For many music lovers, owning your favorite songs means more than simply streaming them. While Apple Music is widely known for its subscription-based access to a massive library of tracks, you can still purchase individual songs or albums to keep forever through Apple’s iTunes Store. Whether you’re looking to support your favorite artist directly, prefer owning your music, or want offline access without a subscription, buying music remains a valuable option.
TLDR: How to Buy Songs on Apple Music
You can’t directly purchase songs through the Apple Music app itself, as it’s a streaming platform. Instead, song purchases are made via the iTunes Store, which is integrated within the Apple ecosystem. It allows users to buy and download music permanently. On iPhones, iPads, Macs, or even PCs, you can search for any track or album in the iTunes Store and choose to purchase it with your Apple ID. If you’re trying to own music rather than stream it, the iTunes Store remains your go-to solution.
Understanding the Difference Between Apple Music and the iTunes Store
One of the most common misconceptions is equating Apple Music with the iTunes Store. While they exist within the same Apple ecosystem, they serve very different purposes:
- Apple Music is a subscription-based service that offers access to over 100 million songs for a monthly fee. You do not own the music, and your access ends when your subscription does.
- iTunes Store allows you to buy and download songs or albums outright. These are yours permanently, without a need for an ongoing subscription.
Because of this distinction, you must use the iTunes Store when your goal is to buy and own music rather than simply stream it.
Why Buy Music Instead of Streaming?
Despite the popularity of streaming, owning music still has its advantages:
- Offline Accessibility: Purchased downloads don’t need an internet connection or ongoing subscription.
- Permanent Ownership: Once bought, the music is yours to keep, backed up and usable across compatible devices.
- Higher Royalties for Artists: Buying tracks can offer better revenue support for musicians than streaming royalties.
Now, let’s walk you through the process of buying songs through the iTunes Store on different devices.
Step-by-Step: Buying Songs Using an iPhone or iPad
The iTunes Store app is pre-installed on all iOS devices. Here’s how to use it to purchase songs:
- Open the iTunes Store app on your device.
- Tap the Search tab in the bottom right corner.
- Type in the name of the song, album, or artist you’re looking for.
- From the search results, locate the track or album you want to purchase.
- Tap the price (e.g., “$1.29”) next to the track or album.
- Sign in with your Apple ID if prompted, and complete the payment.
Once purchased, the music will be automatically downloaded and added to your Music app library under the Downloaded section.
Buying Songs on Mac or PC Using iTunes
If you’re working on a desktop or laptop computer, the purchasing mechanism is slightly different but still involves iTunes:
- Open the Music app on Mac (macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes on PC.
- Select the iTunes Store in the sidebar. If you don’t see it, go to Music > Preferences and enable the store view under the General tab.
- Use the search bar to find the song or album you’re interested in.
- Click the price button beside the item and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Your downloaded music will be saved in your iTunes library.
Note: macOS users on Catalina and later have a separate Music app instead of iTunes, but purchasing still happens through the iTunes Store within that app.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If You Can’t Find the iTunes Store
Apple aims to push users toward streaming with Apple Music, which causes confusion when trying to buy. If you can’t see the iTunes Store, follow these steps:
- On iPhone/iPad: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases and ensure purchases are allowed.
- On Mac: Open the Music app → Preferences → General tab → Check the “Show iTunes Store” box.
Also, double-check that you’re logged in with the correct Apple ID and have a valid payment method linked to your account.
How to Access Purchased Songs Across Devices
Once a song or album is purchased, it’s linked to your Apple ID and can be accessed on other devices through these methods:
- On iOS: Open the Music app → Library → Purchased.
- On Mac: Music app → Account → Purchased.
- On PC: iTunes → Account → Purchased.
Ensure you are signed in with the same Apple ID on all devices to see your purchase history and re-download past purchases at no additional cost.
Tips for Managing Your Music Library
Buying songs is just the beginning. Proper management ensures that your collection is well-organized and easily accessible:
- Back Up Regularly: Keep a copy of your music files in iCloud Drive or an external drive.
- Create Playlists: Use custom playlists to group genres, moods, or artists you like.
- Set Up Family Sharing: Share eligible purchases with family members through Apple’s Family Sharing feature.
Pricing and Payment Options
Individual tracks typically range from $0.69 to $1.29 USD, while albums vary depending on the number of songs included. You can pay via:
- Credit or debit card
- Apple ID balance (e.g., using Apple Gift Cards)
- PayPal (if linked to your Apple account)
You can manage your payment details under Settings > Apple ID > Payment & Shipping on your iOS device.
Common Questions and Concerns
Q: Can I buy songs from Apple Music directly?
A: No. Apple Music is for streaming. Purchases must be made through the iTunes Store.
Q: What happens if I delete a purchased song?
A: You can always re-download it from your purchase history without having to pay again.
Q: Are all songs on Apple Music available for purchase?
A: Not always. Availability can vary by artist, label, and regional rights.
Conclusion: Owning Your Music Is Still Valuable
While streaming offers convenience, purchasing music grants you lasting value and full control. The iTunes Store remains a reliable platform for music ownership, letting you build a permanent collection without relying on subscriptions.
Whether you’re a die-hard collector, a casual listener, or someone who travels without reliable internet, buying songs through Apple offers a meaningful and secure way to enjoy music at its fullest.
Just remember: you don’t purchase through Apple Music directly — you use the iTunes Store for that. With a few simple steps, you can start growing your personal music vault today.
