In this wikiHow, you will learn how to buy and download a music album on your computer, iPhone, or Android. Keep in mind that downloading paid music without paying for it is illegal in most regions and could even lead to legal penalties such as fines or jail time, depending on where you live.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: On a desktop computer
Step 1. Install iTunes if you don't already have it
If you have a Windows computer, iTunes is your best alternative to buy and download albums, since Groove Music no longer allows the purchase of music.
If you have a Mac, skip this step as iTunes should already be installed by default
Step 2. Open iTunes
The icon for this app resembles a multi-colored music note on a white background. Clicking on it will open the iTunes window after a few seconds.
Step 3. Sign in to your Apple ID account
Click on the tab Bill at the top of the iTunes window (Windows) or in the menu item Store located at the top of the screen (Mac), and then click Log in and enter your Apple ID email and password.
- If you see your name at the top of the drop-down menu Bill or Sign off almost to the bottom of the dropdown menu Store, it means that you are already logged in.
- If you don't have an Apple ID, create one before continuing.
Step 4. Click on the Store tab
It's at the top of the iTunes window. Clicking on it will open the iTunes Store page, where you can purchase albums.
- On a Mac, click iTunes Store at the top of the iTunes window.
Step 5. Click on the search bar
This field is on the right side of the window.
Step 6. Write the name of an album
Type the name of the album you want to download and then press ↵ Enter. When you do this, the iTunes Store will start searching for the album.
You can also write the name of an artist or a musical genre in case you are looking for something less specific
Step 7. Select the album
Click on the album you want to download to open its page.
If you searched for an artist, you will first need to click on their name to see their available albums
Step 8. Click Buy
This button is at the top left of the album page. Before seeing the part To buy on the button, you will see the price.
- For example, if the album you selected costs $ 9.99, you would need to click the button $ 9.99 buy.
Step 9. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted
In the pop-up window that appears, type your Apple ID password in the "Password" text box.
Step 10. Click Buy
This button is at the bottom of the window. By clicking on it, you will automatically purchase the album using the credit or debit card that you have attached with your Apple ID. The album will begin downloading as soon as the transaction is approved.
- You can view the downloaded album files on your computer by selecting one of the songs, clicking File, and then on Show in Windows Explorer (Windows) or Show in Finder (Mac).
Method 2 of 3: On an iPhone
Step 1. Make sure you are logged into your Apple ID account
To buy music from the iTunes Store, you need to sign in to your Apple ID account. If you haven't logged into it yet, please do so now before continuing.
Step 2. Open the iTunes Store
Tap the iTunes Store app, which looks like a magenta box with a white star inside.
Step 3. Click Search
It's a magnifying glass icon in the lower-right corner of the screen.
Step 4. Press the search bar
This field is at the top of the screen. When pressed, the iPhone keyboard should appear on the screen.
Step 5. Write the name of the album
You can also type the name of an artist if you want to review multiple albums of the same.
Step 6. Click Search
It's a blue button in the lower-right corner of the keyboard. Tapping it will bring up a list of albums that match your search.
Step 7. Select an album
Tap the album you want to download.
Step 8. Buy the album
Tap on the album price located at the top right of the page and then scan your Touch ID when prompted. This will allow the album to download immediately. Once the download is complete, the album will be available in the iTunes app on your iPhone, as well as in the iTunes program on any computer that you sign in to with your Apple ID.
- If you don't use Touch ID to make iTunes purchases, tap To buy at the bottom of the screen when prompted, and then enter your Apple ID password to confirm purchase. You will probably need to enter your card's security code before downloading the album.
Method 3 of 3: On Android
Step 1. Open the Google Play Store
Tap the Google Play Store app icon, which looks like a multi-colored triangle on a white background.
Step 2. Press ☰
It's in the upper-left corner of the screen. Then a pop-up menu will appear.
Step 3. Press Music
You'll find this option in the middle of the pop-up menu. Doing so will open the Google Play music page.
Step 4. Press the search bar
It's at the top of the screen. When you press it, your Android keyboard will appear.
Step 5. Search for an album title
Type the name of the album you want to download and then press Look for, To go, Enter, or whatever the "Enter" option appears on the keyboard of your Android device. This will start searching for the album in the Google Play Store.
You can also enter the name of an artist or a genre in case you want to broaden your search
Step 6. Select an album
Tap an album that you want to download. Then the album page will open.
Step 7. Press the price of the album
This is in the top corner of the page.
Step 8. Press BUY when prompted
This is an orange button. When you press it, you will buy the album and you will be asked to download it to your Android.
You can access your downloaded music from the Google Play Store from your desktop by going to https://play.google.com/music/ in a browser and then logging in with your Google Play email address
Advice
Most music services (eg, iTunes and Google) will keep a copy of your purchases, allowing you to redownload deleted songs at a later date if necessary
Warnings
- Do not play music files for commercial purposes. Buying music does not give you the right to distribute it.
- Avoid downloading paid albums for free.