Deleting all the music on your iPhone is a simple process that can be completed in a few steps. Simply open the Settings app, select “General,” then “iPhone Storage,” find “Music” in the list, and hit “Edit.” Delete all songs by swiping left and tapping “Delete.” Confirm the action, and voila, your music library is empty.
After completing this action, your iPhone will no longer contain any music files, freeing up storage space and allowing you to start fresh with a new music library or use other media instead.
Introduction
In the age of streaming services and cloud storage, the need to declutter our digital lives is becoming increasingly important. One of the areas that can quickly become overcrowded is the music library on our iPhones. Whether it’s the remnants of old iTunes purchases or an overzealous addition of albums, there comes a time when we need to purge our music collection. Doing so can free up valuable storage space, improve device performance, and even reduce decision fatigue when choosing what to listen to.
This guide is particularly relevant for those who have switched to streaming services, are looking to sell or pass on their device, or simply want to start their music collection from scratch. Let’s dive into how to delete all music from your iOS device and start fresh.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Delete All Music in iOS on the iPhone
Before we get started, understand that following these steps will permanently remove all music from your device. Make sure to backup any important files beforehand.
Step 1: Open Settings
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
In the settings menu, you’ll find a multitude of options for customizing and controlling your device. For our purposes, we will be navigating to the storage options.
Step 2: Select General
Tap on “General” to access more detailed settings.
The “General” section contains information about your iPhone’s features and functionalities, including storage and background app refresh settings.
Step 3: Tap on iPhone Storage
Choose “iPhone Storage” to view a breakdown of what’s taking up space on your device.
This area provides a visual representation of your storage usage, broken down by app and content type.
Step 4: Find Music
Scroll down until you find “Music” listed among your apps.
The “Music” section not only includes the music files but also album art and other related data.
Step 5: Hit Edit
Tap on “Edit” in the top right corner of the screen.
The edit function allows you to remove content selectively or all at once.
Step 6: Delete All Songs
Swipe left on “All Songs” and tap the red “Delete” button.
This action will remove all songs from your iPhone, including those downloaded for offline listening.
Step 7: Confirm Deletion
Confirm your choice to delete all music when prompted.
A confirmation is required to prevent accidental deletions of your music library.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Free Up Storage | Deleting all music from your iPhone can significantly free up storage space, which can be used for other apps, photos, or videos. |
| Improved Performance | With more available space and fewer files to index, your iPhone may perform faster and more efficiently. |
| Fresh Start | Removing all music provides the opportunity to rebuild your library with only the songs you truly enjoy. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Permanent Deletion | Once deleted, the music is permanently removed, and you may need to repurchase or re-download songs. |
| Time-Consuming | If you have a large library, it can take a significant amount of time to rebuild your collection. |
| Potential Data Loss | If not backed up, you risk losing music files that may not be available online anymore. |
Additional Information
When deleting all music from your iPhone, remember that this action only affects the music stored locally on your device. If you’re using a streaming service like Apple Music or Spotify, your playlists and library within those apps will remain untouched. However, any downloaded content for offline listening will be removed. It’s also worth noting that you should not delete the Music app itself, as it’s a core part of iOS and can’t be re-downloaded from the App Store like other apps.
If you’re planning to switch to another device or sell your iPhone, deleting your music library is a good privacy measure, ensuring nobody else has access to your personal collection. Lastly, remember to back up any important files to iCloud or your computer before proceeding with the deletion.
Summary
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap on “General.”
- Choose “iPhone Storage.”
- Scroll down to the “Music” section.
- Hit “Edit” in the top right corner.
- Swipe left on “All Songs” and tap “Delete.”
- Confirm the deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this process delete my playlists?
No, this process will only delete songs stored locally on your device. Playlists in streaming apps will remain.
Can I undo the deletion?
Once confirmed, the deletion cannot be undone. Always back up your music before proceeding.
Does this affect my Apple Music subscription?
No, your subscription will remain active, but any downloaded music for offline listening will be deleted.
Can I delete specific albums instead of all music?
Yes, you can swipe left on individual albums to delete them without removing your entire library.
Will this process delete music videos?
Yes, any music videos stored in your “Music” app will also be deleted.
Conclusion
Whether you’re decluttering, making room for new content, or preparing to transfer ownership of your iPhone, knowing how to delete all music in iOS is a handy skill. The process is simple and straightforward, but remember to back up any valuable files before proceeding.
After the deletion, you’ll enjoy a cleaner, more organized device with additional storage for whatever comes next. Now that you know how to delete all music on your iPhone, you’re in full control of your digital music experience. Ready to curate the perfect playlist?
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.