Playing games on PS5 doesn't mean you have to give up your favorite music. If you're an Apple Music subscriber, you can use the native Apple Music app to stream your favorite songs in the background while gaming. Alternatively, if you prefer an offline option that doesn't depend on the Apple Music app, you can play compatible local audio files using a USB drive.
So, can you play Apple Music on PS5 while gaming? Absolutely. The native Apple Music app is the easiest method if you have an active subscription and a stable internet connection. However, if you want a local, offline-oriented setup, playing converted audio files from Apple Music via USB is a great alternative.
In this guide, we'll cover how both methods work, show you how to control audio playback while gaming, and explain key details to keep in mind for the USB method.
Part 1. Can You Play Apple Music on PS5?
Yes. Apple Music is available on PS5, allowing subscribers to browse their music library, playlists, and other Apple Music content directly from the console.
More importantly for gamers, Apple Music is integrated with the PlayStation 5 Control Center. This means you don't necessarily have to leave your game and return to the Apple Music app every time you want to change what you're listening to. You can access music controls from the Control Center while playing a compatible game.
There are two practical ways to connect Apple Music to PS5:
| Method | How It Works | Internet | Apple Music App |
|---|---|---|---|
| Native Apple Music app | Stream Apple Music directly on PS5 | Required | ✅ |
| USB drive | Play compatible local audio files | Not required for playback | ❌ |
The first method is much simpler for most Apple Music subscribers. The second is useful if you already have compatible local music files and want to avoid streaming.
Apple Music downloads cannot be directly copied to a USB drive for playback as standard local files. Instead, you need to use purchased tracks from the iTunes Store (typically in unprotected AAC format) or convert your Apple Music tracks into compatible local files using a converter (detailed in Part 3).
Part 2. How to Play Apple Music on PS5 via the Native App (Online)
The native Apple Music app is the most straightforward way to use Apple Music on PS5. Once the app is installed and your account is connected, you can browse Apple Music and start playing music directly from your PS5 console.
Keep in mind that native online streaming relies on an active Apple Music subscription. Without one, you won't be able to access the service's full playback features on your PlayStation 5 console.
Step 1. Download Apple Music on PS5
First, you need to install the Apple Music app on your PS5.
- From the PS5 Home screen, go to the Media space.
- Select All Apps.
- Find and select Apple Music.
- Choose Download and wait for the installation to finish.
Step 2. Sign In to Your Apple Music Account
Open the Apple Music app, follow the instructions shown on the PS5 screen to complete the account-linking process. Once your account is connected, you can access your Apple Music library, playlists, albums, and other content on the PlayStation 5.
Step 3. Start Playing Apple Music on PS5
Now, you can choose a song, album, or playlist in Apple Music and start playback. You can then return to your game without completely stopping the music. The PS5's music controls are designed to let you manage playback without repeatedly switching back to the full Apple Music app.
Bonus Tip: How to Play Apple Music While Gaming on PS5
Background playback is one of the most convenient features of the Apple Music integration on PlayStation 5. Follow this simple workflow to stream your music without leaving your game.
Step 1. Start playing any PS5 title, such as Call of Duty.
Step 2. Press the PS button on your DualSense controller.
Step 3. Select Apple Music to browse your library, personalized recommendations, or custom playlists.
Step 4. Select your preferred song or playlist, then press the PS button or Circle button to return directly to your game.
You can reopen the Music card in the Control Center at any time to skip tracks, pause, or adjust the balance between game audio and background music on the fly.
What to Know About Apple Music on PS5
The native app is convenient, but it is still a streaming-based solution. Your music comes from Apple Music rather than from files stored locally on the PS5. This means you should consider a few limitations:
- Internet connection: Apple Music streaming requires an internet connection. If your connection becomes unstable, playback may buffer or stop.
- Audio quality: Apple Music's Lossless catalog does not mean that the PS5 app provides Lossless playback. If your priority is local high-resolution audio, a compatible FLAC file played through the PS5 USB Music Player is a different approach.
- Offline playback: You cannot use the Apple Music app on PS5 like an iPhone or iPad and download songs to the console for offline listening.
Part 3. How to Play Apple Music on PS5 Offline via USB Drive
If you prefer to play music on your PS5 without relying on Apple Music streaming, the console's built-in USB Music Player provides another option. It supports local FLAC, MP3, and AAC files, so you can keep a separate music collection on a USB drive and play it while gaming without an internet connection. This method can be useful when:
- You want to play local music on PS5 without streaming it from Apple Music app.
- You want a music library that is available offline.
- Your network connection is unstable while gaming.
- You prefer keeping a separate collection of compatible audio files for your console.
- You want to keep listening to your favorite music after canceling an Apple Music subscription.
- You want an alternative when the Apple Music app is unavailable or not working properly on your PlayStation 5.
However, there is an important distinction here: this is not Apple Music's offline-download feature. Apple Music songs downloaded inside the Apple Music app are protected (M4P) and are not ordinary audio files (MP3) that you can copy to a USB drive. Besides, the USB method requires compatible local music files that PS5 can recognize and play.
Therefore, you need compatible local audio files before using this method. If you want to prepare Apple Music tracks as local files for a personal USB music library, a desktop tool such as AudFree Apple Music Converter can be used to process selected songs or playlists into common audio formats, including MP3, FLAC, and WAV. It also supports batch processing and customizable output settings, which can be useful when preparing a larger collection.
Ensure that you only use local audio files you have the legal right to access and transfer. Converted local audio files are intended strictly for personal, non-commercial playback.
Requirements for Apple Music USB Playback on PS5
For the compatibility between Apple Music and PS5, please prepare the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| PS5 | A PS5 console |
| Apple Music subscription | An active Apple Music subscription |
| Computer | A Windows PC or Mac for preparing and organizing local music files |
| USB drive | Formatted as FAT32 or exFAT |
| Music folder | A Music folder in the USB drive's root directory |
| Audio formats | MP3, FLAC, or AAC |
| Playback | PS5 Control Center > Music > USB Drive |
To ensure compatibility, format your USB drive to FAT32 or exFAT and create a "Music" folder in the root directory for your audio files, as officially specified by Sony.
See also: How to Transfer Apple Music to USB Drive
Prepare Apple Music for PS5 USB Playback via AudFree Apple Music Converter
If you already have compatible local music files, you can skip directly to Step 4. If you want to prepare selected Apple Music tracks or playlists for a local music library, follow these steps.
- Step 1. Add Apple Music Songs to AudFree
- Launch AudFree Apple Music Converter on your computer and add the Apple Music songs you want to prepare for PS5 playback. Select the tracks or playlists you need and add them to the conversion list.
- If you're preparing music specifically for a gaming playlist, it can be more convenient to select the entire playlist rather than adding songs individually.
- Step 2. Choose a PS5-Compatible Output Format
- Click 'Preferences' to open the output settings and select a format supported by the PS5 USB Music Player. You can also adjust available settings such as bitrate, sample rate, channel, and output folder according to your needs.
For a simple USB setup, MP3 is usually the most convenient option. If you want to maintain a lossless local library and have enough storage space, FLAC is another option because PS5 supports FLAC playback through USB.
See also:
• How to Convert Apple Music to MP3
• How to Convert Apple Music to FLAC
- Step 3. Prepare the Selected Apple Music Songs in Batch
- After choosing the output format and settings, start the conversion process by clicking the 'Convert' button. Once the process is complete, locate the resulting local audio files on your computer. You can then organize them into folders based on playlists, artists, albums, or gaming scenarios.
- Step 4. Transfer the Music to a USB Drive
- Before copying the files, make sure the USB drive is formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Then create a folder named "Music". The folder should be placed directly in the root directory of the USB drive.
- You can also create additional subfolders inside the Music folder to keep a larger collection organized. For example:
It is noted that some files may not play depending on their data type or file size, even when they use a supported format.
- Step 5. Play Apple Music Local Files from USB on PS5
- Once your files are organized, safely eject the USB drive from your computer and connect it to the PS5. The USB drive should appear as a music source in the PS5 Control Center when it is recognized correctly.
1. Press the PS button to open the Control Center.
2. Select Music.
3. Select USB Drive from the available music sources.
4. Browse to the music file or folder you want to play.
5. Select a file to start playback.
Once playback starts, you can return to your game and continue listening to the local music. Because the files are stored on the USB drive, this playback method does not depend on Apple Music streaming or a continuous internet connection.
Want to stream Spotify or TIDAL music on your PS5 while gaming, just like with the Apple Music steps above? You can also try AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder. It supports a wide range of streaming services, including Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, TIDAL, and more, giving you a flexible way to prepare music for playback on your PS5.
Key Features of the USB Method
In short, the USB method is better understood as a local music playback solution for PS5, rather than a way to transfer Apple Music's offline downloads to the console. If you already have compatible local files, the setup is relatively simple. If you want to prepare a larger Apple Music-based collection, a desktop tool such as AudFree can make the file preparation and batch organization more convenient.
- Offline playback: Play compatible local music without streaming.
- Lossless option: PS5 supports FLAC files through USB.
- No Apple Music app required: Local playback is handled through the PS5's Music controls.
- No streaming dependency: Music playback does not rely on a stable Apple Music connection.
- Flexible file management: Organize music into folders based on playlists, artists, albums, or gaming sessions.
- Large playlist preparation: Batch processing can make it easier to prepare a complete music collection.
Part 4. Troubleshooting: Apple Music Not Working on PS5?
Although Apple Music is officially supported on PS5, you may occasionally run into problems such as the app not appearing, music failing to play, account-linking errors, or playback stopping when you start a game.
Before trying more complicated fixes, check the following solutions in order.
Fix 1. Check Whether Apple Music on PS5 Is Available in Your Region
Apple Music on PlayStation is not available in every country or region. Also, the artists and tracks available through Apple Music can vary by location. If you cannot find Apple Music in the PS5 Media home or cannot use the service normally, first check whether Apple Music is supported in your region.
Keep in mind that regional availability and catalog differences are separate issues. Apple Music may be available on your PS5 while certain artists, albums, or tracks are unavailable in your location.
Fix 2. Check Your Apple Music Account and Subscription
If Apple Music is installed but you cannot play songs, check that you are signed in with the intended Apple Music account.
Open the Apple Music app on PS5 and verify your account information. If you recently changed your Apple Account, subscription, or payment details, signing out and signing back in can also help refresh the account connection.
Fix 3. Restart Apple Music and Sign In Again
Temporary account-linking or app errors can sometimes prevent Apple Music from working correctly on PS5. Try the following:
1. Highlight the Apple Music icon on your PS5 home screen, press the Options button on your controller, and select Close App.
2. Open the app again to see if the issue is resolved.
3. If playback or account access still fails, go to your profile settings within the app and sign out.
4. Re-enter your credentials and follow the on-screen prompts to link your Apple Music account back to your PS5.
5. Before launching a game, play a test track within the Apple Music app to verify the connection.
Signing out directly within the PS5 Apple Music app completely unlinks your Apple Account from your PlayStation Network console profile.
Fix 4. Update Apple Music and PS5 System Software
An outdated app or system environment can sometimes cause compatibility or playback problems.
First, make sure your PS5 is connected to the internet and check for available system software updates. You should also make sure the Apple Music app is up to date if an update is available.
After updating, restart the console and try Apple Music again. If the problem occurs only when you start a particular game, test Apple Music with another compatible PS5 or PS4 game. PlayStation specifically describes music playback during gameplay in terms of compatible games.
Fix 5. Reinstall Apple Music on PlayStation 5
If the app continues to crash, freeze, or fail to load correctly, reinstalling it can be worth trying.
Remove Apple Music from the PS5, download it again from the Media home, and then sign in to your account. This gives the app a fresh installation and can help when the problem is related to corrupted or incomplete app data.
Fix 6. Check Your PS5 Network Connection
The native Apple Music method relies on online streaming, so network problems can affect playback.
If Apple Music takes a long time to load, songs keep buffering, or playback stops unexpectedly, check whether other online services on your PS5 are working normally. You can also try:
- Restart your router or network connection.
- Check the PS5's network status.
- Try another network connection if available.
- Test Apple Music again after the connection becomes stable.
Fix 7. Use USB Playback as an Alternative
If the Apple Music app is unavailable or doesn't fit the way you want to listen to music on PS5, a local USB library provides an alternative playback method.
Prepare Apple Music as compatible local audio files in FLAC, MP3, or AAC format, place them inside a Music folder on a supported USB drive, and connect the drive to your PS5 as described in Part 3. You can then play these files directly from the USB drive without relying on the Apple Music app or an internet connection.
Part 5. Native App vs USB Method: Which Should You Use for Apple Music on PS5 Playback?
The two methods are designed around different listening setups. The native Apple Music app links your PS5 directly to the Apple Music service, while USB playback works with compatible local audio files stored on an external drive. Here's a quick comparison for your reference.
| Feature | Native Apple Music App | USB Playback |
|---|---|---|
| Main source | Apple Music service | Local audio files from Apple Music service |
| Apple Music app | Required | Not required |
| Active Apple Music access | Needed for Apple Music streaming | Not needed after converting |
| Internet for playback | ✅ | ❌ |
| Access to Apple Music library | Directly through the app | Only compatible local files you have prepared |
| Play while gaming | ✅ | ✅ |
| Supported USB formats | - | FLAC, MP3, AAC |
| Lossless playback | ❌ | ✅ |
| File management | Handled mainly within Apple Music | You manage files and USB storage |
| Best for | Streaming and library access | Local/offline-oriented playback |
So, if you mainly want quick access to your Apple Music playlists while gaming, the native app is the simpler choice. If your priority is offline playback or using your own local FLAC/MP3/AAC collection, the USB method is more appropriate. The key is that these are two different playback workflows rather than two ways of downloading Apple Music songs directly to PS5.
Part 6. FAQs About Apple Music and PS5
Can You Listen to Apple Music Lossless on PS5?
Not through the native Apple Music app. Although Apple Music offers Lossless audio, the PS5 app does not provide Apple Music Lossless playback in the same way as supported Apple devices. The native PS5 Apple Music app caps playback at standard AAC (up to 256 kbps). To play lossless formats (e.g., 16-bit/24-bit FLAC) on a PS5, Apple Music tracks must be converted into FLAC and played locally from a USB drive.
Can You Download Apple Music Songs on PS5 for Offline Listening?
No natively. The Apple Music app on PS5 is strictly for online streaming and lacks local storage download features. Offline playback requires converting protected tracks to MP3/FLAC via PC/Mac and loading them through a USB drive.
Can I Control Apple Music on My PS5 Using My iPhone via AirPlay?
No. PS5 does not support AirPlay. In-game Apple Music playback controls must be accessed via the PS5 Control Center (PS Button to Music card) or through PS Remote Play.
Why Isn't My Apple Music Library or Custom Playlists Syncing to the PS5 Media Tab?
The PS5 Apple Music app does not always reflect library or playlist changes immediately. First, make sure you are using the correct Apple Account and that the changes appear correctly on another Apple Music device. Then close and reopen the PS5 app, sign out and back in, or restart the console.
If the same playlists are still missing while everything works normally on your other devices, the issue may be related to temporary app or service synchronization rather than your Apple Music library itself.
Can You Get Apple Music on PS4, or Is It Exclusive to PS5?
Apple Music is officially available on PS5, while Sony's current support information does not list PS4 as a supported console for the Apple Music app. Therefore, if you want to use the native Apple Music app directly on a PlayStation console, PS5 is the supported option.
See also: How to Play Apple Music on PS4
In Summary
Linking Apple Music to PS5 is simple these days, especially with the native Apple Music app that lets you stream your library and control playback while gaming. If you need more flexibility or want to avoid streaming, the PS5 USB Music Player provides a local alternative for compatible FLAC, MP3, and AAC files. The right option mainly depends on whether you prioritize direct Apple Music access or offline local playback.
For a more convenient gaming experience, the native app is the straightforward choice. If you want a separate local music library, stable offline playback, or lossless FLAC playback, the USB method is worth considering. With the right setup, you can enjoy your favorite music on PS5 without being limited to the game's built-in soundtrack.
Staff Editor
