How do I prepare my accounts before transferring playlists?

Quick answer

Make sure you can log in to both services, start the paid plan on the new one, and save a backup of your playlists first. Then tidy up what you want to move so the tool picks it up.

1. Check both logins. You'll sign in to the old and new service during the transfer. If you use Spotify through Facebook or Apple sign-in, or you're on a Family plan, confirm which account holds your playlists.
2. Start the destination subscription. Apple's built-in transfer needs an active Apple Music subscription, and Apple asks you to turn on Sync Library on all your devices (Apple Support).
3. Save a backup list. Export your playlists to a file first, so you have something to compare against later. Our Spotify export guide covers the free options.
4. Copy followed playlists into your own. Most transfers only move playlists you created, so save a copy of anything made by someone else or by the service.
5. Put liked songs in a playlist if your tool's free plan skips them. See how to add all your liked songs to a Spotify playlist.
6. Turn off explicit filters on the new service. Apple says explicit tracks show grayed out when explicit content is turned off.

Don't cancel the old service until you've checked the results.