how to download purchased music from itunes on android

Accessing iTunes-Purchased Audio on Non-Apple Devices

Understanding iTunes Audio Formats and Digital Rights Management (DRM)

Content acquired from the iTunes Store historically employed Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) format, often protected by Apple's FairPlay Digital Rights Management (DRM). DRM restricts the use of copyrighted material to authorized devices and accounts. Newer iTunes Store purchases are typically DRM-free AAC files.

Checking DRM Status of Your iTunes Audio Files

The presence of DRM can be determined within iTunes (or the Music app on macOS). Select a track, then choose "Get Info" (or "Song Info"). Look for a "Kind" field that specifies either "Protected AAC audio file" (indicating DRM) or "AAC audio file" (indicating DRM-free).

Authorization and Account Management

Confirm the Android device user has a valid Apple ID. While direct downloading via an official Apple app isn't possible, the account information is relevant if re-downloading or using alternative methods.

Options for Playback on Android

Re-downloading DRM-Free Purchases

If the purchased audio is DRM-free, it can be re-downloaded on a computer and transferred to an Android device via USB cable, cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), or wireless transfer apps. Ensure the audio format (AAC) is supported by the Android device's music player.

DRM Removal (if applicable and legally permissible)

Third-party software exists to remove DRM from audio files. However, using such software may violate copyright laws and iTunes Store terms of service. Check local laws and terms of service before considering this option. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Cloud Music Services

Consider uploading the audio to a cloud music service such as Google Play Music (if still available) or YouTube Music. These services allow uploading personal music libraries and streaming them to various devices, including Android.

Apple Music Subscription (Indirect Approach)

While this doesn't directly access existing iTunes Store purchases, an Apple Music subscription allows streaming of a vast music library on Android devices via the Apple Music app. It does not grant access to previously purchased DRM protected content unless specifically available for streaming in the Apple Music library.

Transferring Audio Files to Android Devices

USB Connection

Connect the Android device to a computer via USB. Enable file transfer mode on the device. Locate the audio files on the computer and copy them to the desired folder on the Android device's internal storage or SD card.

Cloud Storage

Upload the audio files to a cloud storage service (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox) from a computer. Install the corresponding app on the Android device and download the files.

Wireless Transfer Apps

Utilize wireless file transfer apps (e.g., SHAREit, Xender) to directly transfer audio files from a computer to an Android device over a Wi-Fi network.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • File format incompatibility: Ensure the Android device supports the audio file format (AAC, MP3, etc.).
  • DRM restrictions: Files protected by DRM may not play on unauthorized devices.
  • File corruption: Re-download or re-transfer the audio files if they are corrupted.