Maybe you’ve already shelled out the money for iTunes Match, or maybe you already have a huge collection of songs in that location. Whatever the reason, you need access to the iTunes library, and regardless of the device, you are using. But what if the device isn’t Apple-approved? No worries, we can remove your Apple shackles. Learn how you can stream iTunes from your Android.
Method 1: Transfer Files Manually
While some might consider this method old-fashioned, it is tried and true. Want to stream iTunes content to your Android? One way is to physically place it on your Android.
Step 1: Find Files
You can copy your music files into a temporary folder on your computer if you’d like.Or to find them where they are stored automatically by iTunes, it depends on your operating system:For a Mac: From the Finder menu bar, select Go > Home > Music > iTunes.For Windows: Open C: \Users\username\My Music\iTunes
Step 2: Connect Device
Using the USB associated with your Android, attach the device to your computer.
Step 3: Android File Transfer
If you are using a Mac, you will need to install Android File Transfer.
Android File Transfer
Step 4: Open Music Folder
Open the file on your computer that contains your music files.
Step 5: Transfer Files
Move the files from the folder on your computer to your Android’s music folder. You can copy and paste, or drag and drop.
Method 2: Using Google Play Music
You can transfer music from iTunes to Google Play Music for free. This is an easy way how to stream iTunes to your Android tablet or phone.
Step 1: Download Google Play Music
Install the Google Play Music app on your Android. Google Play Music
Step 2: Download Google Music Manager
Download Google Music Manager to your PC. If you are using Chrome, download the Google Play Music for Chrome extension instead. Google Music Manager Google Play Music for Chrome
Step 3: Open Web App
Step 4: Login
Login to your Google account. Use the same account you use on your Android.
Step 5: Add Folder (optional)
Within Settings, Add a Folder beneath the Music from this Computer
Step 6: Select Upload
Choose iTunes and click It will also ask whether you want to transfer entire playlists or individual tracks. Then Google Music Manager will start to upload the files. It will also give you the option to sync with iTunes automatically when you add songs in the future.
Step 7: Open Google Play Music App
The web app should sync with the app on your phone. Up to 50,000 songs can be stored online.
Step 8: (Optional) Save Albums or Tracks
Select the Keep on Device setting in the Google Play Music app.
Method 3: Using doubleTwist
The developers over at doubleTwist has definitely proven itself to be a huge help when it comes to streaming iTunes to Android. DoubleTwist will also need the assistance of the AirSync plug-in to enable full functionality, but it’s well worth it. It also allows you to sync your iTunes library, complete with ratings and number of plays, between your PC or Mac and Android device. The upgrade helps you to manage podcasts (including the removal of ads) and offers DLNA support. You can even perform album art queries, sync from USB or over Wi-Fi, and it comes with full MTP support for devices like Samsung Galaxy Note or the S3. This method of streaming your iTunes library to Android is packed with features.
Step 1: Download doubleTwist to Android
You will find five different options at https://www.doubletwist.com/.Cloud Player is exactly what it sounds like. It allows you to stream music from your favorite cloud service, such as Dropbox.Classic Player is probably what you originally came here for. It grants you the ability to sync music, pictures, and movies. Manage your playlists.Sync specializes in syncing your music, pictures, and movies over USB or Wi-Fi.Alarm wakes you up with your favorite music.AirPlay Recorder records your streams in real-time.
doubleTwist on Google Play
Step 2: Download Desktop App
When you are setting up your mobile app, you should receive an option to have the desktop app’s link emailed to you.
Step 3: Connect via USB or Wi-Fi
To transfer files or to stream, you will need a connection to your iTunes playlist.\
Step 4: Import Playlist
One way is to highlight the tracks or albums and drag them to your device.You can also select the Sync Now option to import the data from iTunes using the iTunes XML file.If the iTunes library is stored in a non-standard location, such as another drive, you will see a popup notifying you that doubleTwist is going to automatically launch iTunes.
Step 5: Setup New Playlists (Optional)
Select Playlist Setup from the sidebar.
Step 6: Troubleshooting
If music or podcasts do not appear, try rebooting your Android.Next, go to iTunes’ Preferences and click on Advanced.Tick the option to Share iTunes Library XML with other applications. Even if it is already checked, toggle it off and on again.Remove or rename any duplicate iTunes XML files.Mount or unmount your Android in USB Mass Storage Mode.
Method 4: Using Twonky Beam
Twonky Beam allows you to use your Android phone as an Apple AirPlay receiver. Twonky Beam is quite versatile in the number of devices it can service, and can be used on both iOS and Android. You can stream not only iTunes, but also other music, videos, and photos to not only your Android, but also Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, AirPort Express, various Smart TVs, AT&T U-verse systems, Blu Ray players, PS3s, etc. It comes with its own selection of videos and also permits you to share data from your computer or other devices on your home network. It does require one or more UPnP or DLNA-certified media players, or AirPlay compatible media players to be connected to the network, such as Media Browser. This method allows you to literally stream iTunes to your Android phone. You can even stream video from your iTunes library to Android, or on your Android TV. Apps like Twonky Beam can also be used to stream from your Android to Apple TV. Media Browser
Step 1: Download Twonky Beam
Twonky Beam
Download the app to your Android.You will have to agree to terms and conditions.
Step 2: Open Twonky Beam
You will receive a welcome popup. Press OK.
Step 3: Navigate to My Media
Twonky Beam is going to take you straight to the Web Browser View. This is great if you want to stream directly from a website, but if you want to access the media on your device or use a home network media server, you will need to find My Media. The My Media icon looks like a house that contains a Wi-Fi signal.
Step 4: Choose the Source
Select your home media server, or choose This Device if you want to sling media directly from your Android to your TV.
Step 5: Select the Display
To play the media on your Android, you can beam with This Device.
Method 5: Using iSyncr
If you still want to use iTunes and have your playlist sync with your Android, iSyncr is a great option for you. The free version is limited to 100 songs per playlist, and one playlist at a time. The Pro option does cost $4.99. You must possess a computer along with your Android.
Step 1: Download iSyncr for Android
iSyncr (Free) iSyncr (Pro)
Step 2: Download iSyncr for Desktop
Download iSyncr to your computer. The computer app is free using either app, but you will need to make your selection according to whether you have a PC or Mac.
iSyncr for Desktop
Step 3: Choose Syncing Method
You can choose to sync the media using Wi-Fi or USB.If you opt to use Wi-Fi, you will need to set your computer Firewall to permit the desktop app to interface with your Android app.
Step 4: Sync Via USB (Optional)
Open the desktop app and choose the USB option.Connect your Android to your PC or Mac with the USB cable that came with your Android.Find your device in This Computer for Windows, or in the desktop app itself on a Mac.Select your device. You will first have to right-click to access it in Windows.Select playlists, and click Sync.
Step 5: Sync Via Wi-Fi (Optional)
Open the Android app and specify the Wi-Fi option.Choose the computer with the desktop app running.Select your playlists and tap Sync Now.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many options to choose from. The first method is for those who don’t mind a little work, or who don’t have very many tracks or albums to transfer. A method like Twonky Beam requires a little bit more effort, but the reward is being able to play iTunes from whatever device you’d like—even your TV. iSyncr is extremely efficient, and will handle large amounts of syncing, especially if you are willing to shell out a little money. There really is no need for a fancy app though, when Google Play Music does a fine job. Still, apps like DoubleTwist give you lots of little extras, which can be well worth it. Tell us about your favorite method for streaming iTunes to Android, even if it’s not listed here, or let us know if you are experiencing any issues. Feature Image Credit
