M4P is a specific audio file format primarily employed by Apple, commonly encountered when downloading music from Apple Music. However, playing these DRM-protected files other than the Apple Music app can be a challenge. To overcome this limitation, you’ll need to convert M4P files to a more universally supported format like MP3. This article explores various methods and introduces the easiest way to convert DRM-protected M4P files to MP3, allowing you to enjoy your music on a wider range of devices.
M4P, standing for “MPEG-4 Protected”, is a file format commonly associated with music downloads from Apple Music. These files use the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) codec and are protected by Apple’s FairPlay digital rights management (DRM) technology. Due to the DRM, M4P files are primarily compatible with Apple devices and iTunes software authorized with the same Apple ID used for the purchase. To use M4P music on non-Apple devices or software, you’ll need to remove the DRM or convert the files to a different format like MP3.
M4P files were also used for audio content purchased from Apple Music or the iTunes Store before 2009. However, Apple has since phased out DRM for music sold through the iTunes Store. Most music tracks purchased after 2009 are DRM-free and typically have the M4A file extension.
Online converters can effectively convert non-protected music files to MP3. However, when attempting to convert DRM-protected M4P files using free online converters like FileZigZag and Online-converter, you’ll encounter an error message stating that the file is DRM-protected and cannot be converted. As a result, online converters cannot be used to directly transfer DRM-protected M4P files to MP3.
Unfortunately, you cannot convert music that is DRM-protected with iTunes (Windows) or the Music app (Mac). This includes songs downloaded from Apple Music and older purchases from the iTunes Store before 2009 if they are DRM-protected.
Note: 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 can remove DRM protection from your purchased songs by burning them to a CD and then ripping them back, or use a professional converter to remove DRM protection from Apple Music downloads.
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 library as MP3. 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.
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
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.
Download Apple Music to MP3, M4A, etc.