Since Apple Music is natively integrated into many Samsung Smart TVs, enjoying your favorite playlists on the big screen is easier than ever. Whether you're relaxing at home, hosting a party, or listening through a home theater system, you can stream Apple Music directly from your TV without additional hardware.
In this guide, you'll learn how to play Apple Music on Samsung TV using the official Apple Music app, wireless casting from your phone or computer, and a more flexible USB method that lets you enjoy your music offline - even on older Samsung TV models that don't support the Apple Music app. We'll also explain the differences between each method, help you choose the best one for your needs, and walk you through common troubleshooting tips.
Part 1. Can You Get Apple Music on Samsung TV? Everything You Need to Know
Yes. Samsung is one of the few smart TV manufacturers that officially supports Apple Music through a dedicated app. If you own a compatible Samsung Smart TV (generally 2018 models or newer), you can download Apple Music app directly from the Samsung App Store, sign in with your Apple ID, and stream your entire music library without needing an Apple TV.
Samsung TV Compatibility for Apple Music
The Apple Music app is officially available on most Samsung Smart TVs running the Tizen operating system, including:
- Samsung Smart TVs (2018 models and newer)
- Neo QLED & OLED TVs
- Crystal UHD TVs
- The Frame
- The Serif
- The Sero
- Samsung Smart Monitors
To quickly check compatibility, open the Samsung App Store on your TV and search for "Apple Music". If the app appears in the search results, your television is supported.
However, the ideal playback method depends on your specific TV model and listening preferences. While the official app is convenient, it requires a continuous internet connection and does not support downloading songs for offline listening. In contrast, playing local files via a USB drive works on almost any Samsung TV, even older models, and lets you enjoy your music completely offline without Wi-Fi.
See also: How to Transfer Apple Music to USB Drive
Supported Audio Formats for Apple Music on Samsung TV
When playing media, Samsung TVs generally support standard audio formats such as MP3, AAC, HE-AAC, LPCM, Dolby Digital, and Dolby Digital Plus (DD+). However, the native Apple Music app itself strictly streams using the 256kbps AAC format.
| Supported Audio Formats on Samsung TV | Dolby Digital, MP3, Dolby Digital Plus (DD+), AAC, HE-AAC, and LPCM |
|---|
Method Comparison: Which Apple Music Playback on Samsung TV Is Best?
To help you choose the best setup for your home entertainment system, here is how the primary playback methods compare:
| Playback Method | Best For | Internet Required | Audio Quality | Compatible with Older TVs | Offline Playback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Apple Music Samsung TV App | Everyday streaming | ✅ | 256kbps AAC | ❌ (2018+ supported) | ❌ |
| USB Local Playback | Permanent offline listening | ❌ | Up to Lossless/Hi-Res | ✅ (All Models) | ✅ |
| AirPlay 2 Casting | Quick iPhone & iPad streaming | ✅ | CD-Quality (16-bit/44.1kHz) | ❌ (AirPlay TVs only) | Limited |
| Bluetooth Connection | Quick wireless connection | ❌ | Compressed audio | ✅ (Most Models) | ✅ |
Pros and Cons of the Official Apple Music Samsung TV App
While the native app offers a seamless setup for active subscribers, it comes with distinct boundaries that might frustrate audiophiles or owners of older setups.
Massive Catalog: Stream over 100 million songs directly through your television screen;
Familiar Navigation: Browse your personalized library, curated playlists, albums, and live Apple Music Radio stations;
On-Screen Entertainment: View gorgeous, real-time synchronized lyrics for karaoke nights at home;
Seamless UI: Enjoy a clean interface that is nearly identical to the Apple Music experience on iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV
Subscription Locked: Requires a continuous, active Apple Music subscription to function;
No Offline Mode: Requires a stable internet connection; you cannot download songs to the TV's local storage;
Capped Audio Quality: Does not support true Lossless, Hi-Res Lossless, or Dolby Atmos spatial audio;
Hardware Limitations: Completely unavailable on older, pre-2018 Samsung legacy models
If these limitations impact your listening experience - or if you are simply ready to set up the default streaming method - don't worry. In the next section, we'll walk you through how to configure the official Apple Music app on your Samsung TV, followed by flexible alternative methods like wireless casting and USB playback for unsupported models.
Part 2. How to Play Apple Music via the Native Samsung TV App (Official)
If your Samsung Smart TV supports the Apple Music app, this is the easiest and most seamless way to enjoy your favorite songs. Available on compatible TVs running the Tizen operating system, the native app streams music directly from Apple's cloud servers over your home Wi-Fi network. Once playback begins, your TV handles the streaming independently - no iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV is required.
How to Set Up and Play Apple Music on a Samsung TV
Step 1. Power on your Samsung Smart TV and press the 'Home' button on your remote control to open the 'Smart Hub' launcher bar.
Step 2. Navigate to the left and open the Apps store icon.
Step 3. Use the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner to search for 'Apple Music'.
Step 4. Select the official app from the search results and click 'Download' to install it onto your TV's dashboard.
Step 5. Download and install the official Apple Music app in your Samsung TV.
Step 6. Once installed, launch the app and select 'Sign In'.
Step 7. A QR code and verification link will appear on your TV screen.
Step 8. Scan the QR code with your iPhone or Android phone, or visit the displayed URL on another device.
Step 9. Sign in with your Apple ID and enter the verification code if prompted. Once your account is linked, you can browse your library, playlists, albums, and Apple Music Radio directly from your TV.
The native Apple Music app is strictly limited to Samsung Smart TV models released in 2018 or later. If your TV was manufactured between 2015 and 2017, the app will not appear in your app store. Furthermore, the TV app lacks an offline mode - if your Wi-Fi is unstable, your music will constantly buffer or fail to load.
Part 3. How to Play Apple Music on Any Samsung TV via USB (Lossless Local Files)
If you own an older Samsung TV model that doesn't support the native app, want to avoid streaming lag, or want to enjoy your music collection without maintaining a paid subscription, AudFree Apple Music Converter provides the ultimate solution.
Standard Apple Music downloads are locked in an encrypted format that Samsung TVs cannot read. AudFree Apple Music Converter breaks through these restrictions, allowing you to batch-convert songs, albums, and full playlists into open formats like MP3, M4A, or FLAC. The software retains your original audio quality and all native ID3 metadata tags (including track titles, artists, and high-resolution album artwork).
Once converted, you can simply drop the audio files onto a standard USB flash drive, plug it directly into the back of your Samsung TV, and use the built-in TV Media Player to stream your music 100% offline without ads or subscription restrictions.
AudFree Apple Music Converter
- Remove DRM protection from Apple Music songs losslessly
- Convert Apple Music to MP3, or other Samsung supported format
- Batch download whole playlists or albums losslessly
- Work at up to 17X fast speed while keeping ID3 tags
Before getting started to follow the below step-by-step tutorial, please make sure you have downloaded professional Apple Music converter to your computer.
- Step 1. Add Apple Music to AudFree Conversion List
- Launch AudFree Apple Music Converter on your Mac or Windows computer. Within the built-in Apple Music web player, you can browse and choose these songs you want to stream in Samsung Smart TV, and click '+' to load them to the conversion list.
- Step 2. Set Output Parameters for Samsung TV
- Please click the 'AudFree Apple Music Converter' button in the top menu bar, and go to change your Apple music format and parameters for Samsung TV, to define the output format as Samsung-supported audio files. Set the target output file format to MP3 (this format most widely compatible with Samsung Media Players). Besides, you will be able to customize other audio output parameters, such as bit rate and sample rate. Adjust the bitrate to 320 kbps for optimal audio clarity, then click 'OK'.
- Step 3. Batch Convert Apple Music for Samsung TV Playback
- Simply click the 'Convert' button at the bottom-right corner to start the conversion. AudFree Apple Music Converter will remove the DRM protection from Apple Music songs and save unencrypted versions onto your local drive.
- Step 4. Transfer Converted Apple Music to a USB Flash Drive
- Insert a USB flash drive into your computer (ensure it is formatted to FAT32 or exFAT, which Samsung TVs read natively). Create a folder named 'Music' on the drive and drag-and-drop your converted Apple Music audio files directly into it.
- Step 5. Plug and Play Apple Music on your Samsung TV Offline
- Insert the USB drive into an available USB port on the back or side of your Samsung Smart TV. A pop-up notification will appear. Then select Browse Device or open the native 'Media Player / Source' app. Navigate to your music folder to enjoy unrestricted Apple Music offline playback anytime.
If you want to build a larger song collection on your Samsung TV for offline streaming, AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder provides the ultimate versatility. Offering compatibility with over 10 major streaming platforms, it delivers up to lossless audio quality at lightning-fast speeds - guaranteeing an exceptional listening experience that won't let you down.
Part 4. How to Cast Apple Music to Samsung TV without the TV App
If your Samsung TV supports wireless casting, you can play Apple Music without using the native Samsung TV Apple Music app at all. Instead of navigating on your television, you control everything from your smartphone or computer and simply send the audio to your TV. This approach is especially useful if your TV model doesn't support the Apple Music app or if you prefer a faster, more familiar mobile interface.
Method 1. Via Apple AirPlay 2 (For Apple Users)
Most Samsung Smart TVs released in 2018 or later include built-in support for AirPlay 2, Apple's native wireless streaming technology. This allows you to stream Apple Music directly from your Apple device to your Samsung TV with minimal setup.
Step 1. Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and your Samsung TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
Step 2. Open the Apple Music app on your phone and begin playing a track.
Step 3. Access the Control Center on your iOS device (swipe down from the top-right corner) and tap the AirPlay icon in the audio playback panel.
Step 4. Select your Samsung TV from the list of available screen receivers. Enter the pairing code on your phone if it displays on the TV screen.
Once connected, your Apple Music playback will stream directly through your Samsung TV speakers while you continue controlling everything from your Apple device.
Method 2. Via Smart View / SmartThings (For Android Users)
Android users can mirror audio to Samsung TVs using Samsung's built-in casting system, commonly known as Smart View or SmartThings, depending on the device model.
Step 1. Open the Apple Music app on your Android device and play your music.
Step 2. Swipe down from the top of your Android screen to open the Quick Settings panel.
Step 3. Tap the Smart View icon (or Cast / Wireless Projection depending on your phone brand).
Step 4. Select your Samsung Smart TV from the discovered hardware list to mirror your device audio directly to the TV speakers.
Once connected, your phone mirrors audio (and in some cases the full screen) to your TV, allowing you to control playback directly from your Android device.
Part 5. How to Fix Apple Music Not Working on Samsung TV (Troubleshooting)
If Apple Music is not loading, keeps buffering, or fails to connect on your Samsung TV, the issue is usually related to cache errors, network instability, or file compatibility. The quick fixes below will help you resolve the most common problems and restore smooth playback.
Fix 1. Apple Music App Login Loop or Black Screen Issues
If the Apple Music app gets stuck on a loading screen, shows a black screen, or repeatedly asks you to log in, the problem is often caused by corrupted cache data stored on the TV.
Solution: Clear the App Cache and Restart
- Go to Settings on your Samsung TV.
- Select Support > Device Care > Manage Storage.
- Find the Apple Music app in the list.
- Open View Details, and select Clear Cache and Clear Data.
- Restart your TV and sign in again with your Apple ID.
This resets the Samsung TV Apple Music app to a clean state and usually resolves login loops and display issues.
Fix 2. USB Drive Not Recognized or 'Unsupported File Format' Error
If your Samsung TV cannot read your USB drive or shows an 'unsupported file format' message, the issue is usually related to either the drive format or incompatible audio files.
Solution: Check USB Format and File Type
- Ensure your USB drive is formatted as FAT32 or exFAT (Samsung TVs may not properly support NTFS drives).
- Avoid using encrypted Apple Music files such as .m4p, which are protected by DRM.
- Convert Apple Music tracks into standard formats like MP3 or M4A before transferring them to USB.
If your files are still in Apple's protected format, tools like AudFree Apple Music Converter can convert them into Samsung-compatible audio formats for smooth playback.
Fix 3. AirPlay 2 Keeps Disconnecting or Lagging
If AirPlay 2 playback is unstable, cuts out, or has noticeable delay, the issue is typically caused by Wi-Fi interference or network congestion.
Solution: Improve Network Stability
- Go to Settings on your Samsung TV.
- Navigate to General > Apple AirPlay Settings.
- Turn AirPlay Off, wait a few seconds, then turn it back On.
- Restart both your TV and Apple device if needed.
- Move your router closer to the TV or switch to a 5GHz Wi-Fi network for more stable performance.
A stronger and more stable network connection significantly improves AirPlay streaming quality and reduces interruptions.
Final Tip
Most Apple Music issues on Samsung TV are not caused by the app itself, but by network instability, outdated cache data, or incompatible file formats. Following the steps above should resolve the majority of playback problems and restore smooth streaming or offline listening.
Part 6. FAQs about Apple Music on Samsung TV
Can I use Alexa or Google Assistant to control Apple Music on my Samsung TV?
Yes, but only if your Samsung TV model includes a built-in microphone or is paired with an external smart speaker linked through the Samsung SmartThings app ecosystem. You must also set Apple Music as your default provider within the Alexa or Google Home mobile apps.
See also:
• How to Play Apple Music on Alexa with/without Premium
• How to Play Apple Music on Google Home
Can I play Apple Music Dolby Atmos or Lossless audio through my TV app?
The native Samsung TV Apple Music app streams standard stereo configurations. It does not natively decode spatial audio (Dolby Atmos) or high-resolution lossless audio files directly through the internal TV speakers. To preserve maximum audio fidelity, using AudFree to convert tracks to uncompressed local FLAC files is recommended.
Why can't I find the Apple Music app on my Samsung TV app store?
If the app is entirely missing from your search results, your TV model was likely manufactured prior to 2018. To play your music, you must either cast via a streaming stick (like a Roku or Apple TV) or use the AudFree USB playback method outlined in Part 3.
Conclusion
In short, if you're using a newer Samsung TV and are comfortable navigating with a standard remote, the official Samsung TV Apple Music app provides the simplest and most direct way to stream music, with full access to your Apple Music library and seamless cloud-based playback.
However, if you're dealing with older TVs that don't support the app, experiencing unreliable Wi-Fi performance, or simply want to move beyond ongoing subscription dependency, using AudFree Apple Music Converter with a USB-based local library offers a far more flexible and resilient solution. By converting your Apple Music tracks into standard audio formats and storing them locally, you can build a stable, offline-ready home entertainment setup that isn't affected by app limitations, network issues, or subscription status.
Staff Editor
