Understanding DRM-protected songs in djay

djay supports most purchased tracks from the iTunes Store across all platforms. However, Apple Music streaming tracks and some older DRM-protected purchases cannot be played due to copyright restrictions. This article explains what DRM is, how it affects your library, and how to check if a track is protected.

What is DRM?

Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a form of copy protection that limits how audio files can be used. Tracks with DRM can only be played in apps that support Apple’s protection system — djay and other third-party DJ apps cannot load them.

note

djay cannot remove or bypass DRM. This is controlled by the music distributor, not by your device or djay.

Which tracks can I play in djay?

✔️ Supported

• iTunes Store purchases without DRM
  Most tracks purchased after 2009 are DRM-free and work in djay on all platforms.

❌ Not supported

• Apple Music streaming tracks
  Songs added to your library via an Apple Music subscription are DRM-protected and cannot be played in djay.
• Older DRM-protected iTunes Store purchases
  Some tracks purchased before 2009 still contain DRM and cannot be used.

How to check if a track is DRM-protected

You can verify a track’s protection status from within the Music app (or equivalent app on your platform):

1. Open the Music or media library app.
2. Right-click or long-press the track.
3. Select Get Info or Song Info.
4. Look for the Kind or File Type field.

If you see:

• Protected AAC audio file → DRM-protected (not supported)
• Purchased AAC audio file → Not protected (supported)

Why aren’t Apple Music songs supported?

Apple Music uses streaming rights, not true ownership.
Because streaming tracks are DRM-protected, djay cannot analyze or load them for mixing.

note

This restriction applies across all device platforms. No third-party DJ app can load Apple Music streaming tracks.

If you have older DRM tracks

If you purchased songs before 2009, Apple may allow you to:

• Upgrade them to DRM-free versions (if available)
• Re-download a non-protected version from your purchase history

You can check your Apple ID purchase history in the Music or iTunes Store app.

Next steps

• If a song won’t load, verify whether it is from Apple Music or an older DRM-protected purchase.
• Consider using non-protected files, supported streaming services, or your own uploaded tracks.