Fixes to iPhone "This Device Cannot Be Transferred Apple Music" Error

Apple Music has revolutionized the way we consume music, offering a vast library of songs at our fingertips. However, some users encounter the frustrating error message, "This Device Cannot Be Transferred Apple Music," when attempting to save Apple Music songs offline or share music across devices.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the reasons behind this error, and try a few troubleshooting steps that will help you fix the "this device cannot be transferred Apple Music" on iPhone.

Why Is Your Apple Music Showing "This device cannot be transferred"?

You may ask "why is my Apple Music showing 'This device cannot be transferred'? This part may answer the question. The followings are some common reasons why you encounter such issue.

📱 Device Authorization: Each Apple device is required to be authorized with the same Apple ID to access and play Apple Music content. If the target device is not properly authorized or lacks the necessary permissions, you may encounter the "This Device Cannot Be Transferred Apple Music" error.

📱 Subscription Status: Apple Music requires an active subscription to access its full range of features and content. If your subscription has expired or lapsed, you may encounter restrictions when attempting to transfer Apple Music content to another device.

📱 DRM Protection: Apple Music utilizes Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology to protect copyrighted content from unauthorized distribution or copying. If the target device does not support DRM-protected content or lacks the necessary software components, you may encounter compatibility issues when transferring Apple Music content.

📱 Network Connectivity: The transfer of Apple Music content between devices typically relies on a stable internet connection. If your network connection is unstable or experiencing interruptions, it may impede the transfer process and result in the "This Device Cannot Be Transferred Apple Music" error.

How to Fix "This Device Cannot Be Transferred Apple Music"

Now that we understand the reasons behind the error, let's explore practical solutions to resolve it and enable users to transfer Apple Music content across devices. Just try the following solutions one after another, until your issue gets fixed. Alternatively, you can skip to the next part to get a iOS transfer tool to transfer music files from computer to your iPhone. 

1# Re-enable Show Apple Music and iCloud Music Library

To troubleshoot the issue, you can simply turn off the Show Apple Music and iCloud Music Library and turn them on after some time. It can help refresh the services if the error result from some small glitches. Here are the steps on how you can turn off and on them.

Go to the Settings app on your iPhone > Scroll down to locate and tap Music > From here, turn off the options Show Apple Music and iCloud Music Library.

After turning off the two options, you can restart your iPhone and turn them on again to check whether the issue got resolved or not.

2# Remove account from old account

Check to see if there are any other accounts linked with your device. If your device is already linked to another third-party account, you may get the "this device cannot be transferred" warning on your iPhone. You can delete the current associated account and re-associate it after the error time period has passed, so make sure to remove any third-party accounts for the time being. To remove your associated account, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Tap your profile > Scroll down to locate and choose Media & Purchased.

Step 2. Tap on View Apple ID > You'll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password > Tap Remove This Device to confirm your operation.

3# Check Apple Music subscription status

You should be noted that only when your Apple Music is within the subscription period, you can save Apple Music songs offline and share music among devices. You can check your Apple Music subscription status by following the steps below.

Step 1. To check your Apple Music subscription, go to iPhone Settings > Tap [your name] > Tap Subscriptions to see if it’s expired.

Step 2. If there isn’t the option, you can also go to App Store > your Apple ID > View Apple ID, sign in and scroll down to tap Subscription.

4# Contact Apple Support

If all else fails, reaching out to Apple Support can provide personalized assistance. Apple Support can investigate account-specific issues and provide guidance on resolving the "This Device Cannot Be Transferred Apple Music" error.

Bonus: Transfer Music from PC to iPhone via FoneTool

If you're in a hurry before troubleshooting the "This Device Cannot Be Transferred Apple Music" error, you may need an iTunes alternative for iOS devices to transfer music from PC to your iPhone directly. FoneTool can be one of the best choices for you to meet your needs to transfer songs in iOS devices without Apple ID.

Free download the freeware to your computer and have an overview of how to transfer music from computer to iPhone via FoneTool. 

Step 1. Run FoneTool, and connect your iPhone to PC via USB. Click Phone Transfer on the left pane, and choose PC to iPhone mode. Click the Start Transfer.

Step 2. Choose the Music App from the top of the interface. Then Click the file icon to choose the songs you want to transfer to iPhone. Both purchased and non-purchased are supported.

Step 3. Finally, click the Start Transfer button to transfer music from PC to iPhone without iTunes for free.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the "This Device Cannot Be Transferred Apple Music" error is a result of the DRM measures and licensing agreements implemented by Apple to protect digital content. While these measures are essential for safeguarding intellectual property, they can create challenges for users seeking a seamless music experience across multiple devices.

By understanding the reasons behind the error and implementing the suggested solutions, users can overcome these challenges and enjoy the full benefits of their Apple Music subscriptions. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for users to stay informed about the latest updates and features that enhance the functionality of digital services like Apple Music.