Get Music on Android: No iTunes Needed
Transferring Music from iTunes to Android
Direct synchronization of your iTunes music library with an Android device isn't possible, as iTunes is exclusive to the Apple ecosystem. Similarly, Google doesn't provide a desktop application mirroring the functionality of iTunes.
Despite these limitations, multiple methods exist for seamlessly transferring your music collection to your Android smartphone or tablet.
Utilizing Google's Music Manager
Google’s Music Manager application offers a convenient solution by establishing a connection with your existing iTunes music library.
This integration facilitates the automatic uploading of your music to Google’s cloud storage.
Once uploaded, you can stream your music from any location and readily download it onto your Android devices.
This method provides accessibility and simplifies the process of enjoying your iTunes music on your Android platform.
Here's a breakdown of the benefits:
- Automatic music copying to the cloud.
- Streaming access from any location.
- Easy downloading to Android devices.
Utilizing Google Play Music for Your Music Collection
Google Play Music functions as a digital music storage solution offered by Google, comparable to services like Apple’s iCloud. A desktop application, Google Music Manager, is available for installation on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.
This application systematically scans your computer’s storage for music files and uploads them to your Google Play Music account. Furthermore, it operates in a manner similar to iTunes Match, identifying and matching songs on your hard drive with those already available within the Google Music library.
How Google Music Manager Works
By matching existing songs, the application conserves bandwidth and reduces upload times. Any music files not recognized are then uploaded directly from your computer.
Beyond monitoring specific folders, Google Music Manager can also integrate with your iTunes or Windows Media Player library. It will automatically match and upload your music from these sources. It’s important to note that music protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) is not supported.
Account Limitations and Availability
Currently, Google Play Music is accessible in select countries. A maximum of 20,000 songs can be stored within a single Play Music account.
Getting Started with Uploading
The initial step involves downloading and installing the Google Music Manager application onto your computer. You will then need to specify the locations where your music is stored.
These locations can include your iTunes library, Windows Media Player library, or custom-designated folders. The application will automatically scan these areas and begin uploading your music to your Google account.
The Music Manager operates continuously in the background, ensuring that any newly added music is automatically synchronized to your account.
Accessing Your Music
Once the upload process is complete, your music library will be accessible through the Play Music app, pre-installed on many Android devices. If the app isn’t present, it can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
You can stream your entire collection from any location with an active internet connection, whether through cellular data or Wi-Fi. Switch between viewing all your music and only the music stored directly on your device by tapping the header at the top of the screen.
Offline Playback
To enable offline listening, allowing playback without an internet connection or data usage, long-press on a specific album or song. Then, select the "Keep on Device" option.
This will download a copy of your music to your device, providing access even without connectivity. Enjoy your entire music library without the need for cables or manual file transfers.
Web Access and Downloads
Your uploaded music is also available through the Google Play Music website, offering streaming access from any web browser. If you wish to download your music library, utilize the "Download my library" button within the Google Music Manager application.
Transferring Music Files Manually to Your Android Device
Although Google recommends the previously discussed methods for adding music to your Android phone, traditional file transfer remains a viable option. Establish a connection between your Android device and your computer utilizing a USB cable.
Subsequently, employ Windows Explorer to transfer your desired music files directly into the designated Music folder on your Android device.
Utilizing AirDroid for Wireless Transfer
Alternatively, consider leveraging the capabilities of AirDroid. This application facilitates the transfer of songs and various other file types over a Wi-Fi network, eliminating the need for a physical cable connection.
Once the files are transferred, you will be able to enjoy your music on your Android device.
The pre-installed Play Music application will automatically recognize the manually copied music. Furthermore, a diverse range of third-party music player applications are also compatible with this method.
Note: Ensure your device is recognized by your computer before attempting file transfer.
The process allows for direct control over your music library and offers a convenient alternative to cloud-based solutions.
Alternative Music Platforms
Numerous alternative music services are available for your consideration. Storing your music library within Amazon Cloud Player, coupled with the official Amazon MP3 application, presents a viable option for playback on your Android device.
Alternatively, subscription-based music platforms such as Spotify or Rdio grant access to extensive streaming catalogs and facilitate offline downloads for uninterrupted listening.
For those preferring radio-style experiences, streaming applications like Pandora or TuneIn Radio allow music enjoyment wherever an internet connection is present.
Desktop Synchronization Options
If a desktop-centric approach is desired, third-party applications like DoubleTwist, SnapPea, Synx, and even Winamp can be utilized to synchronize your existing desktop music collection to your Android device.
These applications effectively replicate the functionality of iTunes for users who prefer a desktop syncing workflow.
While Android lacks iTunes, it’s worth noting that iTunes itself is often considered cumbersome by many Windows-based iPhone users. The trend is increasingly shifting towards wireless solutions.
Image source: Alexander Stübner via Flickr.