Thinking about switching to Apple Music on Android from other services like Spotify or Tidal? Or maybe you're used to iOS and curious about how it works on Android now? Whether you're new to Apple Music or just making the switch, we've got you covered.
In this article, we'll explore how Apple Music differs between Android and iOS. We'll also introduce the basic usage guide for new Android Apple Music users. Let's take a closer look and make sure you enjoy your music no matter what device you're using!
Part 1. Does Apple Music Work on Android
Can you use Apple Music on Android? The short answer is yes. But does it work well on Android? Apple Music has steadily improved its performance on Android since launched in 2015, but there are still a few aspects to consider before diving into its use. Let's break down the compatibility, differences between Android and iOS versions, and common issues users face.
Apple Music Supported Android Device
Apple Music is compatible with most Android smartphones running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. This includes devices from brands like Samsung, Google, LG, OnePlus, and more. However, older devices may encounter functionality issues. Besides, performance might vary depending on the specific hardware of your Android phone, such as processing power and RAM.
Apple Music Android vs iOS: What's the Difference
While Apple Music on Android offers a similar experience to iOS, there are a few important differences when it comes to audio quality, exclusive features, and device compatibility. Here's a breakdown of the key differences based on user feedback and personal experience.
📌Audio Quality and Restrictions
On iOS, Apple Music supports high-resolution audio and Dolby Atmos, especially when paired with AirPods or AirPods Max. This gives you a richer, more immersive listening experience with up to 48 kHz lossless audio. However, on Android, lossless audio can only stream up to 44.1 kHz (CD quality) due to Android's system restrictions.
When it comes to Bluetooth audio, Android only works well with the LDAC technology with Sony XM5 headset and other compatible devices. However, iOS typically performs even better in terms of sound clarity, particularly with newer Apple devices.
As a result, Apple Music's audio quality on Android may fall short, especially on older Android devices.
📌 WearOS Support
Unlike iOS, where Apple Music integrates seamlessly with Apple Watch, Android Apple Music doesn't support any WearOS device. Therefore, if you use a Galaxy Watch or any other WearOS device for music playback, you might be disappointed to find that you can't stream Apple Music directly from your watch.
Thankfully, there's still a workaround to play Apple Music on Galaxy Watch.
📌 Exclusive iOS Features
iOS devices enjoy a few Apple Music features that aren't yet available on Android. One standout feature is Apple Music Sing Mode, which allows you to sing along with songs using dynamic lyrics - perfect for karaoke! Sadly, this feature hasn't made its way to Android yet.
Additionally, iOS users have access to Siri voice commands and AirPlay, making it easy to control playback and cast music to other devices. These features are not available on Android.
What's more, Apple Music Android users are unable to check interesting Apple Music pie chart and other stats.
📌 Other Limitations
There are also a few smaller features that Android users miss out on with Apple Music. For example, on iOS, you can set Apple Music as your alarm or ringtone. Android users don't have this option.
Another feature missing on Android is volume normalization, which helps ensure consistent sound levels across tracks. Without it, you may experience varying volume levels between songs, which can be a bit jarring.
Lastly, to access your Apple Music or iTunes library on Android, you'll need an active subscription. While you can purchase songs from the iTunes Store, they won't sync automatically with your Android Apple Music library. To play those purchased tracks, you'll need to download them via a browser and use a different media player to play them.
Common Issues with Apple Music on Android
Although many users praise Apple Music Android for its faster response and smoother Sing lyrics, they still occasionally face issues with the Android app. Some common problems include:
- Login Difficulties. Occasionally, users can't sign into Apple Music on Android for verification or other reasons.
- Buffering and Playback Interruptions. This is commonly seen when the Internet signal is weak.
- Crashes and Glitches. Like any app, Apple Music may crash or freeze. Restarting the app or your device can be a simple remedy.
Fortunately, most of these Apple Music not working issues can be fixed with a few troubleshooting steps.
To sum up, Apple Music still delivers a solid streaming experience on Android. If you're switching from an iPhone to an Android device and plan to stick with Apple Music, you'll feel right at home thanks to its consistent and familiar interface. While there are a few limitations compared to iOS, it remains a reliable option for enjoying your favorite tunes.
Part 2. How to Get Apple Music on Android and Play Online [Step-by-step Guide]
For users who are not familiar with Apple Music for Android devices, this part is for you! In this part, we'll show you detailed steps from installation to playing songs on Apple Music Android.
Step 1. Install Apple Music on Android
The first step is to install Apple Music on Android. If you have Google Play on your device, the installation process can be straightforward as listed below:
◼ Launch Google Play Store on your Android devices and search for Apple Music.
◼ Click the Install button to download Apple Music Android app.
◼ Back to your home screen and wait for the app to download and install on your device.
◼ Click to launch Apple Music on Android.
If there's no Google Play Store, you can also visit the official Apple Music Android download page. Then, click the Download button and install it on your device.
Step 2. Setup Apple Music Account on Android
After installation, you need to set up your Apple Music account. If you're an existing Apple Music subscriber, tap the Sign in button at the top right corner, enter your Apple ID and password, and log in directly, and you can play Apple Music on Android as on iOS.
For new/returning Apple Music users, here's how to set up on Android:
◼ Subscribe to Apple Music Plan. If you're new/returning users, tap Try it free and select the Apple Music plan.
Typically, Apple Music offers a 3-month free trial to new users. During this time, you can access the full library, including all the features and exclusive content, without any limitations. After the trial ends, you'll need to select a paid plan.
View Also: 20+ Ways to Get Apple Music for Free
Apple Music Subscription Plan | Price Per Month |
---|---|
Free Plan | ❌ |
Individual Plan | $10.99/month |
Student Plan | $5.99/month |
Family Plan | $16.99/month |
View Also: Apple Music Family Plan: How to Set Up/Share It
◼ Create/Log into Your Apple Music Account. Once you've selected a subscription plan, you can log in using your Apple ID.
If you already have an Apple account from using an Apple device, simply enter your credentials to sync your music and playlists across all devices.
If you're a first-time Apple Music user, you'll be prompted to create an Apple ID, which can be done easily through the app. Then, it will ask you to add a payment method to start the free trial. After login, Apple Music will ask you to select your preference on Artists and Genres.
Step 3. Browse and Play Apple Music on Android
The user interface of Apple Music Android is intuitive and easy to navigate. Upon opening Apple Music, you'll be greeted with the home screen. The layout is designed to highlight your favorite music and recommendations. You'll see "For You" and other personalized sections with curated playlists/songs/recommendations based on your preferences.
At the bottom, you can tap and switch to the Library, Browse, Radio, and Search tab to explore new music or check your listening library and history.
Simply tap a song and start playing Apple Music on your Android device!
Learn more Apple Music usage tips below:
Part 3. How to Download Apple Music Songs on Android for Offline Playback
One of the best features of Apple Music on Android is the ability to download your favorite songs and albums for offline listening. This is especially helpful when traveling, during commutes, or when you don't have access to a stable internet connection. Here's how to download Apple Music for Android:
Step 1. Add a song, playlist, or album to your Library.
Step 2. Go to the Library tab and click the three dots icon next to the Song/Playlist/Album.
Step 3. Tap Download on the dropdown menu.
Once it finishes, you can listen to Apple Music offline.
However, you must connect to the WiFi or turn on your mobile data for a while before playing the downloads. This is because Apple Music requires the network to verify your subscription status considering the DRM protection.
Part 4. Bonus: How to Play Apple Music on Android without Limit
Instead of using Apple Music app on Android, you are highly recommended to use a third-party Apple Music to Android converter called AudFree Apple Music Converter which will enable you to enjoy Apple Music songs on all Android phones and tablets without limit. Better yet, with this solution, you can even access Apple Music tracks after unsubscribing the service.
Apple Music & DRM:
Just like other Apple digital media, such as the iTunes movies, TV shows, and audiobooks, Apple Music is also restricted by DRM copyright protection. As a result, only devices with authorized Apple Music accounts are allowed to access Apple Music songs and playlists. Because of the digital rights management, subscribers of Apple Music are limited to authorize the account on up to 5 devices at the same time. What's worse, once the subscription expires, all the music tracks in your Apple Music library will disappear like they never appeared.
Therefore, if we can find a powerful solution to strip off the DRM, it will be easy for us to download and move Apple Music songs onto any Android phone or tablet for playback. AudFree Auditior is such a smart DRM removal tool that can completely remove DRM lock from Apple Music songs while converting the DRM Apple Music M4P to MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, M4A, M4B with original ID3 tags preserved. Once the DRM is deleted, you'll be able to freely share the DRM-free Apple Music songs to Android devices for playing.
Now follow us to see how to remove DRM from Apple Music with AudFree DRM Audio Converter so that you can easily play Apple Music songs on Android even without using Apple Music for Android app.
- Step 1Download Apple Music tracks offline
- Before using AudFree DRM Audio Converter, you are required to completely download the songs/playlists from Apple Music and save them on your computer. To download the songs from Apple Music, simply launch iTunes/Apple Music on your computer, and then go to "For You" or "New" section. When you find the target song/playlist you want to download, click on the "..." icon to add it to "Library" or "Playlist". Then move to "Library" tab to find the newly added files and click on the cloud icon with a downward arrow to download the songs to your iTunes library.
- Step 2Add offline Apple Music songs to AudFree
- Launch AudFree DRM Audio Converter. Then directly drag the newly downloaded Apple Music songs to the conversion window. Or you can simply click the first 'Add' button at the bottom left to import the songs.
- Step 3Set output format as Android compatible format
- Then enter the Format Setting window to set the output profile. It currently offers multiple output formats including MP3, M4A, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and M4B. In order to make the Apple Music songs playable on Android, you are suggested to choose the output as MP3. If you want to adjust the music quality, you can change the parameters like codec, channel, bit rate, sample rate, etc.
- Step 4Start removing DRM from Apple Music
- Now click the 'Convert' button to let the program start removing DRM from Apple Music songs. Once the conversion is over, you can click the 'Converted' icon to locate the non-DRM Apple Music songs in MP3 format.
Extra Tips: How to Transfer Apple Music Tracks to Android
To sync the converted DRM-free Apple Music songs to Android devices, you have two methods:
1. Using USB cable. Simply connect your Android device to the computer via USB. Find the converted Apple Music tracks and copy & paste them to your Android phone/tablet.
2. Using OTG cable. If your Android supports OTG, you can easily transfer the Apple Music files to a USB flash drive first, then connect the drive to your Android devices with an OTG cable to start transferring.
Part 5. FAQs on Apple Music Android
Q1: Spotify vs Apple Music on Android, Which Is Better?
A1: When comparing Apple Music and Spotify on Android, both services offer great music libraries, curated playlists, and podcast options. However, Apple Music is known for its superior sound quality and integration with the broader Apple ecosystem. On Android, Spotify may be more feature-rich with a smoother interface. Ultimately, it depends on personal preference.
View Also: Apple Music vs Spotify: Which Is Better?
Q2: Is Apple Music Worth It on Android?
A2: Yes, Apple Music is definitely worth it on Android, especially if you're already invested in the Apple ecosystem. It provides access to a huge library of songs, exclusive content, and curated playlists that sync with all platforms. The app has been optimized well for Android, although some Apple-engine-exclusive features are unaccessable.
Q3: Is Apple Music Lossless on Android?
A3: Yes, Apple Music supports lossless audio on Android. However, to experience lossless quality, you will need to use compatible headphones or speakers, and you may need to adjust the app's settings for the best audio quality.
Part 6. Conclusion
In conclusion, using Apple Music on Android is not only possible but also a rewarding experience in 2025. With its user-friendly interface, extensive music library, and offline capabilities, it competes well with other streaming services. Most importantly, you can even enhance your offline playback with the aid of AudFree Auditior.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively navigate the app and enjoy your favorite tunes. Whether you're a long-time Apple Music fan or a new user on Android, the app's features and performance make it a valuable addition to your music streaming options.
James Blair
Staff Editor