How to Record Apple Music: 8 Best Methods in 2025 [Complete Guide]

Are you tired of relying on internet access to enjoy your favorite Apple Music tracks? Do you long for the freedom to listen to your music offline, even on flights or in remote locations?

Well, look no further! This guide will unlock the secrets to recording your favorite songs directly from Apple Music, giving you the ultimate control over your listening experience.

Several methods can help you achieve this goal, each with its own set of advantages and steps. Whether you prefer the simplicity of built-in tools on your iPhone or Mac or the flexibility of dedicated third-party recording software, this guide will walk you through each option step-by-step, ensuring you capture your music with ease and precision.

Get ready to explore:

• Recording on iPhone/iPad: Master the built-in screen recorder and discover powerful third-party apps for capturing your favorite tunes with just a few taps.
• Recording on Mac/PC: Unlock the potential of iTunes/Apple Music alongside dedicated audio recording software, turning your computer into a music recording powerhouse.
• Comparing Recording Methods: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each approach, allowing you to choose the best fit for your needs and preferences.
• Additional Tips and Tricks: Learn valuable techniques for optimizing audio quality, managing your recordings, and overcoming any technical hurdles.

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped to effortlessly capture your music from Apple Music, creating a personalized library that travels wherever you go. So unleash your inner music maestro and let the recording begin!

Understanding Apple Music and DRM

What is Apple Music?

Apple Music, launched in 2015, is a subscription-based streaming service providing access to Apple’s vast music library. Unlike purchases from the iTunes Store (which are generally DRM-free), Apple Music content incorporates DRM protection to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution.

How Apple’s FairPlay DRM Works

FairPlay is Apple’s proprietary DRM technology that encrypts audio content, making it playable only within authorized applications and devices. When you stream or download music from Apple Music, the content is encrypted with a key specific to your Apple ID, creating several important constraints:

• Songs can only be played through official Apple Music apps
• Content becomes inaccessible if your subscription expires
• Standard recording applications cannot directly capture the protected audio stream
• Screen recording typically results in video without audio
• Attempts to directly copy encrypted files will yield unusable content

This sophisticated encryption creates the fundamental technical barrier when attempting to record Apple Music content.

Recording Apple Music on iPhone/iPad

The good news is, you don’t need any fancy equipment to start recording your favorite tunes from Apple Music. Your iPhone or iPad already holds a powerful tool: the built-in screen recorder. This simple yet effective method allows you to capture both the audio and visuals of your Apple Music playback, preserving everything in one convenient file.

How to record your screen:

1. Go to Settings > Control Center and add Screen Recording.
2. Open Control Center on your iPhone or iPad.
3. Tap the gray Record button and wait for the countdown.
4. Close the Control Center to start recording.
5. To stop, open Control Center and tap the red Record button, or tap the red status bar and select Stop.
6. Find your screen recording in the Photos app.

For full steps, please check the Apple Office site here

Ready to unleash the power of your iPhone/iPad? Follow these simple steps and start recording your favorite Apple Music tracks today! Remember, the next section will delve into the world of third-party screen recording apps, offering even more features and customization options for your recording adventures.

Using third-party screen recording apps

Cinch Audio Recorder

While the default screen recorder is a convenient starting point, it has limitations, especially when it comes to automatically recording entire playlists. With the built-in solution, you have to wait for each song to finish before pressing the stop recording button.

To overcome this, consider exploring dedicated audio recording applications like Cinch Audio Recorder. Unlike the default recorder, Cinch can automate recording tasks, cutting out each song separately and adding ID3 tags to individual tracks. This not only provides more comprehensive control and customization but also ensures a smoother and more efficient recording process. For Apple Music enthusiasts seeking an enhanced listening experience, the Cinch Audio Recorder stands out as a powerful ally, offering seamless and efficient capture of favorite tunes in stunning quality.

Cinch Audio Recorder boasts several features that make it an ideal choice for recording Apple Music:

• Simple and intuitive interface: Designed for ease of use, even for beginners.
• High-quality recordings: Capture audio in lossless WAV or MP3 formats for exceptional sound.
• ID3 tagging: Automatically retrieves song information for a well-organized library.
• Built-in ad removal: Eliminates unwanted interruptions from your recordings.
• Support all streaming services like converting Spotify to MP3

Cinch Audio Recorder empowers you to create a personal music library free from internet limitations. Whether you’re looking to curate offline playlists for travel, enjoy uninterrupted listening on flights, or simply build a cherished collection of favorite tracks, Cinch Audio Recorder is your key to unlocking the full potential of Apple Music.

How to use Cinch to Recorder Apple Music?

Step 1: Download and install the Cinch audio recorder from below:

Step 2: Click the “Record” button at the top-left. The app will capture the audio in real-time, allowing you to monitor the recording levels and adjust settings as needed.

Step 3:  Open the Apple Music app and play the song you want to record.

Once you’ve finished recording, click the “Stop” button. The app will save your recording to your chosen location. You can then rename the file, organize it into folders, and even manage its ID3 tags to keep your music library organized and well-labeled.

Recording Apple Music on Mac: Leawo Music Recorder

Leawo Music Recorder for Mac presents itself as a robust and user-friendly solution designed to record any audio playing on your Mac, including your beloved Apple Music tracks. Ideal for both dedicated music enthusiasts looking to curate an offline library and content creators in need of high-quality audio for their projects, Leawo Music Recorder offers an array of features to ensure a seamless and enjoyable recording experience. Similar to Cinch, Leawo not only supports Mac but also brings the added convenience of scheduled recording, allowing users to automate and streamline their recording sessions.

Here’s why Leawo Music Recorder for Mac emerges as the perfect companion for recording your Apple Music:

• Unparalleled Recording Capabilities: Capture audio from various sources, including Apple Music, computer audio, and even online music streaming platforms. Leawo Music Recorder ensures your favorite tunes are never out of reach.
• Exceptional Audio Quality: Enjoy pristine recordings with adjustable bitrate and sample rate, ensuring your captured music retains its original clarity and richness.
• Effortless Recording Process: Intuitive interface and simple controls make recording a breeze, whether you’re a tech-savvy user or a complete beginner.
• Built-in Music Manager: Organize your recorded music library with ease, edit metadata, create playlists, and even add your recordings to iTunes with a single click.
• Task Scheduler: Set the recording to start and stop automatically, perfect for capturing specific shows or radio broadcasts.
• Multi-format Support: Save your recordings in various popular formats, including MP3, M4A, and WAV, ensuring compatibility with your preferred devices and players.

Leawo Music Recorder for Mac does more than just record music. It helps you control your audio experience and create your own music collection without any problems. With its easy-to-use features and great performance, Leawo Music Recorder is like a helpful friend that helps you make the most of Apple Music. This means you can listen to your favorite songs whenever you want, even without an internet connection.

ViWizard Apple Music Recorder

ViWizard offers one of the most comprehensive solutions for recording Apple Music content on both Windows and macOS platforms.

Key Features:
– Records Apple Music at up to 320kbps quality
– Preserves ID3 tags and metadata (artist, album, genre, etc.)
– Removes DRM while maintaining audio quality
– Supports various output formats (MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV)
– Batch conversion capabilities for entire playlists
– Up to 10X conversion speed on supported content

Setup Process:
1. Install ViWizard Apple Music Recorder
2. Launch the program and select output preferences (format, quality, etc.)
3. Open Apple Music in your browser or the Music app
4. Add the tracks you want to record to the conversion list
5. Click “Convert” to begin the recording/conversion process

Limitations:
– Paid software (though a trial version with limitations is available)
– Recording happens in real-time for some tracks
– Requires Apple Music to be installed on your computer
– May require updates to maintain compatibility with Apple Music changes

NoteBurner Apple Music Converter

NoteBurner provides another robust solution for recording Apple Music streams with minimal quality loss.

Key Features:
– Records at speeds up to 10X faster than real-time
– Preserves original audio quality up to 320kbps
– Maintains all metadata including artist, album, and artwork
– Multiple output format options (MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC)
– Works with both the Apple Music app and web player
– Supports Apple Music Lossless recordings

Limitations:
– Premium pricing model
– Occasional compatibility issues with newest macOS updates
– Some users report metadata issues with certain tracks
– May conflict with certain antivirus software

DRmare Audio Converter

DRmare provides similar functionality with some unique advantages for certain users.

Key Features:
– Fast conversion speed (5-10X real-time)
– Lossless quality preservation
– Batch conversion of entire playlists
– Simple interface with minimal configuration required
– Regular updates to maintain compatibility

Limitations:
– Higher price point than some competitors
– Occasional issues with album artwork preservation
– May require more system resources during conversion
– Interface can feel dated compared to alternatives

Using Audio Capture Software

For users seeking a more general-purpose solution or those who prefer open-source options, audio capture software can be configured to record Apple Music with some additional setup.

Comparing Recording Methods

Which one is the best for you:

• For simple recording on iPhone/iPad: Built-in Screen Recorder (free, convenient)
• For advanced recording on iPhone/iPad: Cinch Audio Recorder (paid, high-quality, automatic recording)
• For recording on Mac: Leawo Music Recorder for Mac (paid, high-quality, automatic recording, additional features)

Additional Notes:

• Consider recording in FLAC format for the best audio quality.
• Organize your recorded music library for easy access.
• Use a dedicated audio player to enjoy your music offline.

Best Practices for Quality Recording

Regardless of the method you choose, following these best practices will help ensure the highest quality recordings:

Optimal Audio Settings

• Bitrate Selection: When possible, choose a recording bitrate that matches or exceeds the source (Apple Music streams at up to 256kbps AAC for standard quality and up to 24-bit/192kHz for Lossless)
• Format Considerations: For archival purposes, use lossless formats like FLAC or ALAC; for portability, high-bitrate MP3 (320kbps) or AAC
• Sample Rate: Match Apple Music’s 44.1kHz sample rate for standard quality or 192kHz for Lossless content
• Bit Depth: 16-bit is sufficient for standard recordings; 24-bit for Lossless content

Eliminating Background Noise and Artifacts

• Close unnecessary applications to reduce system load during recording
• Disable system sounds and notifications during recording sessions
• Ensure proper input/output levels to avoid clipping or distortion
• Use noise reduction tools cautiously to avoid affecting music quality
• Consider using a dedicated device for recording to minimize interference

Batch Recording Techniques

When recording multiple tracks or entire albums:

1. Create a playlist of the content you want to record
2. Use software that supports batch processing
3. Configure the software to automatically split tracks based on silence detection
4. Verify metadata is preserved for all tracks
5. Consider scheduling recordings during off-hours for long playlists
6. Monitor the first few conversions to ensure proper quality

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Silent Recordings

If your recordings have no audio:

• Verify that your recording software can capture DRM-protected content
• Check that the correct audio source is selected in your recording software
• Ensure audio routing is properly configured in your system settings
• Test with non-DRM content to confirm your setup works correctly
• Try a different recording method if problems persist

Audio Quality Problems

For issues with audio quality:

1. Check input levels to prevent distortion or clipping
2. Verify that sample rates match between source and recording
3. Use higher bitrates and lossless formats when possible
4. Consider hardware solutions for persistent quality issues
5. Eliminate potential interference from other applications or devices

DRM-Related Failures

When DRM causes recording failures:

• Update your recording software to the latest version
• Check for any recent Apple Music updates that might affect compatibility
• Try alternative recording methods (hardware approaches are most reliable)
• Verify your Apple Music subscription is active and properly authenticated
• Consider using a different device if persistent problems occur

Conclusion

Recording Apple Music content, while technically challenging due to DRM protections, is possible through various software and hardware solutions. Each method has its advantages and limitations in terms of quality, convenience, and complexity.

For casual users seeking the simplest solution, specialized audio converters like ViWizard or NoteBurner offer the most streamlined experience. Those concerned with getting the absolute highest quality might prefer hardware-based approaches, while users comfortable with technology might opt for free solutions like the Audacity + virtual audio cable method.

Remember that the legality of recording streaming content varies by jurisdiction and specific use case. We encourage users to respect copyright law and consider recording only as a means to enhance their personal listening experience, not as a way to avoid paying for music or infringe on artists’ rights.

Always weigh the convenience of recording against legal alternatives like purchasing music outright or using Apple Music’s built-in offline listening features. The music industry depends on fair compensation to artists, producers, and rights holders, and ethical consumption practices help ensure a sustainable creative ecosystem.