Songs User Guide →

Appendix

iCloud Addendum

Syncing Intervals

The changes to a song are synced within 5 to 40 seconds when you:

  • close the song (by selecting another song),

  • switch to a different app or

  • push the Songs app into the background.


The changes to a set are synced within 10 to 40 seconds.

If the Songs app is also running on a second device the sets will update via iCloud but the screen on the second device will not refresh.

  • To refresh the screen re-open/close the set (or the entire Songs app) on the second device.


The changes to the theme settings are synced within 5 to 15 seconds. Themes may be customized on multiple devices at the same time. The screen on each device will automatically refresh.

Tip Background images are added to the specific song and are synced with the lyrics.
Warning Your theme settings are backed up via iCloud but are not included in your local song catalog backup.

Theme settings cannot be recalled if you delete the Songs app on all devices and delete the data of the Songs app’s iCloud container (in your system preferences).


iCloud Troubleshooting Guide

If you are experiencing a syncing problem try the following options:

Note Go to the 'Apple ID' section of your system preferences to verify that the iCloud options of the Songs app are enabled (Apple Account > iCloud > Manage / See All).


Note Make sure that iCloud and your iCloud Drive are enabled:

iOS

  • Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Drive: On

  • Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Songs App: On

macOS 13 (or higher)

  • Apple icon (top left) > System Settings > User Name/Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Drive: On

  • Options > 'Apps that store documents on iCloud' > Songs App: (set check mark)

macOS 11-12

  • Apple icon (top left) > System Preferences > iCloud > iCloud Drive: (set check mark)

  • Options > Songs App > 'Apps that store documents on iCloud': (set check mark)


Note Make sure that you are signed into the same iCloud account on all devices:

iOS

  • Settings > Apple ID: User Name & Email

macOS 13 (or higher)

  • Apple icon (top left) > System Settings > Apple ID: User Name & Email

macOS 11-12

  • Apple icon (top left) > System Preferences > iCloud > Apple ID: User Name & Email


Note Make sure that you are online via WIFI or a cellular data plan (and the Songs app has permission to use them):

iOS

  • Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data > Songs App: On


Note Make sure that syncing is allowed (iCloud syncing may be disabled on devices managed by an educational institution):

iOS

  • Settings > General > Profile > "Documents in the cloud not allowed"


Note Make sure that there is sufficient storage space in your iCloud account and on your devices:

iOS

  • Settings > Apple ID > iCloud (top of the screen)

  • Settings > General > iPad/iPhone Storage

macOS 13 (or higher)

  • Apple icon (top left) > System Settings > User Name/Apple ID > iCloud (top of the screen)

  • Apple icon (top left) > About This Mac > More Info > Storage

macOS 11-12

  • Apple icon (top left) > System Preferences > iCloud (bottom of the screen)

  • Apple icon (top left) > About This Mac > Storage


Note Check the battery level of your mobile devices:

iOS automatically disables syncing in the low power mode.


Note Test iCloud syncing in the finder:

Attempt to sync a test file added to your iCloud folder on your Mac and the iCloud folder on your mobile device ('Files' app). If unsuccessful contact Apple support through this site.


Note AirDrop a test file from one device to another. (This may refresh your iCloud connection.)

Learn how to perform an AirDrop.


Note Turn the Songs app’s iCloud switch off, restart your devices and turn the Songs app’s iCloud switch back on:

iOS

  • Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Drive: Off (restart) On

  • Settings > Apple ID > iCloud > Songs App: Off (restart) On

macOS 13 (or higher)

  • Apple icon (top left) > System Settings > User Name/Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Drive: Off (restart) On

  • Options > 'Apps that store documents on iCloud' > Songs App: Off (restart) On

macOS 11-12

  • Apple icon (top left) > System Preferences > iCloud > iCloud Drive: Off (restart) On

  • Options > Songs App > 'Apps that store documents on iCloud': Off (restart) On


Note Log out of your iCloud account, restart your device and log back in:

iOS

  • Settings > Apple ID (scroll to bottom): Sign out (restart) sign in

macOS

  • Apple icon (top left) > System Preferences > iCloud : Sign out (restart) sign in


Note Contact Apple through this site.

Songs User Guide →