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Turn off the favorite-song library option in Music settings. On iPhone and iPad, open Settings > Apps > Music; on Mac, open Music > Settings > Advanced. The label varies across Apple’s instructions and software versions, so look for the option that adds favorite songs to your library.
Turn off automatic library additions on iPhone or iPad
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap Apps, then Music.
- Turn off the favorite-song library option. Depending on the version and Apple’s wording, it may appear as Add Favorite Songs or Add & Delete Favorite Songs.
Apple’s iPhone and iPad guidance uses both labels: its device-specific instructions refer to Add Favorite Songs, while its general Apple Music article calls the control Add & Delete Favorite Songs. Follow the wording displayed on your device. Apple’s iPhone guide and its general favorites instructions document the setting.
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Turn off automatic library additions on Mac
- Open the Music app.
- In the menu bar, choose Music > Settings.
- Click Advanced.
- Turn off Add & Delete Favorite Songs.
Apple’s Mac user guide gives this path for keeping songs marked as favorites without adding them to the library. See Apple’s instructions for favoriting items on Mac.
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What changes when you switch the setting off?
Favoriting a song will no longer add that song to your Library. The song can still be found in the Favorite Songs playlist, and turning off library addition does not remove its favorite status.
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This control concerns favorite songs. Apple documents a separate behavior for favoriting albums, artists, and playlists: those items are added to the Library. Do not expect the song setting to prevent those other item types from appearing there. Apple also says favoriting music can improve recommendations; Apple’s Mac guide notes that Apple Music subscribers who favorite artists automatically receive notifications when those artists release new music.
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If you cannot find the option
- On iPhone or iPad, check Settings > Apps > Music; on Mac, check Music > Settings > Advanced.
- Look for either label mentioning favorite songs, since Apple’s support pages use different wording.
- Settings names and locations can change with software updates. Apple’s instructions were checked on October 7, 2026; your installed version may display a different label.
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