There are situations when you simply want to play music on iTunes and while you can clearly identify your playlist, some of the songs grey out and it’s a popular problem which we will teach you how to fix iTunes problems like it. While it is easy to fix this problem, it can be complicated for those who have unsupported formats or those with DRM protected tracks. The following are some possible solutions to greyed out music. In this article, we will show exactly how to fix iTunes problems.
How to fix iTunes Issues
For those who have unsupported formats or DRM protection, right-click the greyed song(s).
- Download the selected song(s)
- Resync the iTunes Music on your device
- Deauthorize iTunes on your device
- Reauthorize iTunes on your device
How to fix itunes when using Apple Subscription Service?
You may be:
- Disconnected from the iCloud Music Library and all you have to do is reconnect by clicking on the icon at the upper right corner of iTunes.
- The song is not in Apple Music or in your country
- Possible restrictions for explicit lyrics
- Possible changes to the lyrics
In the event the problem arises from the above three possibilities, it is recommended that you delete the greyed music or album and then add it from the Apple Music catalog.
Check the audio format on the specific track
If you identify the problem is specific to certain tracks, they may have unsupported formats or DRM protected. to counter this concern, go to iTunes and choose the affected track. Right-click it and select “Get Info”
- Under Get Infor, select Kind and if it is protected it will indicate “Protected”
- Once you confirm that it is protected, you can try out the following possibilities to counter the problem.
- You can choose to upgrade your iTunes account where you can choose between subscription-based iTunes or Apple Music. These two are subscription services.
iTunes Match is responsible for storing your music DRM free in iCloud. With this subscription, you can access all your music at all times. It will, therefore, convert your protected music. However, it is important to note that this solution is not exactly a perfect solution so you may want to keep your music source such as CDs around. Even after this subscription ends, you will still be able to play your music.
With Apple Music, you can access Apple’s music catalog without any device restrictions. You can play music with ease. In the contrary, if Apple Music subscription is deactivated, you can not play your music.
Keep in mind that these subscriptions use iCloud Music Library for your music storage.
Check iTunes Settings
Right click on your affected song and select Check selection at the bottom of the menu. Select it and try playing your music once again. Considering that it is a small setting, it tends to go unnoticed.
Download the song again
This is a straighter forward option to counter greyed music. You may delete the original and then download it again. Select iTunes store located at the top right and then select your account where you will identify the purchased option. From here, you will be able to reinstall the song. You can then play your preferred song to check if this was the initial concern.
Reauthorize
There are cases where iTunes forgets that your music is authorized. Sounds out of place but it does happen. All you have to do is refresh the authorization. Do this by first de-authorizing your device and then reauthorize it.
To deauthorize, go to iTunes, go to Store Menu and then de-authorize. You will then log-in to your iTunes account and sign out.
Restart your device and sign in into your iTunes account and the re-authorize.
Using your iPhone or iPad
This solution is limited to your iPad and iPhone devices. You can try deleting and reinstalling through the following steps.
Click on the settings, then General, then Storage, and finally Music. For devices operating on older iOS, the steps vary where you will click on Storage & iCloud usage then select Manage Storage.
After selecting Music, choose the edit icon. Choose a symbol located on the left and select delete. This choice will delete songs on your iPhone. After, you will sync your iPhone to your iTunes which will, in turn, reinstall all the songs you deleted. Try playing your songs as a confirmation that this was the problem.
Resync your Music
On other occasions, you may experience this problem as a result of a syncing problem. This arises after you delete some songs through other methods other than from iTunes. The songs will be greyed when you try to sync your iTunes music with your iPhone and the songs show as missing. It is, therefore, recommended that you first delete the greyed-out sons and then refresh your iTunes playlist and library. Finish the process by resyncing again by using your lightning cable and not via a Wi-Fi connection.
Enable the use of Cellular Date for iTunes
Settings – iTunes & App Store – Toggle ON Use Cellular Data.
Alternatively, download all songs by simply tapping on your cloud icon found on the right of the selected icon.
Sign out of iTunes on your iPhone and sign-in again
To sign out:
- Settings – iTunes & App Stores – Tap your Apple ID – Sign out
- Uncheck Sync Music on iTunes
- Resync your iTunes music
Delete the greyed-out sons and then refresh your iTunes playlist and library. Finish the process by resyncing again by using your lightning cable
How to fix iTunes problems: Get back songs
- Press CTRL + SHIFT and choose ALL UNCHECKED songs /CTRL + SHIFT and RECHECK the same songs /Simple as that and the songs played just fine.
- Alternatively, Turn OFF Auto-synching in iTunes when using your computer.
- Select all music and then tick all the songs considering that greyed songs are normally not ticked. Once all of them are ticked, the problem is solved.
For problems in the iTunes home page you find here, how to fix itunes home page problems
Conclusion
The concern raised from greyed out songs on iTunes can be rather common but with the above possible solutions, you will be able to address the concern and peacefully listen to your music. Try one solution at a time and give it some time before trying another solution. In the event you find another solution, we will be glad if you shared it with your friends using your social medias such as Facebook.