Alex Ruben
How To Upload Music to SoundCloud on iPhone
Uploading music from an iPhone to SoundCloud sounds pretty straightforward, but in reality, there are a few quirks that can trip you up. Sometimes the app just won’t recognize your files, or the upload screen acts funny, especially if your files aren’t supported or if your internet is shaky. This guide walks through some real-world fixes for common hiccups, so your tracks get uploaded without you pulling your hair out. The goal is to get that track online, with all your details filled in, and finally share your music with the world — or at least your friends.
How to Fix Common SoundCloud Upload Issues on iPhone
Method 1: Make sure your audio files are supported and properly stored
If your files aren’t supported or easy to access, nothing else will help. SoundCloud on iPhone prefers MP3 or WAV files, and sometimes, files saved from other apps or cloud services don’t show up right away.
- Check your files in the Files app under On My iPhone or a cloud service like iCloud Drive, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
- Make sure they’re in MP3 or WAV format. If not, you might need to convert them first. Apps like CloudConvert or desktop tools can help.
- If files are stored in Dropbox or Google Drive, ensure they are downloaded locally. You can do this by tapping the file and selecting Download.
Sometimes, the app just doesn’t see your files if they’re not in a supported location or format. So, play around with moving your MP3 to a dedicated folder in Files, then try uploading again.
Method 2: Check your internet connection and app permissions
This might seem obvious, but poor internet is probably the biggest cause of failed uploads. Also, if SoundCloud doesn’t have the right permissions, it can’t access your files or the internet properly.
- Make sure you’re connected to a stable Wi-Fi or cellular network. Skip the flaky public Wi-Fi if possible.
- Go to Settings > Privacy > Files and Folders, then check if SoundCloud has permission to access files.
- Also, verify that the app has background app refresh enabled: Settings > General > Background App Refresh.
Sometimes, re-logging into your Wi-Fi or toggling airplane mode on and off can restart your connection enough for uploads to succeed. I’ve seen that help after a few failed attempts.
Method 3: Restart the app or your iPhone if uploads hang or fail
That annoying moment when your upload gets stuck halfway, and there’s no progress? Restarting the app or the entire device often does the trick.
- Swipe up (or double-click the Home button on older iPhones) to open the app switcher.
- Swipe the SoundCloud app away to close it completely.
- Reopen the app and try the upload again.
- If that doesn’t work, a quick reboot of your iPhone might clear out temporary bugs.
Again, seems simple, but it works surprisingly often in my experience—sometimes SoundCloud just needs a little kick to function properly.
Method 4: Clear cache and reinstall the app
If you’ve upgraded iOS or the app itself lately, cache buildup or minor glitches may interfere with uploads. Uninstalling and reinstalling the app can reset it to a clean state.
- Tap and hold the SoundCloud app icon, then select Remove App or Delete App.
- Go to the App Store, search for SoundCloud, and reinstall it.
- Log back in, and then try uploading the track again.
This might feel drastic, but sometimes it’s the only way to kill stubborn bugs and get things running smoothly again.
Method 5: Use a desktop uploader if mobile keeps failing
On some setups, the iPhone app can be finicky, especially with larger files or more detailed track info. If nothing else works, try uploading via a desktop browser. Just visit SoundCloud’s website, log in, and upload from there. It’s usually more stable, and you get more control over your metadata.
Plus, if you’re collaborating or batching tracks, a desktop upload can save the day. On one machine, the mobile app failed multiple times, but the desktop version went through without a hiccup.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Other than the main fixes, keep an eye on these:
- Make sure your files are named cleanly — no weird characters or very long names.
- Update the SoundCloud app regularly — old versions might have bugs that the latest updates fixed.
- Check for iOS updates, too. Sometimes, if your OS is out of date, apps don’t behave as they should.
Once these little issues are sorted, uploading music should be smoother than ever. Sometimes it’s just a matter of getting files in the right place, making sure your network is solid, or a quick app restart. Not sure why, but those tricks fix most of the “upload fails” headaches.
Summary
- Supported formats are MP3/WAV, stored locally or in accessible cloud folders.
- Ensure a steady internet connection and app permissions.
- Restart apps or devices if uploads hang.
- Reinstall app if persistent bugs pop up.
- Try desktop upload if mobile won’t cooperate.
Wrap-up
Getting your music onto SoundCloud from an iPhone can be a little of a mess sometimes, but these fixes cover most of the common roadblocks. On some setups, one fix does the trick right away, on others, you might need to combine a few. Hope this saves someone a headache — good luck with your uploads!