Use Copy or Backup Software
The easiest way to transfer an iTunes library is to use software to copy your iPod or iPhone to a new computer. This method only works if your entire library fits on your device. The exact procedure will differ depending on which software you use, but this is generally how it works:
Use an External Hard Drive
External hard drives offer more storage capacity for lower prices than ever before. You can get a large external hard drive at an affordable price. These drives provide another simple option to move your iTunes library to a new computer, especially if you have more content than will fit on your iPod. Depending on the size of your iTunes library and the speed of the external hard drive, this can take some time, but it’s effective and comprehensive. You can also use a backup utility program to modify this process. For example, you can use them to only back up new files. Once you have this backup, copy it to your new computer or your old one, if you have a crash.
Use iTunes Backup Feature
This method backs up your full library (with the exception of audiobooks from Audible.com) to CD or DVD. All you need are blank discs and some time. If you have a large library or a CD burner rather than a DVD burner, this process will take many discs (one CD holds about 700 MB, so a 15 GB iTunes library will require more than 10 CDs). This may not be the most efficient way to back up, since you may already have hard copies of the CDs in your library. If you have a DVD burner, this will make more sense, as a DVD can hold the equivalent of nearly 7 CDs, that same 15 GB library will only require 3 or 4 DVDs. With a CD burner, choose the option to only back up iTunes Store purchases or make incremental backups (backing up only new content since your last backup).
Use Migration Assistant
On a Mac, the easiest way to transfer an iTunes library to a new computer is to use the Migration Assistant tool. Migration Assistant attempts to re-create your old computer on the new one by moving data, settings, and other files. It transfers most files well and will save you a lot of time. The Mac OS Setup Assistant offers this option as you set up a new computer. If you don’t choose it then, you use it later by finding Migration Assistant in the Application folder, which is in the Utilities folder. You’ll need a Firewire or Thunderbolt cable (depending on your Mac) to connect the two computers. Once you’ve done that, restart the old computer and hold the T key. You’ll see it restart and display a Firewire or Thunderbolt icon on the screen. Once you see this, run Migration Assistant on the new computer, and follow the onscreen instructions.
Use iTunes Match
While it’s not the speediest way to transfer your iTunes library, and won’t transfer all types of media, Apple iTunes Match is a solid option to move music to a new computer. To use it, follow these steps: The size of your library determines how long it will take to download your library. Expect to spend a few hours here, too. Songs will download with their metadata intact, for example, album art, play counts, and star ratings. Given its limitations, the iTunes Match method of transferring iTunes libraries is best only for people who have a basic library of music and don’t need to transfer anything besides that. If that’s you, it’s a simple and relatively foolproof option.
Use iCloud Music Library
The Apple iCloud storage system keeps your content in the cloud so that transferring it is as easy as signing in. It keeps track of the songs, TV shows, and movies you have licenses for since that takes up less space. But the end result is the same: If you get a new computer, you only have to sign in to your Apple ID to access the media you purchased.
