Changing the file location of your iTunes library lets you move your music, videos, apps, and other media to a different drive or folder. This is useful when you need more space on your startup disk, want a dedicated media drive, or are migrating to a new Mac. This guide explains the safest workflows, what to back up first, how to keep iTunes preferences intact, and how to point the app at a new library location without breaking your media references.
Understand the iTunes Library Structure
An iTunes library is more than just a playlist; it is a package that includes the library file, media files, and related metadata. Knowing what these components are and where they live makes it easier to move them without confusion.
The Library File and the Media Folder
An iTunes library is stored as a file, typically named iTunes Library.xml or, in newer versions, tracked by the app bundle itself. The library file is a database that references the location of your actual media files. By default, on macOS, this file is stored in ~/Music/iTunes/. On Windows, it is usually under Users\YourUserName\Music\iTunes. Your media files, such as audio and video, can live in the same folder or in a separate location, depending on how you set up your imports.
Default vs Custom Locations
By default, iTunes installs into a standard user folder tied to your operating system profile. A custom location is any path you choose on the same machine or on an external drive. Moving to a custom location gives you flexibility, but it requires careful steps so that iTunes can resolve the paths to your media and maintain a consistent library.
Back Up Before You Move
Before changing any file location, create a backup of your library and media. Backups protect you if something goes wrong during the move or if a file reference breaks after the move.
What to Back Up
- The iTunes library file or package.
- The entire iTunes Media folder if it contains local files.
- iOS device backups handled by iTunes, if applicable.
Simple Backup Methods
- Copy the
iTunes Mediafolder to an external drive or cloud storage. - Copy the
iTunes Library.xmlfile or the entire iTunes package folder to a safe location. - Export playlists as XML files for an extra layer of insurance.
Change the iTunes Library Location on macOS
On macOS, you can change where iTunes stores its media and library information by holding the Option key when you open the app or by adjusting preferences in an open session.
Method 1: Hold Option When Opening iTunes
Start iTunes while holding the Option key. This opens the Choose Library dialog, where you can select an existing library or create a new one at a custom location. Choosing an existing library tells iTunes to use that file as the source for your media and playlists.
Method 2: Set a New Library Through Preferences
If you want iTunes to always use a specific library, you can set it in the app’s preferences. In the menu bar, go to iTunes and choose Preferences, then click the Advanced tab. While the interface does not provide a direct move button, you can change the iTunes Media folder location, which influences where new imports go. You can also organize the files so that they stay in the same folder when you copy or move the library.
Change the iTunes Library Location on Windows
On Windows, the safest way to change your iTunes library location is to move the media and the library file together and then tell iTunes where to look.
Consolidate and Copy Your Media
- Open iTunes and use File > Library > Organize Library to consolidate files into the iTunes Media folder. This step gathers media from various locations into one place.
- Close iTunes.
- Copy the entire iTunes folder to the new drive or path.
Point iTunes to the New Location
After copying the files, open iTunes. If the paths are correct and the files are in expected locations, iTunes will rebuild its references automatically. If needed, choose the new library file from a dialog or adjust the iTunes Media folder location in Preferences > Advanced to match the new path.
Keep File Links and References Working
One of the biggest risks when changing file locations is broken references, where iTunes cannot find the actual audio or video files. You can avoid this by keeping the folder structure intact or by updating paths inside the library.
Avoid Broken References
- Move entire folders rather than individual files whenever possible.
- If you move only part of the media, use the Locate File command inside iTunes to point to the new location for specific items.
- Check for exclamation marks or warnings next to songs in your library, which indicate missing files.
Use the Locate Files Tool
If a track shows a missing status, select it and choose File > Locate File (or a similar option depending on your version). Navigate to the new location on your drive, select the file, and confirm. Repeat as needed for multiple files.
Reimport and Consolidate as Needed
If your references are unreliable or your library is inconsistent, you can create a fresh import of your music. This process exports playlists, re-adds content, and ensures that every file is tracked correctly.
Step-by-Step Reimport Tips
- Export all playlists to XML files.
- Move the old library out of the default iTunes folder.
- Start iTunes with a new library and adjust the iTunes Media folder location to your preferred path.
- Import your music from the new location and reapply playlists from the exported XML files.
Comparison: Quick Reference for Changing iTunes Library Location
| Scenario | Action | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Move entire library to a new drive | Copy the iTunes Media folder and library file, then open from the new location or set path in preferences | Library and media stay together; references preserved |
| Only change where new imports are stored | Update the iTunes Media folder location in Preferences > Advanced | New files save to the new path; existing files remain in place |
| Fix broken references after moving | Use Locate File for individual tracks or reimport the library | Restores links between the library database and media files |
Preserve Playlists and Smart Playlists
Playlists are stored in the library file, so if you move the library correctly, they should remain intact. Smart Playlists, which are generated by rules, will rebuild as long as the source files are available at the expected paths. When in doubt, export playlists as an extra safeguard.
Consider External Drives and Cloud Storage
An external drive is a common target for an iTunes library, especially when managing a large media collection. If you plan to use cloud storage, make sure the syncing process completes before iTunes accesses the files, because partial uploads or sync conflicts can corrupt the library.
Keep Your Operating System and iTunes Updated
Regular updates help maintain compatibility between the app, your file system, and your media codecs. Before a major version change, back up your library. If you encounter errors after a system update, check Apple support notes for known changes related to library paths and permissions.
FAQs: Changing File Location in iTunes Library
Will changing the iTunes library location delete my music?
No. Moving files or changing paths does not delete your music as long as you move or copy the actual media files and update the library references correctly.
Can I move my iTunes library to an external hard drive?
Yes, you can move the entire iTunes folder to an external drive. You may need to hold Option when opening iTunes or update the iTunes Media folder path so that the app knows where to find the files.
What should I do if songs show an exclamation mark after moving?
This usually means a broken reference. Use the Locate File command in iTunes to point the track to its new location, or consider reimporting your library if many files are affected.
Do I need to change anything for Apple Music or iCloud Music Library?
Apple Music and iCloud Music Library store metadata in the cloud, but local files still reside on your startup disk or an explicit storage path. Changing the iTunes Media folder affects local copies; ensure cloud settings remain enabled if you rely on syncing.
Can I change the library location for just some playlists?
Not directly at the playlist level; iTunes uses one central library file. You can, however, keep certain media on an external drive and add it into the library, or create separate libraries for different workflows and open them as needed.