Tech wearable is on the rise and Garmin Watches top this list. And whether you are after fitness tracking, running watch, or a smartwatch, you can't get it wrong with Garmin. But when it comes to streaming music, Garmin doesn't support Apple Music. So, how do you get Apple Music on Garmin Watch? It takes a few gestures to do that.
That's because the Garmin smartwatch with Apple Music isn't compatible. The only way to play music on your wrist is to convert Apple Music to acceptable formats. However, you get the privilege to play only purchased iTunes music on Garmin Watch. Otherwise, you'll have to convert your un-purchased music as we'll tackle later in this article.
Part 1. How to Listen to Purchased iTunes Music on Garmin Watch
Let's first tackle how to listen to Apple Music on your Garmin Watch using Garmin Express on your computer. This is, however, reserved for a song that you've purchased from the iTunes Store. You need to first connect your watch with the computer, then open the Garmin Express and choose your watch.
Step 1. On the Garmin Express, click on the "Music" tab and choose a category from the "My Music" section. Garmin will commence the searching of files in your Music folder on the computer.
Step 2. Check the boxes located next to the audio files you wish to listen to. Then click on the "Send to Device" option.
Step 3. You can also remove any file by using the "Remove" button after highlighting the checkboxes corresponding to them.
Part 2. How to Download Apple Music to Garmin Watch Supported Files
What Streaming Music Services Are Compatible with Garmin Watch
Despite Apple Music being not compatible with the Garmin Watch, you'll find some streaming services working perfectly well for this tech wearable. These include Amazon Music, Spotify, and iHeartRadio. Likewise, you can upload your own local music files for offline listening on the go. All you need to do is to connect to your Garmin Watch via Bluetooth.
Spotify: You'll require a Spotify Premium account in this case. Then download the Garmin Spotify app from Garmin's Connect IQ store to your Garmin Watch. Then you can sign in to your Spotify account from your smartphone. Next, sign in then switch back to your smartwatch, and go to the "Music widget" to select a playlist to sync to Garmin.
Amazon Music: It works for Amazon Prime membership or Amazon Music Unlimited subscription. Then sign in and download the Garmin Amazon Music app from Connect IQ to your smartwatch. Go to the "Music widget" on your watch and choose the "Amazon Music" icon. Then use the code you are given to type in at amazon.com/us/code. Finally, click the "Browse" button and begin to watch your playlists that are available on Amazon Music.
iHeartRadio: You require an iHeartRadio All Access subscription to create your playlist. You will then sync them with your watch. Once you download the Garmin iHeartRadio app to your Garmin from Connect IQ, select "iHeartRadio" as the music source. Then use the five-digit code to enter at "iheart.com/activate". Wait for verification and then go to choose the playlists you wish to sync to your Garmin Watch.
What Audio Formats Does Garmin Watch Support
Some files are supported and can be downloaded to your Garmin Watch. Audio formats that Garmin Watch supports include:
- M4A - It's an audio-only format
- MP3 - This is a standard non-DRM file format
- AAC - Advanced Audio Coding files
- WAV - Lossless, uncompressed, CD-quality files
- ADTS - Audio Data Transport Stream File
- M3U - Multimedia playlist file
- ZPI - Multimedia music or playlist file
Best Tool to Download Apple Music onto Garmin Watch Supported Files
The protected M4P audio format is the Apple Music audio format. However, M4P doesn't fall in the above list. You, therefore, need to convert Apple Music M4P format to be compatible with the Garmin Watch. The reliable tool to use is AudFree Audio Converter.
In this part, you can use the best Apple Music converter to convert your Apple Music to common audio tracks. It supports FLAC, WAV, AAC, among others to support playing offline. This app will convert Apple Music M4P songs and playlists to plain formats at 30X faster speed.
With this program, you can get 100% lossless audio quality and the app retains the ID3 tags of output audios such as artist, genre, and more. You can also personalize your output audio quality like sample rate, codec, speed, volume, among others.
How to Download Apple Music for Garmin Watch by AudFree Audio Converter
AudFree Audio Converter works by losslessly downloading Apple Music for offline playback on Garmin Watch. Follow these steps to learn how to do that.
- Step 1Launch the AudFree Auditior
- Download the PC or Mac version of AudFree Audio Converter on your device. Then install and launch it. And you will get its main interface.
- Step 2 Import Apple Music to AudFree
- Once AudFree Auditior loads, you can then import your Apple Music to the app's interface for conversion. Just hit on the ‘add files' button at the bottom left. Then you will get the iTunes Library which you can find your downloaded Apple Music. Choose the Apple Music songs that you want to convert and add them into AudFree.
- Step 3Customize output format for Apple Music on Garmin Watch
- With your files added into AudFree Auditior, it's time to customize the format and parameters. Go to the "Format" button and select the output format. You can select to convert Apple Music to MP3 or other formats that Garmin Watch supports. And you can set other parameters like channel, sample rate, etc. You can click on the "OK" button to confirm your settings.
- Step 4Convert your Apple Music for Garmin
- Click on the "Convert" button and AudFree Auditior will then convert your music to the common output format that you earlier selected. Then locate the converted Apple Music in the "History" folder to play them offline.
Part 3. How to Add Downloaded Apple Music to Garmin Fenix/ Forerunner/Vivoactive/Venu
As you had got the local Apple Music files on your computer for Garmin Watch, then you can go ahead to put Apple Music songs files on Garmin Watch for use. Here are the steps to get Apple Music on Garmin Fenix 6 and other Garmin watches.
Step 1. Download the "Garmin Express" app on your computer.
Step 2. Then select the "Get started" > "Add a Device" option.
Step 3. Next, connect your Garmin Watch to the computer via a charging cable. Select the "Add Device" option and sign in to your Garmin account.
Step 4. Select the "Music" option on Garmin Express and click the folder icon to begin searching for the local Apple Music files you wish to transfer to the Garmin Watch.
Step 5. Finally, click on the "Send to Device" tab to move the music to the Garmin Watch.
More Tips: Garmin Fenix 6 vs Forerunner 645 Music vs Vivoactive 4 vs Venu 2
Garmin Fenix 6: This watch is a great choice for outdoor activities. With it, you can view topographical maps and outdoor-centric based on your movement or the environment. It is quite hardy and can withstand any harsh environmental forces. You can use it for fitness tracking and other sport tracking abilities.
Forerunner 645 Music: The memory capacity is what sets this smartwatch apart. You can download up to 500 songs for offline listening. It also encompasses a contactless payment solution for convenient buying. More so, it uses wrist-based heart rate with performance monitoring features and training status.
Vivoactive 4: This is another smartwatch that takes care of your health matters. It will track your energy levels, Pulse Ox, heart rate, sleep, and even stress, among others. It comprises preloaded GPS and indoor sports apps, making it a perfect accompany for running and swilling.
Venu 2: This watch gives you a perfect balance of your everyday smartwatch functions and fitness features. Likewise, you can make payments as well as enjoy the benefits of its built-in music players. Use it to track your health and even monitor your sleep pattern.
Part 5. In Conclusion
That's how to get Apple Music on Garmin Watch, Garmin Fenix 6 and other Garmin smartwatches. In addition, AudFree Audio Converter makes it even simpler. You can just use the app to convert Apple Music to any format. And then you can sync your music to the smartwatch even other devices for playback.
James Blair
Staff Editor
