Apple Music Shuffle Not Working on macOS Sequoia? Fixed!

After upgrading to macOS Sequoia, many users find that the Apple Music shuffle feature has stopped working correctly. You might notice the same few songs repeating, the shuffle button having no effect, or playlists playing in the same order every time.

This common post-update problem is typically caused by corrupted playback data, sync glitches with iCloud Music Library, or minor software bugs. The good news is that it’s almost always a simple software issue that you can fix yourself. Follow this step-by-step troubleshooting guide to get your music shuffling properly again on macOS Sequoia.

Why Shuffle Stops Working After a macOS Update

Before diving into the fixes, it helps to know the common causes:

• Corrupted Cache: Temporary files from the previous macOS version can conflict with the new one.

• Sync Errors: iCloud Music Library might not have synced your playlists and settings correctly during the update.

• Software Glitches: Minor bugs in the initial Sequoia build can disrupt shuffle’s random logic.

How to Fix Apple Music Shuffle on macOS Sequoia

Try these solutions in order, starting with the simplest first.

1. The Quick Restart: Apple Music and Your Mac

Often, a simple refresh is all that’s needed to clear temporary glitches.

• Quit the Apple Music app completely.

• Restart your Mac.

• Reopen Apple Music and test the shuffle function.

2. Reset the Shuffle and Repeat Settings

This forces Apple Music to reset its playback logic.

• Play any song or playlist in Apple Music.

• Click the Shuffle button to turn it off, wait a moment, then turn it back on.

• Go to the menu bar and click Control > Repeat. Make sure it is set to Off.

• Try playing a different playlist with shuffle enabled.

3. Re-sign Into Your Apple ID

This refreshes your connection to Apple’s servers and iCloud Music Library.

1. Open Apple Music and go to Music > Settings > General.

2. Click Sign Out next to your Apple ID.

3. Quit Apple Music, then restart your Mac.

4. Reopen Apple Music, sign back in, and wait for your library to sync.

4. Rebuild Your Music Library (Without Losing Songs)

If your local library database is corrupted, rebuilding it can solve the issue. Don’t worry this does not delete your music.

1. Quit Apple Music.

2. Open a Finder window and press Cmd+Shift+G. Paste this path: ~/Music/

3. Find the file named Music Library.musiclibrary and move it to your Desktop as a backup.

4. Reopen Apple Music. It will create a brand new library file. Wait for your songs and playlists to sync back from iCloud.

5. Check iCloud Music Library Sync

A stalled sync can cause playback issues.

• Go to Music > Settings > General.

• Ensure Sync Library is checked. If it’s already on, turn it off, wait 30 seconds, and turn it back on.

• Allow time for your library to fully re-sync before testing shuffle again.

6. Update macOS

Apple frequently releases patches for known bugs.

• Go to System Settings > General > Software Update.

• Install any available updates for macOS Sequoia. These often contain fixes for Apple Music issues.

Tips to Prevent Future Shuffle Problems

• Restart Regularly: A weekly restart of your Mac can prevent many minor software glitches.

• Keep Software Updated: Always install the latest macOS and Apple Music updates.

• Stable Internet: Ensure a reliable internet connection when using iCloud Music Library.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will rebuilding my library delete my songs?
A: No. Your music is stored in iCloud and/or on your local drive. Rebuilding the library only creates a new index file; your songs and playlists will repopulate.

Q: Is this shuffle bug specific to macOS Sequoia?
A: While shuffle issues can occur on any version, they are more frequently reported after a major OS update like Sequoia due to system-level changes.

Q: What if none of these solutions work?
A: If the problem persists, it may be a deeper software issue. Contact Apple Support and wait for a future macOS update that includes a specific fix.

Final Thoughts

A non-functional shuffle feature in Apple Music on macOS Sequoia is almost always a temporary and fixable problem. By restarting the app, resetting your library, or ensuring your software is up-to-date, you can quickly restore random playback and get back to enjoying your music collection.

For more troubleshooting, check out our guides on how to fix macOS Sequoia battery drain or resolve Bluetooth connectivity issues.