Introduction to Apple Music Connectivity
Music is an integral part of our daily lives in India. Whether you are navigating the heavy traffic of Delhi, commuting on a local train in Mumbai, or simply relaxing at home in Bangalore, having the right soundtrack makes everything better. Apple Music has emerged as one of the premier choices for Indian music lovers, offering a massive library of over 100 million songs, including a vast collection of Bollywood hits, regional tracks in Tamil, Telugu, and Punjabi, and international chart-busters. One of the biggest advantages of this platform is its high-quality lossless audio and spatial audio features that provide a studio-like experience.
However, many users often find themselves wondering how to connect Apple Music across their various devices. While it is an Apple product, it is not limited to just iPhones or MacBooks. You can enjoy your favorite playlists on Android phones, smart speakers like Alexa, smart TVs, and even in your car. This guide is designed to provide you with a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to connect Apple Music to every device you own, ensuring you never miss a beat of your favorite AR Rahman or Arijit Singh tracks.
How to Connect Apple Music on Android and iPhone
The first step in your musical journey is setting up the service on your primary mobile device. While the experience is seamless on iOS, Apple has made significant strides in making the Android app equally functional and user-friendly.
Connecting on iPhone and iPad
On an iPhone or iPad, the Apple Music app is pre-installed. To connect and start listening, follow these steps:
- Open the Music app on your device.
- If you are a new user, you will see a welcome screen offering a trial period. Tap on it to begin.
- Sign in with your Apple ID. If you do not have one, you will need to create it using your email address and a local Indian phone number for verification.
- Choose a subscription plan that suits you. In India, Apple offers very competitive pricing, including Individual, Family, and Student plans.
- Once the subscription is active, your library will automatically sync across all your Apple devices linked to the same ID.
Connecting on Android Devices
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need an iPhone to use Apple Music. Many Indian users prefer Android brands like Samsung, OnePlus, or Xiaomi, and Apple Music works perfectly on them.
- Go to the Google Play Store and search for Apple Music.
- Download and install the app.
- Launch the app and sign in with your Apple ID. If you are switching from an iPhone to Android, use your existing credentials to bring over your playlists.
- If prompted, grant the app necessary permissions to access your media and storage.
- Apple Music on Android even supports Chromecast, allowing you to cast your music to compatible smart TVs and speakers.
Connecting Apple Music to Smart Speakers
Smart speakers have become a staple in Indian households. From asking for the weather to playing the latest devotional songs or party hits, speakers like the Amazon Echo and Google Nest are always active. Here is how you can connect Apple Music to them.
Using Apple Music with Amazon Alexa
The Amazon Echo series is incredibly popular in India. To connect Apple Music to Alexa, you must use the Alexa app on your smartphone.
- Open the Amazon Alexa app on your phone.
- Tap on the More button and select Settings.
- Scroll down to Music and Podcasts under the Alexa Preferences section.
- Tap on Link New Service and select Apple Music.
- Tap Enable to Use and sign in with your Apple ID.
- Once linked, you can set Apple Music as your default music service. This way, when you say Alexa, play my favorite songs, it will automatically pull from your Apple Music library.
Using Apple Music with Google Nest Speakers
For those who use Google Home or Nest Mini speakers, the connection process is managed via the Google Home app.
- Open the Google Home app on your mobile device.
- Tap the Plus icon in the top left corner and select Music.
- Under More music services, tap on Apple Music.
- Follow the prompts to link your account. You will be redirected to an Apple login page.
- After signing in, Apple Music will be available for voice commands on your Google Nest devices.
How to Connect Apple Music in Your Car
Long drives and daily commutes are much better with the right music. Whether you have a modern car with a touchscreen or an older model, you can connect Apple Music easily.
Apple CarPlay
If your car supports Apple CarPlay, connecting is as simple as plugging in your iPhone via a USB-Lightning cable or connecting wirelessly if your car supports it. The Apple Music icon will appear on your car dashboard, giving you a safe, simplified interface to browse your library while driving.
Android Auto
For Android users, Apple Music is fully compatible with Android Auto. Simply connect your phone to your car, and the Apple Music app will be visible on the display. You can use Google Assistant to play specific albums or artists hands-free.
Bluetooth and AUX
If you have a car that does not support CarPlay or Android Auto, you can still connect via Bluetooth. Pair your phone with your car audio system like you would for calls. Alternatively, you can use a 3.5mm AUX cable to connect your phone headphone jack or adapter directly to the car stereo for a stable, high-quality connection.
Connecting Apple Music to Smart TVs
Watching music videos or listening to high-fidelity tracks through your home theater system is a great experience. Many Indian households now use smart TVs from brands like Sony, LG, Samsung, and Xiaomi.
Apple TV and Android TV
If you have an Apple TV 4K box, the Music app is built-in. For those using Android TV or Fire TV Stick, follow these steps:
- Open the App Store or Play Store on your TV.
- Search for Apple Music and install the app.
- Open the app and select Sign In.
- A QR code or a code with a website link will appear on your TV screen.
- Use your smartphone to scan the code or visit the link provided, enter the code, and your TV will automatically log into your Apple Music account.
Connecting on PC or Mac
For professionals working on their laptops, music is a great productivity booster. On a Mac, the Music app is part of the operating system. Simply open it and sign in. For Windows users in India, you have two main options:
- iTunes: You can download iTunes from the Microsoft Store. It allows you to manage your library and stream Apple Music.
- Apple Music Preview App: Microsoft now offers a dedicated Apple Music app for Windows 11 which provides a much faster and modern experience compared to iTunes.
- Web Player: If you are using a public computer or do not want to install software, simply visit music.apple.com in any browser (Chrome, Edge, or Safari) to stream your music directly.
Subscription Plans in the Indian Context
To keep your connection active across all these devices, you need an active subscription. India has some of the most affordable rates for Apple Music globally. Currently, the plans include:
- Student Plan: Very affordable, requiring verification through UNiDAYS.
- Individual Plan: Standard monthly or yearly billing.
- Family Plan: Allows up to six people to have their own private accounts under one subscription.
- Apple One: A bundle that includes Apple Music, Apple TV+, and iCloud storage.
Conclusion
Connecting Apple Music to your various devices is a straightforward process that allows you to enjoy a premium listening experience regardless of the hardware you use. From the simplicity of the iPhone app to the convenience of voice commands on an Alexa speaker, Apple has ensured that its music service is accessible to everyone. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your favorite tracks follow you from your bedroom to your car and into your workspace. In a country like India, where music is a language of its own, having such a versatile connection to your library is a true delight.
Can I use Apple Music on more than one device at a time?
If you have an Individual plan, you can sign in on multiple devices, but you can only stream music on one device at a time. To listen on multiple devices simultaneously, you need to upgrade to the Family plan.
Does Apple Music work without the internet in India?
Yes, once you have connected your account, you can download songs, albums, or playlists to your device. This is particularly useful for saving mobile data or listening in areas with poor network connectivity.
What should I do if Apple Music is not connecting to my Alexa?
Ensure that your Alexa app and Apple Music app are both updated to the latest version. Check if your Apple ID region is set to India in both settings. If the problem persists, try unlinking and re-linking the skill in the Alexa app.
Is there a way to connect Apple Music to a non-smart TV?
Yes, you can use a streaming device like a Fire TV Stick, Google Chromecast, or an Apple TV box. These devices plug into your TV HDMI port and allow you to install the Apple Music app.
How do I disconnect Apple Music from a device I no longer use?
Go to your Apple ID settings on an iPhone or the Music app settings on a PC. Look for the list of authorized devices and select the one you wish to remove. This ensures your account remains secure.
