Support
Running into something? Check the questions below first. If that doesn't help, just email us.
Getting started
Do I need an Apple Music subscription?
Yes. MusicKit Lab is a player for Apple Music, and all the music comes from your Apple Music subscription. Without an active subscription, songs from the Apple Music catalog can't be played.
It says it can't connect to Apple Music. What should I do?
Please check that: ① the Music app on your device is signed in with your Apple Account and can play music; ② your Apple Music subscription is still active; ③ MusicKit Lab is allowed under Settings / System Settings → Privacy & Security → Media & Apple Music; ④ you're online. Then tap Check Again in the App.
Which devices and systems are supported?
Mac (macOS 14 or later), and iPhone and iPad (iOS / iPadOS 17 or later). The App interface is currently in Simplified Chinese.
Playback
Why can't some songs be played, or why were they skipped?
A few songs aren't available in your country or region for licensing reasons, or have been temporarily removed. When that happens, MusicKit Lab skips to the next song and lets you know. If several songs in a row fail, the network is probably unstable, so the App pauses and tells you.
How does the default mix pick songs?
It takes one or two songs from each of your Apple Music recommendations (playlists and albums) and weaves them together: at most one song per album, skipping intros and instrumental versions where possible, and avoiding the same artist twice in a row. To hear a playlist in its original order, switch the source from the "Playing from…" line at the top.
Do Loves sync back to Apple Music?
Yes. They're written back to your Apple Music and, where possible, added to your library, so you'll see them in the Music app and on your other devices.
Lyrics
Why do some songs have no lyrics, or the wrong lyrics?
Apple Music's own lyrics aren't available to third-party apps, so MusicKit Lab gets lyrics from LRCLIB, a public community lyrics database, matched by title, artist and duration. Less common songs may be missing, and some lyrics may be inaccurate or out of sync.
Why doesn't the background pulse to the beat?
Apple doesn't let third-party apps read the audio of what Apple Music is playing, so the background only drifts with the artwork colors. With Reduce Motion turned on, the background stays still.
Data and privacy
Does MusicKit Lab collect my listening history?
No. There's no analytics, advertising or tracking code in the App, and we don't run any servers. See the Privacy Policy.
How do I revoke access or delete my data?
Turn off MusicKit Lab under Settings / System Settings → Privacy & Security → Media & Apple Music to revoke access. Deleting the App removes everything it stored on your device.