How to transfer music files from old iPad to new macBook

Please help! I'm fairly un-savvy when it comes to all things tech, and I'm simply trying to get my music files transferred from my old iPad before it gets factory reset and recycled. I'm having a difficult time figuring out the best way to save all of that music, and get it transferred to the music library on my new macBook first!


It's just not intuitive for me, and I'd hate to lose all that time and money spent building that music collection. If anyone can help, please...I'm all ears!

MacBook Air 15″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Sep 4, 2025 2:43 PM

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3 replies

Sep 4, 2025 3:54 PM in response to saltamsm

saltamsm wrote:

Please help! I'm fairly un-savvy when it comes to all things tech, and I'm simply trying to get my music files transferred from my old iPad before it gets factory reset and recycled. I'm having a difficult time figuring out the best way to save all of that music, and get it transferred to the music library on my new macBook first!

It's just not intuitive for me, and I'd hate to lose all that time and money spent building that music collection. If anyone can help, please...I'm all ears!

You will need to purchase touchcopy or imazing to export data from your ipad to your macbook.

Sep 4, 2025 8:48 PM in response to saltamsm

Syncing music (and other media) is really intended to be one way: from computer to mobile device, not the other way around. One was supposed to preserve the ‘originals’/​source files on the computer (or external disk), not to have the only copy on iPad.

You’ll kinda have to jump through hoops to get what you’re asking for, as pointed out by the options in the other replies.


Sync your iPhone, iPad, or iPod using your computer - Apple Support


For purchases from the iTunes Store (buy-once items), those tracks will stay linked to your Apple Account, and can be re-downloaded as needed.

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How to transfer music files from old iPad to new macBook

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