Figuring out where Amazon Music downloads go can be a bit of a treasure hunt. If you’re downloading tunes to your phone through the Amazon Music app, they typically end up in some encrypted folder deep within your internal storage. Yeah, not the easiest to find. So, how do you locate them?
On your computer, it’s a bit simpler. For Windows PCs, downloaded Amazon Music files usually appear in the “My Music” folder. For Mac users, they’re typically stored in the “Music” folder. Straightforward, right? Just head to these folders and your music collection should be there, waiting for you.
If you’re on an Android device, go to the “Settings” menu in the Amazon Music app, select “Storage” or “Download Storage,” and then choose whether you want your downloads saved to your device’s internal storage or an SD card. This way, you can control where your music goes and easily track it down later.
Understanding Amazon Music Downloads
Downloading music from Amazon Music lets you enjoy songs, albums, and playlists offline. In this article, I’ll break down how Amazon Music downloads work, including the difference between your music library and downloaded files, quality settings for downloads, and the options available with Amazon Prime and Amazon Music Unlimited.
Music Library Versus Downloads
Your music library on Amazon Music includes all the songs, albums, and playlists you’ve added. Downloaded files, on the other hand, are stored locally on your device.
When you download a song or album, it gets saved on your phone’s or computer’s storage. This lets you listen without an internet connection. For PC, the downloaded music is usually in the “My Music” folder. On a Mac, it’s in the “Music” folder. For mobile devices, check the app’s storage settings.
Important Note: Just adding a song to your library doesn’t mean it’s downloaded. You need to specifically choose to download it for offline listening.
Quality Settings for Downloading
Amazon Music gives you control over the audio quality of your downloads. This can affect both the quality of the music and the storage space it uses.
There are typically several options:
- Standard Quality: Uses less storage. Good for casual listening.
- High Quality: Better audio but more storage.
- Ultra-HD: Best audio quality. Requires a lot of space and data.
You can adjust these settings in the Amazon Music app under Settings > Streaming & Download. Choosing the right quality depends on your device’s storage and your preference for sound quality.
Pro Tip: If you have limited data or storage, stick to standard quality for downloads.
Prime Music vs. Amazon Music Unlimited
There are key differences between Amazon Prime Music and Amazon Music Unlimited, especially when it comes to downloads.
Amazon Prime Music is included with a Prime subscription but offers a limited library of 2 million songs. You can download these for offline listening.
Amazon Music Unlimited, a separate subscription, boasts a much larger catalog with over 75 million songs. This includes new releases and popular hits.
Key Differences:
| Feature | Prime Music | Music Unlimited |
|---|---|---|
| Song Library | 2 million | 75+ million |
| Download for Offline | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Quality Options | Limited | More, including Ultra-HD |
If you’re a music enthusiast who enjoys a broad selection and higher quality, Music Unlimited might be worth the investment. Prime Music offers a decent selection for light, occasional listeners and is a benefit if you already have Amazon Prime.
Finding Your Amazon Music Downloads
You’ll find your Amazon Music downloads in different places depending on whether you’re using an Android or an iOS device. Here’s how you can locate and access these files on both types of devices.
On Android Devices
To find your Amazon Music downloads on an Android phone or tablet:
- Open the Amazon Music app.
- Go to the Settings menu.
- Tap on Storage Location to see if it’s set to “Internal” or “External” storage.
Next, you need to use your file manager:
- Open your device’s File Manager app.
- Tap on the Menu or Settings option in the File Manager.
- Select Show hidden files.
- Navigate to the storage location you set earlier (Internal or External).
Once there, you should see the Amazon Music folder containing all your downloaded songs.
On iOS Devices
Finding your Amazon Music downloads on an iPhone or iPad is a bit different:
- Open the Amazon Music app.
- Go to the Settings menu.
In iOS, downloaded files are often stored within app-specific storage. You can’t directly access these files from the file system like on Android. Instead, you need to:
- Play the downloaded music directly from within the Amazon Music app.
- Use the app’s built-in options to manage your music.
Due to iOS restrictions, getting file system access is more complicated, so playing and managing your music directly within the Amazon Music app is usually your best bet.
Managing Downloads and Storage
When managing downloads and storage for Amazon Music, it’s key to know where your files are and how to clear space as needed. Here’s a look into locating your downloaded music files on mobile devices and methods for clearing space by deleting downloads.
Locating Downloaded Files on Mobile Devices
Finding where Amazon Music downloads your songs on your phone can be tricky. For Android devices, open the Amazon Music app and head to the Settings menu. Look for the Storage Location option. Your music might be saved in internal storage or on an SD card if you have one. To find the downloaded files, go to your device’s File Manager app. Enable the “Show hidden files” option from the app’s settings to see everything clearly.
On iOS devices, it’s a bit different. The downloaded music stays within the app for offline playback. You won’t find them in the usual iOS file structures. But don’t worry, you can still manage them directly through the Amazon Music app.
Clearing Space and Deleting Downloads
Running out of storage space? Deleting old downloads can free up a lot of room. In the Amazon Music app, go to the library section and find the Downloaded filter to see all the music you have saved. Tap on the three-dot menu next to a song, album, or playlist, then select Remove from Device. This action will delete the downloaded music files, freeing up that storage space for other apps or media.
If you’re using an SD card, you might also have to manage this via your device’s Storage settings. Navigate to Settings > Storage > SD Card and see which files are taking up space.
In internal storage, find the Amazon Music folder in your File Manager and manually delete the files. Always double-check what you’re deleting to avoid any accidents!
Troubleshooting Common Download Issues
Getting music to download smoothly from Amazon Music can sometimes be tricky. Whether it’s a connectivity problem or files not showing up offline, there are specific steps to tackle these issues.
Connectivity Concerns for Downloads
Without a stable internet connection, downloading music becomes a struggle. Ensure your device is properly connected to Wi-Fi. If the connection seems slow, give your router a quick reboot.
Sometimes, just switching from Wi-Fi to a mobile network (if you’ve got a solid data plan) can get things moving. Cache is another sneaky culprit. Clear the cache from the Amazon Music app settings. Keeping the app and your device updated to the latest version helps prevent newer version bugs from messing up the download.
Files Not Available Offline
It’s frustrating when you download a song, but it doesn’t show up offline. First, check if the download completed by going to the “Downloads” section in the app.
If the files are missing, it’s possible they were saved on an encrypted SD card. In the app settings, make sure the storage location is correctly set. Sometimes switching locations and redownloading helps. Enable “Offline Mode” to ensure the app doesn’t default to streaming, which hides downloaded content. Make sure to double-check for any app updates, which might fix bugs related to offline playback.
Don’t forget, downloaded files are often encrypted for security, so make sure you’re accessing them through the Amazon Music app only.
I’m Marcus Bextor, a seasoned software engineer passionate about demystifying technology. With over a decade in the tech industry, my journey began with a Computer Science degree, evolving through various roles in software development, system architecture, and project management. At MWTA, I leverage my expertise to provide in-depth, unbiased reviews of the latest tech products, from smartphones to smart homes. My blogs aim to be accessible to all, breaking down complex jargon into simple language. Besides reviews, I share insights on tech trends and practical tips. Connect with me for questions and suggestions as we explore the tech world together.