Solution: Tune Sweeper finds duplicates but doesn't remove them from iTunes or the Music app

Tune Sweeper supports iTunes (Windows & Mac) and the Music app (Mac).

If Tune Sweeper finds duplicate songs but doesn't remove them after you click "Remove Duplicates", follow these steps...

Troubleshooting Guide

1. Update Tune Sweeper

Check for updates in the Tune Sweeper app under: Help -> Check for Updates.
Or download the latest version directly from our Update page.

2. Check that Your Songs are Stored Locally

Songs stored only in iCloud, or which are part of an Apple Music subscription, cannot be deleted by Tune Sweeper. These tracks are marked with a cloud icon as shown below:

You can exclude such tracks from the duplicates feature by going to Tune Sweeper preferences and ticking "Exclude iCloud tracks when searching for duplicates".

Or, if you want to process those tracks in Tune Sweeper, you'll need to download them from iCloud to iTunes:

1. Open iTunes.
2. Go to Edit > Preferences > Downloads.
3. Under "Automatic Downloads", tick "Music".

3. Check File Permissions

Tune Sweeper cannot delete files marked as read-only. Ensure your music files have read/write access on your computer.

It may also be beneficial to run Tune Sweeper with elevated permissions to ensure that it can manage your files.

Run As Administrator on Windows:

1. Right-click the Tune Sweeper icon on your desktop or in your programs folder.
2. Select "Properties" and then click the "Compatibility" tab.
3. Tick "Run this program as an administrator".
4. Click "Apply" and then "OK".

Enable Full Disk Access on Mac:

• Open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > click the Privacy tab.
• Scroll down and click "Full Disk Access".
• Click the lock to make changes > click the "+" button.
• Then find and add Tune Sweeper.

4. Reinstall iTunes (Windows only)

If Tune Sweeper still can't remove duplicates, a required iTunes file may be missing.

To resolve this issue, please uninstall your current version of iTunes, and reinstall it from the Apple website.

(note: reinstalling iTunes will not modify your music files or music library.)

1. Open Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features.
2. Right-click iTunes and select Uninstall.
   
3. Download the latest version:
   • iTunes (64-Bit)
   • iTunes (32-Bit)
4. Install iTunes, then try Tune Sweeper again.

Still Failing to remove duplicates?

If Tune Sweeper has completed the remove process but is reporting errors, click "View Details". Here, you'll see a report on why each track could not be removed with Tune Sweeper.

If you require assistance reading the report, you can save it to your computer and then contact our support team using the contact form.