A Spotify to Apple Music transfer can keep the saved songs and playlists you built, but only if you know what the tools actually copy. Engadget says an exodus of artists and users may be on the horizon after Spotify revealed plans to let anyone remix existing songs with generative AI, and the hard part is not losing favorite tracks. This checklist covers Apple’s native tool, Spotify’s TuneMyMusic import, Sync Library, and the 30-day match review.
Updated November 15, 2026
Key Takeaways
- Apple’s tool needs Sync Library and an active subscription.
- Liked songs move to Favourite Songs; service playlists do not.
- Review unmatched tracks within 30 days on the starting device.
- Spotify’s import copies playlists you choose into Spotify.
What should you check first?
Apple’s support guide requires an Apple Music subscription; an iPhone or iPad on the latest iOS or iPadOS, the latest Apple Music app on Android, or music.apple.com; and the other service’s username and password. Turn Sync Library on for every device before you start.
On iPhone or iPad, Engadget’s walkthrough lists Settings, then Music, plus a desktop toggle under Apple Music’s Settings, General tab. Marquee’s guide uses Settings, then Apps, then Music, to turn Sync Library on. Use whichever control your device shows.
Sign in to the Spotify account you are leaving and grant Apple Music access. Saved music stays in the other service. Apple says a third party provides the transfer, and it is unavailable in China mainland, Myanmar, and Russia. If explicit content is turned off, explicit tracks are greyed out.
How do you transfer Spotify to Apple Music?
Start on the device where you will finish the review. Apple blocks a new transfer on a device that still has music needing review.
- On iPhone or iPad, open Apple Music and tap your photo or monogram. On Android, tap More, then Settings. On the web, sign in at music.apple.com with the Apple Account you use for Apple Music, click your photo or monogram, and select Transfer Music.
- In the app, tap Transfer Music from Other Music Services, choose Spotify, and sign in. On the web, Marquee’s guide says to choose Spotify after Transfer Music.
- Pick songs, albums, artists, or playlists. Engadget notes you can choose specific favorites or playlists.
- Tap Add to Library and wait while Apple Music matches tracks in its catalogue.
- Transfer Complete means matches were added. Some Music Needs Review means no exact match, though similar versions may be available.
If you see Something Went Wrong, check that you are online, then tap Try Again.
What copies, and what never does?
Apple can transfer songs, albums, artists, and playlists you created. Liked or loved songs show up in Favourite Songs. Marquee’s guide says Spotify liked songs go to Favorite Songs, the US spelling of that playlist.
Service-made playlists do not transfer. Marquee names Discover Weekly and Daily Mixes: copy those songs into a playlist you made, then transfer that playlist.
Listening history, play counts, and Wrapped stay on Spotify. Apple Music starts a new history the day you switch. The transfer is a one-time copy and does not keep syncing.
| Option | Apple Music native tool | Spotify TuneMyMusic import |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | Into Apple Music | Into Spotify |
| Where you start | Apple Music app or music.apple.com | Your Library, then Import your music |
| Account | Apple Music subscription | Understood as Premium only |
| What you select | Songs, albums, artists, playlists you created | Playlists from the other service |
| If a track is missing | Review alternatives for 30 days | Some songs may not be on Spotify |
How do you clear the 30-day match review?
You have 30 days from the initial transfer to choose alternative versions. Engadget says that option remains in Settings for those 30 days. On the device that started the transfer:
- iPhone or iPad: Settings, then Apps, then Music, then Review Current Transfer.
- Android: Apple Music, More, Settings, then Review Current Transfer.
- Web: click your photo or monogram, then select Review.
Tap Review Now, choose an alternative version, and tap Save. Until that review is finished, you cannot start another transfer on that device.
How do you import playlists into Spotify instead?
The other direction is Spotify’s mobile import. A report on the rollout says Spotify has partnered with TuneMyMusic and redirects users there. The feature is rolling out globally and may not appear on every account immediately. It is to be understood that it would be available only for Premium subscribers.
- Open Spotify and go to Your Library.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Import your music, just below Add podcasts & shows.
- On TuneMyMusic, add the other account and choose playlists from Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Prime Music, or other services.
- Move the songs. Some tracks on the source service may not exist on Spotify.
For catalog listening features after the library lands, see our look at lossless and Spatial Audio.
Frequently asked questions
Do Spotify liked songs transfer to Apple Music?
Yes. Liked or loved songs appear in Apple’s Favourite Songs playlist. Marquee’s guide calls that same playlist Favorite Songs.
Will Discover Weekly or Daily Mixes transfer?
Not directly. Service-made playlists do not transfer. Copy those songs into a playlist you created, then transfer that.
How long is the unmatched-track review?
You have 30 days from the initial transfer, on the starting device, and cannot begin another transfer there until it is done.
Can Spotify import Apple Music playlists?
Spotify’s app can send you to TuneMyMusic from Your Library, then Import your music. A report says it is to be understood the feature would be available only for Premium subscribers, and some songs may be missing.
