M4P files are a specific audio file format primarily employed by Apple, commonly encountered after downloading music from Apple Music. However, playing these DRM-protected files on non-Apple devices can be a challenge. To overcome this limitation, you’ll need to convert M4P files to a more universally supported format. This article will assess several methods and introduce the simplest way to convert DRM-protected M4P files to MP3. Once converted, you can freely enjoy your favorite music on a wider range of devices.
M4P, standing for “MPEG-4 Protected”, is a file extension used for a specific type of audio file format. These files use the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) codec and are protected by Apple’s FairPlay digital rights management (DRM) technology. The DRM protection restricts the usage of these music files to authorized devices and accounts. In other words, M4P files are designed to prevent unauthorized copying or sharing of purchased music.
Due to the DRM protection, M4P files are primarily compatible with Apple devices or iTunes software authorized with the same Apple ID used for the purchase. If you want to use M4P music on non-Apple devices or software, you would need to remove the DRM protection or convert the M4P files to a different, non-DRM audio format like MP3.
M4P files are commonly associated with music downloads from Apple Music. Additionally, older tracks purchased from the iTunes Store before 2009 may still be in the M4P format with DRM protection. Apple has phased out the use of DRM on music sold through the iTunes Store since 2009, and most music tracks available on the platform are now offered in a DRM-free format, usually with the M4A file extension.
You can use online converters to convert non-protected music files if the file is on your computer. However, when attempting to convert DRM-protected M4P files with free online converters like FileZigZag and Online-converter, you will encounter an error message such as “Your file is DRM-protected and cannot be converted.” Therefore, online converters may not be used to transfer DRM-protected M4P files to MP3 due to the DRM protection.
Unfortunately, you cannot convert music that is DRM-protected with iTunes. This means that songs obtained from the Apple Music service cannot be converted, nor can old purchases from the iTunes Store if they are DRM-protected. The iTunes Store no longer sells DRM-protected songs, which is a positive development for users who want more flexibility with their music files. While there was a time when you could exchange DRM-protected songs for non-protected versions, this option is no longer available.
Alternatively, you may be able to remove DRM protection from your purchased songs by burning them to a CD and then ripping them back as MP3 into your iTunes library. This process should eliminate the DRM protection, but it may result in a minor loss of audio quality that is often imperceptible to the listener.
If you want to convert DRM-protected M4P songs purchased on the iTunes Store to MP3, one method is to burn the M4P songs to a CD and then rip them back into your iTunes library as MP3. However, before attempting this method, please consider the following:
Step 1. Create a playlist of the M4P songs
Step 2. Burn the playlist to the CD-R
It may take some time for each song to be burned to the CD.
Step 3. Set the Import Using to MP3 Encoder
Step 4. Move the CD’s MP3 file to your computer
Please note that this process creates a new MP3 version, so the original M4P files will still be available in your library.
If you wish to convert Apple Music M4P files to MP3 with easy steps and keep them permanently on your computer, you can use Pazu Apple Music Converter, a smart tool designed for this purpose. This software allows you to download Apple Music playlists, albums, and songs in popular formats like MP3, AAC, and FLAC while maintaining the original audio quality, ID3 tags, and metadata. It offers exceptional download and conversion speed, approximately 10 times faster than similar software.
Pazu Apple Music Converter integrates with the Apple Music web player, allowing you to batch convert Apple Music playlists or albums to your preferred format without the need for iTunes or the Apple Music app. After conversion, the DRM protection is removed, and you can transfer the MP3 files to any compatible device or software for playback.
Key Features of Pazu Apple Music Converter:
The following tutorial will show you how to download Apple Music to MP3 and get Apple Music for free.
Download, install and run Pazu Apple Music Converter on your Mac or Windows.
The default format is M4A in 256kbps. Apple Music Converter also supports MP3, AAC, FLAC, WAV, and AIFF. Click the gear icon if you want to change the output format or output folder.
Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a playlist, artist, or album that you want to download.
Click the “Convert” button to start downloading Apple Music songs, albums, and playlists to mp3, so you can play them anywhere you want, even after canceling your Apple Music subscription.
