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Transfer music from iPad to MacBook Air

Transfer music from iPad to MacBook Air


How can I transfer music from iPad (2018) to brand new MacBook Air 2020, including music not purchased through iTunes, but instead burned from CDs, etc? Do I use the option to “back up the entire iPad onto the new MacBook” (When I connect the two using a USB-C to lightning cable)? If I sync the two, won’t that erase the music on the iPad? All of my data was easy to transfer to the new MacBook using iCloud, except the music that I previously purchased.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Jun 28, 2020 11:02 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jun 28, 2020 3:18 PM

You cannot do this.


Your iPad (or iOS device) cannot serve as the storage repository for your music.


Your new Mac must get its music from your former computer’s backup. You may re-download your previously purchased music from iTunes to your new Mac.


Redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books - Apple Support

3 replies

Transfer music from iPad to MacBook Air

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