Xbox started as a video game console from Microsoft to compete with the Playstation 3 back then. The user interface was simple and many people enjoyed their popular games. As the technology evolved, the capabilities of game consoles also followed, giving them much more processing power and network-related functions.

Their user interface became like true OS’s, live chat became available among players, and video - audio streaming services, as well as media server functionality, became available.

With the advancement in mobile device technology, Apple devices such as iPhones and iPads interconnect with almost anything. Apple Music being their flagship music software also interacts with many devices and Xbox is no exception.

With this insight, it would be interesting to know how to get Apple Music to play on Xbox One? or how to play music on Xbox One from a phone? Continue reading this article to know the details on how to stream Apple Music to Xbox One.

Article Content Part 1. Can I Stream Apple Music to Xbox One?Part 2. How to Stream Apple Music to Xbox One?Part 3. Summary

Part 1. Can I Stream Apple Music to Xbox One?

There are several methods to stream Apple Music to Xbox One. As Xbox is a dedicated media server and a cut-down desktop computer in one, the possibilities are endless. Microsoft envisioned the Xbox not only as a game console but as a home media server too.

With the company’s operating system know-how, this feat is highly possible. When the Xbox Media Center was launched, everyone knew where Microsoft was heading to.

As a media server, Xbox can stream almost any form of media. The Apple devices with Apple Music and its music library are no exception to this. Xbox being a cut-down desktop computer can run various network-related protocols. It can run DLNA, AirPlay, Chromecast, Media Server, and other related technologies that can interact with each other.

Apple devices primarily use AirPlay and we will see how this interacts with Xbox using AirServer. AirPlay is a patented technology owned by Apple and is similar in functionality to Chromecast.

Xbox One

AirServer is a popular screencasting device that integrates almost all screencasting and media server technologies into its software. We will discuss different methods to stream Apple Music to Xbox One.

This will include using and not using AirServer. As you will see later, a popular audio conversion tool can be used instead of AirServer which also costs around $20. Instead, just hook up your USB stick with the songs and you are ready to go. No need to run or boot any device over the network to stream music.

Part 2. How to Stream Apple Music to Xbox One?

Method 1. Stream Apple Music to Xbox One Using AirServer

  1. Download AirServer from the Xbox store. Search for AirServer Xbox Edition then install it on your Xbox. You can run it as a free trial for a limited amount of time before purchasing it.
  1. If possible your iPhone should have the latest iOS so that connection will be smooth.

  1. Run the AirServer on your Xbox One.
  1. By swiping up on your iPhone you should be able to go to Control Center. Find the Screen Mirroring icon with the 2 rectangles beside each other and press it.
  1. You should find all the devices on your network where you can do screencasting. Select your Xbox One.

Stream Apple Music to Xbox One Using AirServer

  1. Screen Casting should now start on your Xbox and you should see the contents of your iPhone.
  1. Go to Apple Music to select and play your song. It should now play on your Xbox One. You should also see the AirPlay icon of Apple on the bottom of the player. This is how you stream Apple Music to Xbox One.
  1. If there are connection issues then it is recommended to download the AirServer Connect App on your iPhone. Search it in the App Store and install it. It is a network helper tool to discover your devices on the network.
  1. When you open AirServer on Xbox again, press A on the gamepad to launch an on-screen QR code that will connect with your AirServer Connect App on your iPhone.
  1. When you run AirServer Connect on your iPhone you will be presented with the steps we have done in step 9. On the next step Scan the QR code with your iPhone. Don’t forget to allow camera access from your device.
  1. Follow the instructions by swiping up. In Control Center find the Screen Mirroring icon with the 2 rectangles beside each other and press it.
  1. Hopefully, you can now see your Xbox device to start screen mirroring on it. Select it then you can follow the steps in step 6.

Method 2. Convert Apple Music to Xbox One

When you don’t want to use another complex device just to play Apple Music on your Xbox One then there is an audio conversion tool that you can use for this. As Xbox cannot directly play AAC file formats from Apple Music this must be converted first. After conversion, you can save these files into a USB stick and conveniently play this on your Xbox console.

This is an alternate route rather than to stream Apple Music to Xbox One. This is also the method on how to play Apple Music on Xbox One without AirServer. See the detailed steps below.

Steps to Convert Apple Music for Streaming on Xbox One:

  1. On your PC or Mac, download the TunesFun Apple Music Converter. Please see the links below:

Try It Free Try It Free

  1. Go to the Library tab then choose the files that you want to convert. Batch conversion is possible.

Choose Apple Music

  1. Change the conversion settings below in the Output Settings. As Xbox cannot play AAC directly, choose MP3 as the output format. You can also change the output directory.

Change Apple Music Output Format

  1. Click Convert to start conversion. Once it is finished go to the Finished Tab. You will see the converted files. Click View Output File to go to the Output Directory.

Convert Apple Music

  1. When you want to play music on Xbox One using a USB stick you’ll have to download Simple Background Music Player. Find it on the Xbox store and install it.
  1. Create a directory on your USB stick called Xbox Music Library as this is required.
  1. Now drag the songs from the output directory of TunesFun into the Xbox Music Library.
  1. After you eject the USB stick on your PC, insert it on your Xbox. Open the Simple Background Music Player and then play the contents of the USB stick.
  1. There you have it! You can now play your converted Apple Music files in the background while playing games on your Xbox One!

Part 3. Summary

The Xbox One has become a powerful video game console so we should not limit its use in video games alone. Because of this, streaming Apple Music to Xbox One has been discussed by using AirServer and AirPlay.

Playing Apple Music can also be done directly so as to avoid these networking routers and mobile devices. This is achieved by using TunesFun Apple Music Converter.