---
id: mac-storage-basics.where-are-music-files-stored-on-a-mac
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/where-are-music-files-stored-on-a-mac
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Photos, music and video"
question: "Where does the Music app store my songs, and can I change it?"
alt_questions:
  - "music media folder location"
  - "move music library external drive"
  - "itunes media folder mac"
  - "change music folder location mac"
  - "music app storage location"
short_answer: "Song files live in the Music Media folder set in Music → Settings → Files. Change that location, then use File → Library → Organise Library → Consolidate files to copy them over."
tags: ["music", "itunes", "library"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-remove-downloaded-tv-and-movies", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/where-is-the-photos-library-stored-on-a-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Where does the Music app store my songs, and can I change it?

Music keeps its library database in **Music** inside your home folder, and your song files in the **Music Media** folder (set in **Music → Settings → Files**). Apple Music streams and downloads are managed separately by the app.

To put your own song files on another drive, change the **Music Media folder location** in that settings pane, then use **File → Library → Organise Library…** and choose **Consolidate files** so existing songs are copied there. Check the songs play before deleting the old copies, and keep the drive connected when you use Music.