Fix Apple Music Not Working on iOS 11

If Apple Music is not working on your iPhone or iPad running iOS 11, the fix usually involves checking your internet connection, signing out and back into your Apple ID, or resetting the app itself. This guide walks through the most common causes and step-by-step solutions, from simple restarts to more advanced settings tweaks.

Why Apple Music Fails on iOS 11

iOS 11 was released in 2017, and while it introduced a redesigned App Store and new multitasking features, it also brought a handful of music-related bugs. Many users reported songs not playing, the app crashing, or the library not syncing. The root causes are typically:

• An unstable Wi-Fi or cellular connection that interrupts streaming.
• Outdated app or system software that conflicts with Apple’s servers.
• Corrupted cached data in the Music app.
• Apple ID authentication issues, especially after a password change.
• iCloud Music Library syncing errors.

Because iOS 11 is older, some features may also behave differently than on newer versions, but most problems are fixable without upgrading your device.

Start with the Basics: Check Your Connection

Before diving into complex settings, verify that your internet is working. Open Safari and load any webpage. If it fails, your network is the problem.

• Toggle Wi-Fi off and on in Control Center or Settings.
• Forget the Wi-Fi network and rejoin it by entering the password again.
• If on cellular, make sure Cellular Data is enabled for the Music app under Settings > Cellular.
• Try switching between Wi-Fi and cellular to see if one works better.

If the internet is fine but Apple Music still won’t play, move on to the next step.

Restart the Music App and Your Device

A simple restart clears temporary glitches and is often enough. To force-close the Music app on iOS 11:

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the App Switcher.
2. Find the Music app card and swipe it upward to close it.
3. Wait a few seconds, then reopen Music.

If that doesn’t help, restart your iPhone or iPad. Press and hold the power button (and either volume button on iPhone X or later) until the slider appears, then slide to power off. Wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on.

Sign Out and Back Into Your Apple ID

Apple Music is tied to your Apple ID, and authentication tokens can expire or become corrupted. Signing out and back in forces a fresh check. Here’s how:

1. Open Settings and tap your name at the top (if you’re not signed in, skip to step 3).
2. Scroll down and tap “Sign Out.” You’ll be asked to enter your Apple ID password to disable Find My iPhone. Enter it and confirm.
3. After signing out, restart your device.
4. Go back to Settings and tap “Sign in to your iPhone.” Enter your Apple ID and password.
5. When asked, turn on Apple Music and iCloud Music Library.

This process can take a few minutes as it re-syncs your library. Note that any downloaded songs will be removed and need to be re-downloaded.

Update iOS and the Music App

Apple periodically releases iOS updates that fix bugs. Even if you’re on iOS 11, check for the latest version (11.4.1 is the final one). Go to Settings > General > Software Update. If an update is available, install it while connected to Wi-Fi and with at least 50% battery.

You can also try deleting and reinstalling the Music app itself. On iOS 11, you can delete the Music app like any other:

1. Press and hold the Music icon until it wiggles.
2. Tap the X and confirm deletion.
3. Press the Home button (or swipe up on iPhone X) to stop wiggling.
4. Open the App Store, search for “Music,” and reinstall it.

This clears all cached data and often resolves playback issues.

Reset Settings (Without Erasing Data)

If nothing else works, resetting your device’s settings can fix underlying configuration problems. This does not delete your photos, apps, or music, but it does reset Wi-Fi passwords, Bluetooth pairings, and other preferences. Go to Settings > General > Reset > Reset All Settings. You’ll need to re-enter Wi-Fi passwords afterward.

As a last resort, you can erase all content and settings, but that should be avoided unless you have a full backup. Always back up to iCloud or iTunes before doing a full restore.

Common Misconceptions and Tips

Many users think Apple Music is broken because their downloaded songs disappear. This often happens after signing out of your Apple ID or resetting settings. Re-downloading songs is normal and doesn’t mean your subscription is lost.

Another misconception: turning off iCloud Music Library will fix everything. In fact, it can cause more syncing issues. Keep it on unless you’re sure you want to manage your library manually.

If you’re using an older iPhone (like the iPhone 5s or 6), performance may be sluggish on iOS 11. Closing background apps and freeing up storage can help. Check Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see what’s taking up space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Apple Music keep crashing on my iPhone with iOS 11?

Crashing is often due to corrupted cache or a bug in the app. Force-closing the app, restarting the phone, and reinstalling the Music app usually resolves it. If it persists, check for iOS updates.

How do I fix songs that won’t play on Apple Music?

First, check your internet connection. Then sign out and back into your Apple ID. If that fails, toggle iCloud Music Library off and on in Settings > Music. This forces a re-sync of your library.

Will I lose my music if I sign out of Apple ID?

You won’t lose your purchased or uploaded music, but any songs downloaded to your device will be removed. After signing back in, you can re-download them from the iCloud Music Library.

Can I downgrade from iOS 11 to an older version to fix Apple Music?

Apple generally stops signing older iOS versions shortly after a new release, so downgrading is usually impossible. Stick with the latest iOS 11 version and try the troubleshooting steps above.

Why does Apple Music say “This song is not available” on iOS 11?

This usually means the song is not in your region or was removed from Apple Music. It can also happen if your iCloud Music Library is out of sync. Try searching for the song again or re-adding it to your library.

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