How to use Genius Playlist and Shuffle in the Music app on Mac

Learn how to use the Genius Playlist and Shuffle features in the Music app on Mac for a nice and easy mix of tunes that sound great together.

Genius Playlist in Music app on Mac

Genius isn’t a new feature in the Apple Music app. But if you’re new to Music or just picked up your first Apple device, Genius is new to you.

This handy feature helps you discover songs in your music library. You can create a Genius Playlist, which compiles tunes that go well together for a fantastic mix. Or you can use the Genius Shuffle feature, which simply plays songs that sound good together based on the tune you pick.

Genius Playlist and Genius Shuffle features give you a nice and easy way to hear your music assembled just for you.

Turn on Genius in Music

If you’re completely new to this, you’ll have to turn on Genius to get started. This is a free service and only requires that you have an internet connection and an Apple ID.

Open the Music app on your Mac and click File > Library > Turn On Genius. This enables both the Playlist and Shuffle features.

Apple states that if you sync your music library with other devices, you can’t turn off Genius once it’s on.

Create your Genius Playlist

You can create a Genius Playlist based on a song in your music library. This is a great way to have a set list of songs that go well together.

1) Click Songs in the left-hand sidebar of Music under Library.

2) Select the song you want and click File > New > Genius Playlist from the menu bar

3) Your new Genius Playlist will appear in the sidebar under Playlists.

New Genius Playlist in Music on Mac

Is Genius unavailable for the song? If you don’t have enough songs of a particular type in your library, then Genius can’t create a playlist based on the chosen song. Update Genius or try with a different song.

Genius is unavailable for the song message on Mac

Tip: Right-click on a song, and if you see the “Genius Suggestions” options, that means you can create a Genius playlist for this track. You can also see a glimpse of the song list.

Genius Suggestions option in Mac Music app

Edit a Genius Playlist

Like playlists you create yourself, you can make edits to the Genius Playlists you set up.

Select to view the playlist in the main Music screen to see if you’re happy with the songs picked. If you want different tunes based on that song you chose, click Refresh or the refresh icon.

You can also adjust the number of songs for your Genius Playlist. Below the name and duration of the playlist, click the [Number] Songs drop-down. You can pick from 25, 50, 75, or 100 maximum tunes.

Edit a Genius Playlist in Music on Mac

Delete a Genius Playlist

You can easily delete a Genius Playlist if you no longer want it. Select the playlist in the left-hand sidebar and press your Delete key, or right-click it and pick Delete from Library. Confirm the action by clicking Delete.

Delete a Genius Playlist in Music on Mac

This will not delete the songs, albums, or artists; it will only remove the playlist from your library.

Use the Genius Shuffle

Maybe you’re just turning on some tunes for a bit and want to hear those that sound great together. This is the perfect time to try out the Genius Shuffle.

Click Controls > Genius Shuffle from the menu bar, or click the Genius icon in the playback section of the toolbar. You can continue to click and switch songs if you like.

Genius Shuffle in Music on Mac

Update Genius

Genius updates for you weekly when you have Music open on your Mac. But, if you add new songs to your music library or aren’t receiving Genius results, you can update Genius manually. Click File > Library > Update Genius from the menu bar.

Genius is one of those nice-to-have features in the Music app. Sometimes, you don’t want to take the time to create a playlist of songs for a party, mood, or activity. With Genius, you can use the Playlist or Shuffle features to hear those tunes that mix well.

What do you think about the Genius concept in Music? Are you going to check it out?

For more, take a look at how Apple Music integrates with Genius lyrics and vice versa.

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