How to Transfer Music from iPad to Computer [5 Simple Ways]

In this article, you will learn 5 methods on how to transfer music from iPad to computer to easily free up space on your iPad and store music.

By @Kelsey Last Updated October 28, 2025

Transferring music from an old iPad to a new one using PC backup

I have a ton of music which I copied from CD's on to iTunes/iPad. When doing a backup Ipad to my PC these items are not synced. Can anybody help pls?

- Question from Apple Discussions

Can I transfer music from my iPad to my computer?

Yes, this common frustration from Apple Discussions reflects a widespread need: transferring music from iPad to computer isn't always straightforward. Whether you're backing up CD imports, freeing up space, or moving songs for editing, this guide covers five working solutions.

Why Transfer Music from iPad to Computer?

Before we dive into methods, let's explore why you might need to move your music:

🎵 Music Backup - Protect your valuable music collection from accidental loss or device damage

📱 Storage Freedom - Reclaim space on your iPad by moving music to your computer

🎧 Editing Flexibility - Use computer software for advanced audio editing

🔄 Cross-Device Access - Enjoy your music anywhere, on any device

Method	Speed	Selective Transfer	Data Safety	Difficulty
FoneTool	⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡	✅ Yes (specific songs)	✅ No data loss	Very Easy
iTunes/Finder	⚡⚡⚡	❌ No	❌ May overwrite	Complex
iCloud Library	⚡⚡	❌ No	✅ Safe	Medium
Email	⚡	✅ Yes (per email)	✅ Safe	Easy
Manual USB Transfer	⚡⚡⚡⚡	✅ Yes	✅ Safe	Medium

Now let's explore each method in detail, starting with the most user-friendly option.

Method 1. Directly transfer music from iPad to PC

FoneTool simplifies iPad-to-computer music transfer with a clean, intuitive interface, quickly transfer music from iPad to PC without iTunes, no data loss and compression.

All-in-One iOS Data Transfer

Transfer music in original quality, no compression
Select specific songs instead of your entire library
Works with both purchased and personal music
Support iPad to PC, PC to iPad, iPd to iPad transfer.
No technical knowledge required

Download Freeware Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7

100% Secure

Learn how to transfer music from iPad to computer without iTunes.

Step 1. Download and install FoneTool, then connect your iPad via USB cable.

Step 2. Select "Phone Transfer" and choose "iPhone to PC".

Step 3. Click the music icon, then check the songs you want to transfer.

Step 4. Choose your destination folder and click "Start Transfer".

★Tip:: You can preview all music files before transferring, making it easy to select exactly what you need.

Method 2. Sync iPad music to computer with iTunes/Finder

Apple's official tool iTunes works if you previously synced music from iTunes to your iPad.

Step 1. Connect iPad to computer and open iTunes (or Finder on Mac).

Step 2. Click your device icon and go to Music settings.

Step 3. Check "Sync Music" and select specific content to transfer.

Step 4. Click "Apply" to start sync iPad music to your computer.

📌Note: This only works for music originally synced from iTunes. Purchased songs can be re-downloaded via iTunes Store.

Method 3. Move music from iPad to computer via iCloud Library

For Apple Music or iTunes Match subscribers, iCloud keeps your music available everywhere.

Step 1.On iPad, go to "Settings" > [your name] > "Music" and turn on "Sync Library".

Step 2. On computer, open iTunes/Apple Music with the same Apple ID.

Step 3. Go to "File" > "Library" > Update "iCloud Music Library".

Step 4. Wait for music to download to your computer.

Method 4. Send music from iPad to computer using Email

Perfect for transferring a few songs quickly, though limited by file size restrictions. Go ahead to learn how to transfer A small amount of music from iPad to computer.

Step 1. Locate music file in Files app or music application:

--If you download MP3 and other music files in the file application: Open File > Browse to Music File;

--If the song is in a music application (for example, GarageBand, Voice Memos): Open the application, find the song, and click Export.

Step 2. Tap Share or 📤 button and select Mail.

Step 3. Email the file to yourself.

Step 4. Open email on computer and download attachment.

Method 5. Manually transfer music from iPad to computer

Direct file access works for non-DRM music files stored in your iPad's Files app. The steps of how to transfer music from iPad to PC Windows 10/11 are as follows:

Step 1. Connect iPad to computer via USB cable.

Step 2. Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac).

Step 3. Select your iPad and navigate to music files.

Step 4. Copy files to your computer.

📌Note: This doesn't work for Apple Music streaming songs due to DRM protection.

FAQs on transferring music from iPad to computer

Can I transfer Apple Music songs to my computer?

No, the Apple Music songs you subscribed to are DRM protected and do not support being transferred directly. You can only re-download the purchased iTunes songs on your computer.

Why can’t I see my iPad music in iTunes?

If you don't see your iPad's music in iTunes, it may be caused by the following reasons: • Music is not synced via iTunes. • You are logged in with iTunes with a different Apple ID, so the song is not synced on your device. • The file is in a third-party app like Spotify.

Does FoneTool support transferring playlists?

Yes, FoneTool can transfer the entire playlist you have stored on your iPad.

How can I transfer music without a USB cable?

You can use cloud services (such as iCloud, Google Drive) or AirDrop on your Mac to wirelessly transfer music between your iPad and your computer. If you want to transfer music between iPad, iPhone, Android and other mobile phones, FoneTool app, a simple third-party wireless transfer app, helps you transfer music, photos, etc. between phones.

Final words

The above is all about how to transfer music from iPad to computer, 5 methods are effective; you can choose the most suitable way to transfer iPad music according to their characteristics. Among them, FoneTool is the easiest and most stable method. This powerful iOS transfer software can help you quickly transfer data between iPad and PC without iTunes and data loss. Download it and give it a try.