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How to Convert Apple Music to M4A: 2024 Comprehensive Guide

author By Emma Wouters
Updated on: September 10, 2024
Category: Apple Music Tips

Apple Music is one of the world's leading streaming services, offering millions of songs, curated playlists, and exclusive content. However, due to copyright protection, users often encounter restrictions when downloading and using music offline. M4A is an excellent choice for those who are looking to convert Apple Music tracks to a more universal format.

Converting Apple Music to M4A format can enhance your listening experience and give you access to more universal, more compatible, unprotected audio files. This guide will walk you through the steps to effectively convert Apple Music files to M4A, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite songs without restrictions.

apple music to m4a

Part 1: What is M4A?

M4A, or MPEG-4 Audio, is a digital audio format developed by Apple, commonly used for music, audiobooks, and podcasts. It typically employs Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) for lossy compression, which reduces file size while preserving good audio quality. While AAC refers to the compression method, M4A is the file extension indicating the audio format, often represented as AAC(.m4a). M4A files are highly compatible across various platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS, making them a popular choice for music distribution, especially via the iTunes Store.

m4a file


MP3 vs. M4A vs. MP4, which is Better?

Features MP3 M4A MP4
Type Audio format Audio format (typically AAC) Multimedia container format
Compression Lossy compression Lossy (usually AAC) Can be lossy (H.264, AAC) or lossless
Audio Quality Good, but can lose detail Better quality at similar bit rates High quality, supports various codecs
File Size Generally larger for similar quality Generally smaller for similar quality Varies based on content and codecs used
Compatibility Highly compatible with most devices and software Compatible with many devices, especially Apple products Widely supported across devices and platforms
Metadata Support Basic support Better support for album art and detailed metadata Extensive metadata support
Licensing No licensing fees May have licensing fees for certain codecs (like AAC) May have licensing fees: H.264 for video and AAC for audio
Use Cases Music, podcasts, audiobooks Music, especially in Apple ecosystems Videos, music videos, and multimedia content

MP3: Primarily an audio format known for its wide compatibility and decent quality.

M4A: An audio format that offers better quality than MP3, often used in Apple environments.

MP4: A versatile multimedia container that can hold video, audio, subtitles, and more, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Part 2: Can I Get M4A from Apple Music?

Yes, you can obtain M4A files from Apple Music, but there are specific conditions to understand. Apple Music primarily operates as a streaming service, allowing users to listen to a vast library of songs. When you download music for offline listening, the files are stored in a protected format that is not directly accessible as standalone M4A files.

Downloading:

Apple Music allows users to download songs for offline listening. However, these downloaded tracks are encrypted and can only be played within the Apple Music app. They are not saved as traditional M4A files that you can freely move or share.

Purchasing Music:

If you want M4A files that you can keep and use without restrictions, purchasing music from the iTunes Store is the best option. Songs bought from the iTunes Store are typically available in M4A format and are DRM-free, meaning you can download and use them on any compatible device without limitations.

Importing Your Own M4A Files:

If you have your own M4A files, such as music you created or recordings, you can easily import them into the Apple Music app on your Mac or iOS device. This feature allows you to play your personal M4A files alongside the music available through your Apple Music subscription.

While you cannot directly download M4A files from Apple Music for unrestricted use, you can purchase music from the iTunes Store or import your own M4A files into the app. To get M4A files, you can use an audio conversion tool to convert existing files to M4A format and use iTunes to convert files in other formats to M4A. In the following section, we will discuss how to get M4A files.

Part 3: How to Convert Apple Music to M4A?

Converting Apple Music tracks to M4A format can be a useful way to create accessible audio files that you can keep and use freely. However, due to the restrictions on Apple Music downloads, you will need to use specific methods to convert these files.

3.1 Apple Music to M4A Software Options

Several software options can help you convert Apple Music tracks to M4A format. Here are some popular choices:

🟣 NoteCable Apple Music Converter -- Recommended !

NoteCable Apple Music Converter is a top tool for downloading Apple Music songs as local audio files in various formats, including MP3, AAC (.m4a), ALAC, AIFF (.m4a), WAV, and FLAC. It not only functions as an efficient downloader but also allows users to easily convert downloaded songs to their preferred format. With a 10x faster conversion speed, it eliminates long waiting times and ensures lossless audio quality, letting you enjoy your music in the best possible sound.

notecable atunes music converter

NoteCable Apple Music Converter

  • Record songs from Apple Music.
  • Convert Music to MP3/AAC/WAV/FLAC/AIFF/ALAC format.
  • Keep original audio quality and ID3 tags after conversion.
  • Support 10X faster conversion speed.
  • No need to install the Apple Music app.
  • Windows 11,10,8.1,8,7 fully compatible.
  • How to Use NoteCable to Download Apple Music to M4A:

    Please follow the step-by-step tutorial below to learn how to save Apple Music songs to your computer in plain audio formats.

    Step 1Install and Run the NoteCable Atunes Music Converter and Choose Conversion Mode

    If you don't see the "Choose Conversion Mode" option in Step 1, simply move on to Step 2.

    Launch the NoteCable Atunes Music Converter on your computer. And then you can choose App Mode or Webplayer Mode as your conversion mode.

    two modes

    Step 2Sign into Your Apple Music Account

    You ought to enter the necessary information to access your Apple Music content with Webplayer Mode.

    login with Apple id

    Step 3Choose the Output Settings

    Default settings will output all the Apple Music to the original AAC 320kbps. If you want to change it and suit your own needs, you can go to the Settings part on the left panel. You can set up the output format, output sound quality, output folder, and output file name to meet your personal needs. For M4A files, you have two options: AAC (.m4a) and ALAC (.m4a).

    set Apple Music the output format

    Step 4Add Apple Music Playlists to Convert

    Now, pick a playlist of the songs that you want to get them to get downloaded. By clicking on the feature Click to add, NoteCable will read the current playlist and put it in the conversion panel. You then can select the songs to convert.

    add apple songs to convert

    A brilliant 10X conversion speed will cut off the costs of the time spent waiting.

    apple music downloading

    Step 5 Check Out Complete Apple Music

    Finally, you can move to the Converted section on the left bar. And by tapping the Folder icon after the songs, you can reach out to the local place.

    find downloaded apple music

    Once the conversion is done, you can play Apple Music on any device you like, without the restrictions from network and devices.


    🟣 Sidify Apple Music Converter

    Sidify Apple Music Converter is specifically designed to download songs from Apple Music while maintaining the original sound quality. It features a user-friendly interface that allows you to easily locate Apple Music tracks and initiate the download process in just a few steps. The software supports batch conversion, enabling you to download multiple Apple Music songs and playlists simultaneously. Additionally, Sidify is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users.

    sidify apple music converter

    How to Use Sidify to Download Apple Music to M4A:

    Step 1Launch Sidify Apple Music Converter, select Webplayer Mode, and enter the converter's homepage. When the Apple web player window opens, log in to your Apple Music account to access your content.

    Step 2From the Apple Music web player, find the playlist and click the "Click to add" button to add it to the converter.

    Step 3Click the "Settings" icon in the left panel to select the output format (MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC), quality, and output path. You can also customize the naming and organization of converted files. Like NoteCable, if you want to output M4A, you can choose AAC(.m4a) and ALAC(.m4a).

    Step 4Click the "Convert" button to start converting Apple Music to M4A. Once finished, click the "Converted" tab to view all successfully converted songs. You can find the downloaded M4As in the output folder set earlier.


    🟣 All-In-One Music Converter

    Sidify All-in-One Converter is a versatile software tool designed for downloading and converting music from various streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Prime Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, Tidal, Deezer, YouTube Music, Pandora, Line Music, Audible AA/AAX audiobooks, YouTube and more. It allows users to convert songs into multiple formats like MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, and ALAC while maintaining high audio quality.

    all-in-one music converter

    How to Use All-In-One to Download Apple Music to M4A:

    Step 1Run Sidify All-In-One on your computer. Within the supportive streaming platforms, choose Apple Music.

    Step 2After the main interface window shows up, the Apple Music web player window follows. Simply log in with your Apple Music account information.

    Step 3Then locate the specific track or playlist on Apple Music that you want to download and click the "Click to Add" button to load the songs on the conversion panel. Then you can add the songs individually to convert.

    Step 4In the "Settings" menu, you can customize the Apple Music output format to M4A, adjust the output quality, and set the output folder for storing the downloaded M4A files on your computer. Once customization is done, press the "Convert" button to start the Apple Music to M4A downloading process.

    Step 5Once all Apple Music songs are downloaded, go to the Converted section to find them. Click the folder icon next to the songs to view the locally saved files on your computer.


    3.2 Apple Music to M4A Online Converters

    If you prefer not to install software, online converters can be a convenient option for converting Apple Music tracks to M4A format. However, keep in mind that these services may have limitations regarding file size and the number of conversions.

    🟠 Online Audio Converter

    This web-based tool allows you to convert audio files to various formats, including M4A. While it may not directly convert Apple Music tracks due to DRM, you can use it for other audio files.

    online audio converter

    Step 1Visit the website: https://online-audio-converter.com/

    Step 2Click on "Open files" to upload your Apple Music files.

    Step 3Choose M4A as the output format. Optionally, adjust the audio quality and other settings.

    Step 4Click the "Convert" button to start the conversion. Once the conversion is complete, download the M4A files to your device.


    🟠 Zamzar

    Zamzar is another online converter that supports a wide range of audio formats, including M4A. Similar to other online converters, it may not work with protected files.

    zamzar audio converter

    Step 1Go to the Zamzar website.

    Step 2Click on "Add Files" to upload your Apple Music files.

    Step 3Choose M4A as the desired output format, and click the "Convert Now" button to start the conversion process.

    Step 4Once the conversion is complete, the M4A files have been download to your device.


    The Comparison between Software and Online Converter

    Feature Software Converters Online Converter
    Speed Generally faster, especially for large files May be slower due to upload/download times
    Audio Quality Typically higher quality Potential loss in quality
    Features More advanced features (batch processing, editing) Limited features and customization
    Accessibility Limited to the device it's installed on Accessible from any device with internet
    System Resources May consume more resources and storage Minimal resource usage

    Part 4: FAQs about Converting Apple Music to M4A?

    Q1: Is it legal to convert Apple Music tracks to M4A?

    The legality of converting Apple Music tracks depends on your local copyright laws and Apple’s terms of service. It is generally advised to use converted files for personal use only.

    Q2: Can I get Apple Music's M4A files on my mobiles?

    If you use software to convert Apple Music, you can't directly save M4A files to your mobile device; you'll need to transfer them via USB Flash Drive or cable. In contrast, online converters allow you to download M4A files directly from your browser, making it easy to save them to your mobile device without extra steps.

    Related: How to Download Apple Music Songs to USB Flash Drive?

    Q3: Will converting Apple Music to M4A affect audio quality?

    The audio quality may vary depending on the converter used and the settings chosen. Using high-quality settings can help maintain better sound quality.

    Q4: How do I choose the best converter for my needs?

    Consider factors like speed, audio quality, user reviews, ease of use, and whether it meets your specific requirements (e.g., batch processing).


    Summary

    In conclusion, M4A is a versatile audio format favored for its high-quality sound, making it a popular choice among users. While Apple Music primarily streams songs in a protected format, you can obtain M4A files through various conversion methods. By using dedicated software or online converters, such as Converter, you can easily convert Apple Music tracks to M4A format.

    NoteCable Apple Music Converter allows you to download and convert Apple Music to MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF, ALAC, or FLAC formats at 10X speed, without needing the Apple Music or iTunes app. This enables greater flexibility and accessibility for your music library.


    Author

    Emma Wouters

    Emma Wouters is a skilled writer who specializes in digital music streaming. She's an expert on music platforms and offers easy-to-understand advice on various tools.