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.

Kelsey by Kelsey Updated October 28, 2025
Share this:
 

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

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".

Music iPad to PC

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

Select Music from iPad

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

Transfer iPad Music to Computer

   
★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.

Devices icon in iTunes

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

iTuns Sync Music

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".

Turn on iCloud Music Library

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

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

Send Email

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.

Move Music from iPad to Computer

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

FAQs on transferring music from iPad to computer

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.

FoneTool - All-in-one iPhone Data Manager

Transfer, backup and manage data on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch in an easy way.

  • iOS 26 Compatible
  • iPhone 17 Supported

Free iPhone Manager - FoneTool

  • Full/Selective Backup iPhone
  • Transfer between iPhone and PC
  • 1-Click Transfer iPhone to iPhone
  • WhatsApp Backup & Transfer
  • Fully compatible with iOS 26
Downloading.com Rating
Android
iPhone Passcode & Restriction Remover

Remove screen locks, Screen Time and Apple ID restrictions from iOS devices quickly.

Learn More >>