How to Use Connect iTunes/Apple Music to Rekordbox

Part 1. Quick Answer: Does Rekordbox Work with Apple Music?

Yes. Rekordbox supports Apple Music integration from Rekordbox 7.1.0 or later, allowing users to browse and play Apple Music tracks directly within Rekordbox. However, there are limitations:

• Apple Music streaming tracks are not the same as local music files.
• Some DJ features require compatible local audio formats.
• Protected Apple Music tracks cannot be imported as regular files.
• Exporting Apple Music streaming tracks to USB devices is not supported.

If you see "File format is not supported by Rekordbox", the issue is usually related to an incompatible or protected audio file format.

Part 2. Why Does Rekordbox Say "File Format Is Not Supported"?

If Rekordbox shows "File format is not supported", it usually means the track you are trying to load is not a compatible local audio file, or Rekordbox cannot access the original file location. With Apple Music and iTunes libraries, this issue happens for three main reasons:

• The track comes from an Apple Music subscription and is protected streaming content.
• The audio file format is not supported by Rekordbox.
• Rekordbox cannot properly locate your iTunes/Music library files.

Understanding the difference between streaming tracks and local music files is the key to fixing this problem.

Apple Music Streaming Tracks vs Purchased iTunes Music

A common misunderstanding is:

If Rekordbox supports Apple Music, why can't I import my Apple Music downloads?

The most common reason is confusing Apple Music subscription tracks with music files you actually own. Rekordbox can work with supported local audio files, such as MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, and AIFF. However, Apple Music subscription tracks are protected streaming content and cannot be imported into Rekordbox as regular music files.

The new Apple Music integration in Rekordbox does not change this limitation. It allows supported Rekordbox versions and compatible hardware to access Apple Music through streaming, but it does not turn Apple Music subscription tracks into downloadable local files.

Enable iTunes/Music Library XML Sharing

If your local iTunes or Music app tracks are not appearing correctly in Rekordbox, the problem may be that Rekordbox cannot read your library database.

On macOS:

1. Open the Music app.

2. Go to Music > Settings.

3. Open the Advanced tab.

4. Enable Share iTunes Library XML with other applications (if available).

In Rekordbox:

1. Open Preferences.

2. Go to Advanced > Database.

3. Check that the iTunes/Music library XML file location is correctly configured.

4. Reload the library and check whether the tracks appear correctly.

This issue commonly happens after moving your music folder, changing storage locations, or switching computers.

Check Missing or Corrupted File Paths

Sometimes the audio file itself is supported, but Rekordbox cannot find the original location. Common causes include:

• The music folder was moved.
• An external drive is disconnected.
• The file name or folder structure changed.
• The library database points to an old location.

You can try a few simple fixes if Rekordbox cannot find your music files. First, right-click the missing track in Rekordbox and select Auto Relocate to let Rekordbox search for the original file location. If that does not work, find the original audio file on your computer and drag it directly into your Rekordbox Collection, then allow Rekordbox to analyze the track again.

Part 3. How I Tested Apple Music with Rekordbox

We tested Apple Music integration in Rekordbox to see which features work smoothly and where limitations appear. The following results highlight the differences between streaming tracks, purchased music, and local audio files.

The test shows that Rekordbox's Apple Music integration is useful for music discovery and playback, but local audio files are still required for a traditional offline DJ workflow.

Part 4. How to Connect Apple Music to Rekordbox DJ

With the integration between Apple Music and Rekordbox, you can now seamlessly access and play tracks from Apple Music's extensive catalog directly within your Rekordbox setup. This section will guide you through the straightforward process of linking your Apple Music account to Rekordbox and beginning to incorporate its vast library into your DJ workflow, ensuring you're ready to leverage this powerful new feature for your next set.

What You Need to Use Apple Music on Rekordbox

To take advantage of this integration, ensure your Rekordbox software and compatible hardware are updated to the following versions:

• rekordbox for Mac/Windows: Version 7.1.0 or later
• rekordbox for iOS: Version 4.4.0 or later
• OMNIS-DUO firmware: Version 1.21 or later
• XDJ-AZ firmware: Version 1.21 or later

How to Import Apple Music to Rekordbox

Now that you're ready, let's dive into the practical steps to integrate Apple Music into your Rekordbox DJ experience.

Step 1. Open Rekordbox on your computer or iOS device. In Rekordbox (desktop version), look for the 'Streaming' category in the browser pane on the left side of the screen. On iOS, navigate to the relevant section for music sources.

Step 2. You should see an option for 'Apple Music' among the listed streaming services. Click or tap on it. Rekordbox will prompt you to log in with your Apple Account credentials associated with your Apple Music subscription.

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to authorize the connection. This process involves a secure pop-up window managed by Apple. Click the 'Open Rekordbox' and 'Continue' to connect Apple Music to Rekordbox.

Step 4. You'll be able to browse your saved Apple Music library, including your playlists, albums, and songs. You can also utilize the search bar within the Apple Music section of Rekordbox to find new tracks or artists from Apple Music's vast catalog.

Step 5. Simply drag and drop tracks from the Apple Music section directly into your Rekordbox collection playlists, or even into a deck for immediate playback.

How to Use New Streaming Features (Rekordbox for Mac/Windows ver.7)

Rekordbox ver. 7 introduces enhanced features specifically designed for streaming integration:

• Streaming Radar: This intelligent recommendation engine will suggest tracks that complement your current selection, helping you discover new music that fits your style.
• Collaboration Playlist: Engage with other DJs by creating and sharing collaborative playlists. This feature allows multiple users to contribute to a single playlist, perfect for back-to-back sets or communal music discovery.

Part 5. How to Connect iTunes to Rekordbox

Rekordbox also allows you to connect with iTunes, enabling you to browse iTunes playlists on Windows and Mac. If you have purchased songs from iTunes or uploaded some tracks into iTunes, you can directly import iTunes music to Rekordbox. Here's how to:

How to Connect iTunes to Rekordbox

Step 1. Open iTunes or Music app on your computer.

Step 2. Click on 'File' > 'Preferences' (or 'Edit' > 'Preferences' on Windows).

Step 3. Navigate to the 'Advanced' tab. Check the box for 'Share iTunes Library XML with other applications'. Click 'OK' to save your settings.

Step 4. When XML sharing is enabled, you can connect to your iTunes library within Rekordbox.

How to Sync Music from iTunes to Rekordbox

Step 1. Launch the Rekordbox software on your PC or Mac and choose the 'Import' > 'iTunes' tab.

Step 2. Click the 'CHANGE FILE' button to choose the target file in iTunes to export, including a folder or XML file.

Step 3. Tap the 'Import iTunes' button, all your songs from iTunes will be transferred into Rekordbox. The imported playlist will display under the Playlists category in Rekordbox.

Step 4. Browse through the playlists to find the tracks you want. Drag and drop songs into your 'Collection' or directly into your DJ set. Rekordbox will analyze the iTunes tracks so you can start mixing and using iTunes on Rekordbox right away.

Part 6. Better Way to Use Apple Music on Rekordbox Offline

If you'd like to use Apple Music with Rekordbox offline or you just encounter the error message "Rekordbox iTunes file format not supported", you can refer to the solution in this part.

Rekordbox accepts uploading files encoded in MP3, WAV, AAC, FLAC, ALAC, or AIFF formats. If Apple Music and iTunes music files are protected and encoded in the M4P format, you can use a third-party tool to do format conversion. DRmare Apple Music Converter is an excellent tool for this task. It can convert Apple Music, iTunes songs, and even audiobooks to formats like MP3, WAV, AIFF, FLAC, and more.

With DRmare Apple Music Converter, the original sound quality and all metadata information will remain intact, making it easier for you to manage your music files in Rekordbox offline. Plus, the conversion speed is up to 30x faster, so you can get your iTunes songs and Apple Music tracks as Rekordbox-compatible files as quickly as possible.

How to Download iTunes Music and Apple Music for Rekordbox

Now, let's walk through how to convert iTunes purchases and Apple Music tracks into Rekordbox-compatible formats. Before we begin, make sure you've downloaded and installed DRmare Apple Music Converter on your computer. Simply click the "Download" button above to complete the free installation.

Step 1Load Apple Music to DRmare software

Please double-click the DRmare program icon on the desktop of your computer to launch it. Then you will see the main interface of the program. Click the "Sign In" button to sign into your Apple Account. You can browse and find music files and click the "+" > "Add to List" button to import them to this software's Convert interface.

Step 2Choose audio format for Apple Music Rekordbox DJ

Launch the setting mode via the "menu" icon at the top right of the main interface and "Preferences". Then you could select an output audio format for Rekordbox Apple Music sync. You can choose to convert Apple Music files to MP3, FLAC, and so on. Besides, you could personalize the sample rate, channel, bit rate and more. And then please remember to click "OK" to save your settings.

Step 3Convert Apple Music for Using on Rekordbox

Once all the settings are ready, you could click the "Convert" button to begin the 30X conversion. Just wait for it until the conversion process finishes. After that, all the Apple Music files are converted and stored on your computer. You can touch the "Converted" > "Open Folder" option to locate the converted Apple Music files on your PC. You can also directly listen to Apple Music offline on this software.

You now have compatible Apple Music and iTunes files for Rekordbox DJ. Then let's see how to use Rekordbox with Apple Music offline on computers or mobile devices.

How to Import Apple Music to Rekordbox on PC/Mac

Way 1. Drag and Drop

Step 1. Open the Rekordbox program on your computer.

Step 2. Touch and highlight the 'Collection' button from the left side of Rekordbox.

Step 3. Locate the converted Apple Music files on your computer. Then drag and drop them to the Rekordbox track window.

Step 4. Once added, Rekordbox will analyze your imported Apple Music files and you can use Apple Music in Rekordbox.

Way 2. Use the 'File' Button

Step 1. Launch the Rekordbox program from your computer.

Step 2. Click on the 'File' option from the top menu bar.

Step 3. Choose 'Import' > 'Import Folder' from the list.

Step 4. Choose the converted Apple Music folder. Then click 'OK' to get Apple Music on Rekordbox.

Way 3. Use the iTunes Option

Step 1. Open iTunes and choose 'File' > 'Add Folder to Library'. Then choose your converted Apple Music files to add them to iTunes.

Step 2. Follow the steps in Part 2 to transfer Apple Music to Rekordbox for mixing.

How to Add Apple Music to Rekordbox on iOS/Android

Rekordbox mobile version doesn't automatically access your device's storage to import local music as the desktop version does. Fortunately, you can still sync iTunes and Music playlists to Rekordbox for iOS from Rekordbox for Mac or Windows.

Step 1. Connect your computer and mobile device to the same internet connection.

Step 2. Launch Rekordbox on your mobile device, and select 'Connect to Rekordbox (Mac/Win)'.

Step 3. On your computer, open Rekordbox and click 'Search Mobile' in the top toolbar.

Step 4. Then the playlist you imported to Rekordbox on your PC will be synced to your phone.

Step 5. You can also click on the desired Apple Music playlist and select 'Mobile Library Sync' > 'Transfer to Mobile Device'.

Part 7. FAQs about Rekordbox Apple Music Integration

Part 8. In Conclusion

Now, with the Rekordbox Apple Music integration, you can directly browse your iTunes and Apple Music library, search for new songs, and add them to your Rekordbox playlists for mixing. If you meet the Rekordbox iTunes file format not supported issue, you can use DRmare Apple Music Converter to solve it with ease. Besides, this way allows you to use Apple Music with Rekordbox DJ offline. It's time to update your Rekordbox software and experience the future of DJing with Apple Music!