mac?

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Level 1

4 points

Where is the Apple Music library located on Mac?

I recently moved from a 2015 iMac to a new M4 Mac Mini. This also involved moving from macOS Monterey to Sequoia. When attempting to locate my music library so I could pass the location on to my SONOS app, I noticed the Music app showed all my songs located at User/Music/iTunes/iTunes Media/Music. That location also shows a file entitled: iTunes Music Library.xml (1.8MB) which I assume is where my Playlists are located.

However, there is also a folder: User/Music/Music folder which shows no songs but does have a file: Music Library.musiclibrary

I'm confused about why the similar folder/file structure, and what folder I should share with SONOS to provide both songs and playlists.

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Mac mini, macOS 15.3

Posted on Mar 23, 2025 12:54 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

276,623 points

Mar 23, 2025 4:44 PM in response to OldRocketGuy

See Managing your Mac media libraries - Apple Community for more on the layout of the library and media folders post iTunes. These aren't automatically converted to the standard Music layout, but is something you can do. Unlike iTunes Music doesn't automatically export an XML version of the library, but you can use File > Library > Export Library to create an updated XML file you can use for your SONOS software.

tt2

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Answer 2

OldRocketGuy Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 24, 2025 10:57 AM in response to turingtest2

Thank you for the very detailed look into the post iTunes library structure, as well as showing me how to export a library file SONOS can use. I will carefully spend some time this morning following your instructions and let you know my results.

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Answer 3

OldRocketGuy Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 24, 2025 12:42 PM in response to OldRocketGuy

I followed all your instructions and the relocated files in the recommended file structure are recognized by the Apple Music app without issue. Unfortunately, SONOS won't accept the shared Music file, but that is a SONOS issue, not Apple's.

One question: I put the exported Music Library XML file in the Music/Music/Media folder. Is that appropriate?

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Answer 4

turingtest2

Level 10

276,623 points

Mar 24, 2025 12:57 PM in response to OldRocketGuy

I would imagine ~/Music/Music is a better location, i.e. the folder that contains the Media folder. It may help to call the exported file iTunes Library.xml or iTunes Music Library.xml as those are the names iTunes would typically use.

tt2

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Answer 5

OldRocketGuy Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 24, 2025 5:42 PM in response to turingtest2

Ok, will do. Thanks.

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Where is the Apple Music library located on Mac?