Hey there! Want to know how to use Apple Music on your PS4? You’re in the right place. This post is going to show you step-by-step how to start jamming to your favorite tunes while you play games. Whether you like hitting play on the latest hits or finding new music nobody’s heard yet, we’re here to guide you on how to mix tunes into your gaming fun.
So, you love music and videos and want to have it all on your PlayStation 4? Even though Apple Music isn’t officially on PS4 right now, don’t worry. We’ve got some tips on how to get all those Apple Music songs and cool playlists to play on your PS4. Let’s get started!
In This Article:
Does PS4 Have Apple Music?
No, PS4 didn’t have Apple Music preloaded. Sony has announced that it will launch a new feature for Playstation 5 in 2021 that will allow users to stream Apple but not on PS4.
Choosing the Best Method to Access Apple Music on PS4
Before diving into specific methods, let’s compare the available options to help you choose the right approach based on your needs:
| Method | Internet Required? | Apple Music Subscription Needed? | Technical Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB Drive (MP3 Conversion) | No (after setup) | No (after conversion) | Medium | Offline listening, permanent access |
| Web Browser | Yes | Yes | Low | Quick setup, casual listening |
| DLNA Server | Yes | Yes | Medium | Streaming from phone/computer |
| Bluetooth Connection | Yes | Yes | Medium | Using existing Bluetooth devices |
Quick Decision Guide:
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Want permanent offline access without needing a subscription? → USB Drive Method -
Need a quick solution with minimal setup? → Web Browser Method -
Prefer to control playback from your phone? → DLNA Server Method -
Already have Bluetooth speakers/headphones? → Bluetooth Connection Method
Each method has its advantages and limitations. The USB drive method offers the most flexibility and permanent access but requires initial setup. The browser method is quickest but requires an active subscription and internet connection. Let’s explore each option in detail.
Best Method to Play Apple Music on PS4
The best way to make it work – is by converting Apple Music songs into MP3 or other audio formats. This process can involve a USB flash drive and a few quick transfers; all you need is the ability to convert these files. Once you have done so, you can fully enjoy your favorite Apple Music songs on your PS4 console from your home!
With Cinch Audio Recorder, the process of downloading Apple Music to USB is incredibly simple.
Step 1: Download and install the Cinch audio recorder.
Step 2: To begin, launch the software and press the yellow ‘Record’ button in the upper-left corner.
And play your favorite song or playlist on Apple Music.
By default, it will save as an MP3 format file; however, if you’d like a lossless audio experience, change the output settings from MP3 to WAV – then let Cinch Audio Recorder take care of all recording automatically!
Step 3: Once you’ve completed your recording, right-click on the song and select “Open folder.” You’ll find all your songs in MP3 format, ready to go! But if you’d like to customize things further, don’t forget the settings menu. You can change the output folder and bitrate for a more personalized experience.
That’s all! After three simple steps, you have just downloaded your favorite Apple Music to MP3 files on your computer.
Feel free to transfer that recorded mp3s onto a USB flash; now you can enjoy listening to Apple Music on PS4 offline whenever and wherever!
How to Get Apple Music on PS4 via DLNA
Another way to access Apple Music on PS4 is to use DLNA. The Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) allows compatible devices to share media files such as music, videos, and other media across a home network. This method requires an internet connection that must be stable to Play Apple Music on PS4 from iPhone with DLNA.
Step 1. Begin downloading and installing a DLNA server on your iPhone, such as iMediaShare, from the App Store.
Step 2. On the PlayStation Store, go to ‘Apps’ and then ‘Catalog’ to launch to Play Apple Music on PS4 from iPhone with DLNA.
Step 3. Make sure your iPhone and PS4 are connected to the same network, then select the DLNA server on your iPhone from which you can access your music library.
Step 4. Open Apple Music on your iPhone, and find and select the song or playlist you want to Play Apple Music on PS4 from iPhone with DLNA. You’ll then be able to play the music from your iPhone on the PS4.
Remember that this method also requires an active subscription to Apple Music. If you cancel your subscription, you won’t be able to access Apple Music on your PS to Play Apple Music on PS4 from your iPhone with DLNA.
How to Stream Apple Music to PS4 Using the Web Player
The PS4’s built-in web browser offers the most straightforward way to access Apple Music without additional software or hardware. While not as seamless as an official app, this method works well for occasional listening and requires only an internet connection and your Apple Music subscription.
Step-by-Step Web Browser Setup:
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Access the PS4 Internet Browser -
Power on your PlayStation 4 and navigate to the home screen -
Scroll to the content area and select “Internet Browser” -
If you don’t see the browser icon, check under Library > Applications
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Navigate to Apple Music Web Player -
Press the Triangle button on your controller to open the address bar -
Type “music.apple.com” and press Enter (or select “Go”) -
Alternatively, you can search for “Apple Music Web Player” in the browser’s search engine
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Sign In to Your Apple Music Account -
Enter your Apple ID email and password when prompted -
If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you’ll need to enter the verification code sent to your trusted device -
You may need to use the on-screen keyboard, which can be navigated with your controller
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Optimize the Playback Experience -
After signing in, navigate to your library, playlists, or the Browse section -
For easier navigation, add your favorite playlists to your library beforehand on your phone or computer -
Use L1/R1 buttons to navigate faster through web pages -
To enable full-screen mode while playing music, press the Options button and select “Full Screen”
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Background Playback Limitations -
Unlike the official Spotify app, the web browser method doesn’t support true background playback -
The music will stop when you exit the browser or launch a game -
For background music while gaming, consider the USB drive method described earlier
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Troubleshooting Common Web Player Issues:
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Browser Freezing or Crashing: The PS4 browser has limited resources. If it freezes, press the PS button, close the application, and restart it. -
Playback Stuttering: This usually indicates connection issues. Try moving your PS4 closer to your router or using a wired connection. -
Login Problems: If you can’t log in, verify your credentials on another device first, then try again on PS4. -
Web Player Not Loading: Clear your browser cache by going to Settings > Delete Browser Data.
While this method requires keeping the browser open and doesn’t support background playback during games, it’s perfect for quick access to your Apple Music library without additional setup. For a more integrated experience with background playback, consider the USB drive method detailed above.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Music on PS4
Can I download the Apple Music app directly on PS4?
No, unfortunately Sony and Apple haven’t partnered to make an official Apple Music app for the PS4 console. Unlike Spotify, which has official PlayStation integration, Apple Music requires workarounds like those described in this guide to access your music library on PS4.
Why won’t my Apple Music files play directly on PS4?
Apple Music files are protected by Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology, which prevents them from playing on unauthorized devices. The PS4 doesn’t have the necessary authentication to play these protected files directly, which is why conversion to MP3 or other methods are required.
What’s the audio quality like when converting Apple Music to MP3 for PS4?
When using quality conversion software like Cinch Audio Recorder, you can maintain excellent audio quality up to 320kbps MP3 or even lossless WAV formats. While there might be a slight quality reduction compared to Apple Music’s highest quality streams, most casual listeners won’t notice the difference, especially when playing through standard TV speakers or gaming headsets.
Do I need to keep my Apple Music subscription after converting songs?
No, that’s one of the biggest advantages of the conversion method. Once you’ve converted Apple Music songs to MP3 format using Cinch Audio Recorder, you own those files permanently and can play them on your PS4 even if you cancel your Apple Music subscription.
Can I control Apple Music playback while gaming on PS4?
Yes! When using the USB drive method, you can control music playback while gaming by pressing the PS button on your controller, navigating to the Music menu, and adjusting playback options. For DLNA streaming, you’ll control playback from your source device (phone/computer).
What file formats does PS4 Media Player support?
PS4’s Media Player can play the following audio file formats:
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MP3 -
AAC (.m4a) -
FLAC -
WAV
For best compatibility, we recommend converting Apple Music to MP3 format, which is universally supported.
Is it legal to convert Apple Music songs to MP3?
Converting Apple Music songs for personal use falls into a gray area. While it technically circumvents DRM protection, using the converted files solely for personal use on your devices (like your PS4) and not sharing or distributing them minimizes potential legal concerns.
What’s the difference between the PS4 and PS5 when it comes to Apple Music?
The PS5 now offers an official Apple Music app that can be downloaded directly from the PlayStation Store, providing seamless integration and background playback while gaming. PS4 users need to use the workarounds described in this article since no official app is available.
How much storage do I need on my USB drive for Apple Music?
As a rough guide, an average 3-minute song at 320kbps MP3 quality requires about 7-10MB of storage. If you’re planning to transfer a large library, we recommend using at least a 16GB USB drive, which can hold approximately 400-500 songs at high quality.
Conclusion
If you’re an Apple Music subscriber, you can now enjoy streaming your music on PS4. There are a few different ways to go about this, and we’ve outlined them for you in this article. Whether you want to use the built-in web player or connect your iPhone and stream apple music, we have all the steps you need to get started right here. So what are you waiting for? Start listening to your favorite tunes on PS4 today!
