How to Delete Duplicate MP3 Files on Mac? – A 101 Roadmap

Overview: This guide will teach you how to remove duplicate MP3 files from your Mac. Follow these steps for a cleaner music library. Additionally, use caution to avoid unintentional deletions.

Ever wondered why your MacBook slows or your computer lags? Duplicate files, particularly in music, play a significant role. Duplicate music files, especially .mp3 ones, pose a challenge in picking desired tracks. However, beyond music, if you wish to locate and delete other file types like PDFs, MP4s, or any others, follow this guide on “how to remove duplicate files on PC & Mac?”

Duplicates are exact copies of the original file. In this guide, our focus is solely on duplicate music files. We present straightforward yet effective solutions to quickly find and remove annoying duplicate audio files. Now, let’s promptly delve into these methods.

The Reasons to Delete Duplicate Audio Files on macOS

• Maximize macOS storage by removing identical audio. 
• Boost music library clarity by eliminating duplicates. 
• Enjoy uninterrupted listening without repeated songs. 
• Ensure playlist clarity by removing unintentional repetitions. 
• Optimize macOS performance with a clutter-free music collection. 
• Streamline access and playback by eliminating duplicates. 
• Save space in backups by excluding redundant audio files.

How to Get Rid of Duplicate MP3 Files on Mac Using iTunes?

iTunes easily detects and removes duplicate songs by the same artist. Before deleting, ensure you back up your audio library to prevent unintended data loss. Additionally, this tool smoothly operates with prior macOS versions like Mojave, Sierra, or High Sierra. Follow the steps provided below to effectively eliminate duplicate songs from your iTunes library.

Delete Identical MP3 Files through the Music Option

Launch iTunes, navigate to the Music section, and choose “Songs” to see your entire library. Access the “View” tab, then select “All Music.” Go to “File” and pick “Library.” Click “Show Duplicate Items.” Organize by title, artist, genre, or date added for efficient deletion.

Find and Remove Similar Audio Files with the Tool Bar Feature

Select the Song tab in the Toolbar. Locate and remove duplicate files by clicking Remove From Library. To permanently delete music files, press Move to Trash. Ensure a clutter-free library effortlessly.

Eliminate Duplicates of MP3 Files in Smart Playlists of Mac

Go to the “File” menu, click “New,” and pick “Smart Playlist.” Specify criteria, such as “Same Artist” and “Same Album.” Examine the playlist for duplicates. Eliminate duplicate original songs by manual removal.

Scan and Erase Exact Identicals of Audio Files

Task: Locate identical copies.

Approach: Utilize the Mac’s Option key.

Steps: Access File → Library → Show Exact Duplicates.

How to Delete Duplicate MP3 Files on Mac Using Music App?

In recent Mac updates like Big Sur, Monterey, and Ventura, your song library is now exclusively managed by the Music App. Unlike older macOS versions such as Catalina, which had iTunes, succeeded by the Apple Music App, the process to remove duplicate audio files closely resembles that of iTunes.

Start by launching the Music App and selecting Songs from the left sidebar. Then, proceed to File → Library → Show Duplicate Items. Next, find and remove similar MP3s in Apple Music.

Discovering identical files on Apple Music is a breeze. Just press Option, and voilà—exact duplicates exposed. Then, go to “File,” “Library,” and unveil “Show Exact Duplicate Items.” Easy, right?

How to Delete Exact Similar Music Files on macOS through Terminal?

Spotting and removing identical audio files is a breeze with Terminal Commands. It’s vital to safeguard your music files before diving in. Follow these steps:

Commence by launching Spotlight with Command + Space. Type “Terminal” and hit Enter. Once open, navigate to your music folder using cd ~/Music/.

Next, employ the fdupes tool to pinpoint duplicates. Input fdupes -r . to uncover them. Evaluate the duplicates grouped together.

Take a moment to manually delete duplicate files. Exercise caution with the rm command. Erase files like rm duplicate_file.mp3. Be precise and attentive with each deletion.

Cons of Manual Way to Identify and Remove Duplicate Music Files

Listed below are the major problems that a user faces while detecting and deleting duplicate MP3 files:

• Balancing time and workforce proves challenging. 
• Oversight risks rise with duplicate handling. 
• Tracing visually alike files remains demanding. 
• Identifying complexity heightens with inconsistent metadata. 
• File format differences with similar looks add complications. 
• Compatibility problems emerge in extensive music libraries. 
• Automation lacks efficient duplicate scanning.

How to Delete Duplicate MP3 Files on Mac OS? – An Ideal Tech

Yet, the hands-on approach, while cost-free and user-friendly, has notable downsides. Consequently, Best Duplicates File Finder Mac emerges as a dependable solution for precisely identifying and removing duplicate music files.

Moreover, the application ensures robust and entirely accurate operations. Its scanning algorithm, primarily utilizing the MD5 Message-Digest Algorithm, swiftly locates and deletes duplicate audio, video, photo, and document files. Key features include:

• Examine folders meticulously, compatible with Mac and Win OS. 
• Employ recursive scanning, move, or eliminate files. 
• Identify 70+ file formats, including music files (MID/MIDI, OGG, AAC, RealAudio, VQF, etc.). 
• Utilize diverse scanning methods (MD5 hash, metadata, content hash). 
• Offer previews for duplicate files. 
• Detect duplicates across various storage devices (USBs, SD cards, internal and external hard drives).

Also check this blog – How to check database corruption in SQL?

Noteworthy Steps to Detect and Remove Duplicate MP3 Files on macOS

Here are the steps to execute the deletion using the provided application:

Firstly, begin by downloading, installing, and opening the macOS Duplicate MP3 Remover. Then, effortlessly add a song folder by selecting “Add Folder.” In the Scan Configuration box, choose the music file type under File Extensions and click Continue.

Next, navigate to the Delete tab and confirm the deletion by checking the outcomes in the Action section. These straightforward steps make using the application a seamless process.

Final Takeaway

In this blog, we address the query “How to remove duplicate MP3 files on macOS?” We focus on both manual and automated solutions. While the manual method is free, it has limitations. Therefore, we recommend using a duplicate finder and remover app for optimal results.