Can I Download Music to iTunes?

by Aubrey Kerr
Create a backup disc after you download music to iTunes.

Create a backup disc after you download music to iTunes.

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You can download music to iTunes by purchasing songs or albums from the iTunes Store. A link to the iTunes Store is located in the left window pane of iTunes. Connect to the Internet then click on the iTunes Store link to browse for music.

Account

To download music into iTunes, you'll need an Apple ID and an iTunes Store account. If you've ever made a purchase from Apple in the past, you already have an Apple ID. It's your email address and the password you chose when you made your purchase. To start a new account, go to iTunes and in the menu bar, click on "Store" > "Create Account," then fill in your billing information and agree to the terms of service. If you have an existing account, go to "Store" > "Sign In."

Browse

Find the music you want in the iTunes Store interface. Browse by artist, album or category -- or search for what you want in the search field in the top right of the iTunes window. When you find music you want, click the "Buy" button to add it to your shopping cart. When you've chosen all your music, you can start the download.

Download

You entered your credit card or PayPal information when you set up your iTunes Store account. Once your music is in your cart, you confirm your order and Apple will automatically debit your billing method and begin your download. Click on "Downloads" in the left menu of iTunes and you can follow the progress of each download. Your music will appear in your iTunes library when the download has finished.

Troubleshoot

If you see an exclamation point next to a song name, it means the file is missing or the download was incomplete. The download may have been interrupted by your Internet connection. Go back to "Downloads" and see if the song is still listed there. Click the "Resume" button to restart the download. Otherwise go to "Store" > "Check for Available Downloads" and restart the download that way.

Backup

Whenever you download music to iTunes, create a backup disc in case your music is lost. In iTunes go to "File" > "Library" > "Back up to Disc" and select whether to back up your entire library or just your iTunes purchases. Insert a blank CD or DVD to save your music.

About the Author

Aubrey Kerr is a writer and photographer. With a B.A. in media arts and public relations, she has helped small business owners design and implement online marketing campaigns since 2004. Her work appears on several websites including Salon.com and the Houston Chronicle.

Photo Credits

  • Thinkstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images