Apple Music Error Code 6: How to Fix It

Easy 5-15 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
6
Brand
Apple Music
Product Type
music_streaming
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
5-15 minutes
Apple Music Error Code 6 means your current device, audio output, or connection does not support lossless audio playback. Apple Music's Lossless and Hi-Res Lossless formats require specific hardware and wired connections that not every device or accessory can handle. By adjusting your audio quality settings or switching to compatible hardware, you can resolve this error and get back to listening in minutes.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 6

  1. Check If Your Device Supports Lossless Audio

  2. Update Your Device's Operating System

    Back up your device to iCloud or your computer before installing a major OS update to avoid any risk of data loss.

  3. Lower the Lossless Audio Quality Setting

  4. Switch From Wireless to a Wired Connection

  5. Disable AirPlay or Check Your AirPlay Receiver

  6. Force-Quit and Restart Apple Music

  7. Sign Out and Sign Back Into Apple Music

  8. Reinstall Apple Music (if Available on Your Platform)

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When to Call a Professional

Apple Music Error Code 6 is almost always a settings or hardware compatibility issue that you can resolve yourself. However, if your device consistently crashes or fails to play any audio at all after following all steps, contact Apple Support at support.apple.com or visit an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. If your device is within warranty, Apple may replace defective audio hardware causing persistent playback failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Apple Music show Error Code 6 with my AirPods?
AirPods and all Bluetooth headphones do not support Apple Music lossless audio. Bluetooth technology cannot transmit lossless audio data fast enough, so Apple Music will trigger Error Code 6 when lossless quality is enabled and a Bluetooth device is connected. To listen in lossless, you must use wired headphones connected via a 3.5mm or Lightning/USB-C adapter.
Can I fix Error Code 6 without buying new headphones?
Yes. The easiest fix is to go to Settings > Music > Audio Quality and turn off the 'Lossless Audio' toggle. This lets you continue listening through your existing Bluetooth headphones or speakers using the standard AAC format, which still delivers very good sound quality. You only need wired headphones if you specifically want lossless playback.
Does Apple Music lossless work on Android?
Apple Music offers lossless audio on Android devices running the Apple Music app, but support depends on the Android device's audio hardware and DAC (digital-to-analog converter) capabilities. If you see Error Code 6 on Android, your device may not support the required audio output format. Try lowering the quality from Hi-Res Lossless to standard Lossless in the app's audio settings.
Does Hi-Res Lossless require special equipment?
Yes. Hi-Res Lossless audio (up to 192 kHz/24-bit) requires an external USB DAC (digital-to-analog converter) and compatible wired headphones or speakers. Standard iPhone, iPad, and Mac headphone outputs are limited to 48 kHz/24-bit Lossless. If you are not using an external DAC, switch your quality setting from Hi-Res Lossless to standard Lossless or lower to avoid Error Code 6.
Does Apple Music lossless use more data or battery?
Yes, lossless audio files are significantly larger than standard AAC streams. Lossless tracks use approximately 6 MB per minute, while Hi-Res Lossless can use up to 36 MB per minute, compared to about 1.5 MB per minute for standard quality. Streaming lossless will drain your battery faster and consume considerably more mobile data, so it is best used on Wi-Fi or with an unlimited data plan.

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