Every music lover has downloaded songs via Apple Music or iTunes – that means you know the M4A file format and the set of limitations and compatibility issues that come with it. The biggest limitation of the M4A file format is its compatibility with various music devices. This is not its fault because the MP3 file format reigns supreme over any other music format – and widely accepted among music lovers.
Well, this doesn’t mean M4A tracks are inaccessible, but they can be a bit narrow when it comes to their overall compatibility with multiple music players. This leaves you only with one option, you may have to convert your M4A music files into a more adaptable and widely supported format, which is the MP3.
Here is your how-to guide to convert your M4A music files into MP3 music files, so you can play your music on any device you are comfortable with.
Convert M4A to MP3 with iTunes
Because of the incompatibility of M4A files, many software companies have developed apps and software to try to bridge the gap between M4A and your music devices. But, as always Apple itself is always one step ahead of you.
iTunes on your Mac enables you to convert your M4A files into MP3 without breaking any sweat. This useful link here https://setapp.com/how-to/convert-m4a-to-mp3-on-mac provides you with all the necessary information you will ever need. M4A to MP3 converted files can be virtually played on any device or media player you can think of. Like any other Apple product, converting your music files with iTunes is very easy and it never disappoints you.
Here’s a step by step guide, on how you can convert M4A to MP3 with iTunes on your Mac
Step 1. Open import settings on your iTunes app. There you can see the preferences submenu from the edit menu item. Next, on the resulting preferences window, click on the import setting button. You can find it in the general tab of the Preferences window.
Step 2. Change your import settings. In the import setting dialogue select MP3 encoder in the drop-down against Import Using. Choose your desired bitrate value. A higher bitrate means higher audio quality, but it makes the file chunkier, which can take a lot of space in your hard drive. A bitrate of 128kbps works perfectly.
Step 3. Now, all you need to do is to convert those selected M4A music files to MP3. Once all the import settings are done, you are now ready to use M4A to MP3 features. Click on the Convert submenu item from the File menu item and select iTunes to create an MP3 version. Now, just sit back and enjoy the show and let iTunes do the magic. As soon as the task gets done you will see the MP3 version of the files in the same folder.
Use CloudConvert to change your M4A files
Step 1. You can find several cloud conversion sites on the internet, but so far CloudConvert gives you the most control over the whole process. What you have to do is, log on to their homepage, there you see a red Select button, click on it, and then select the desired M4A files you wish to convert in MP3 file format.
By clicking the Select File button, it will open a File Explorer view of your system, from which you can select your files. If you click on the Down Arrow button, you can select your files from your cloud storage sources, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive.
Step 2. Select your output settings
Once you are done with your selection of files, you’ll be presented with the conversion options screen. There you need to click on the File Format arrow and select the MP3 option from the list of audio formats.
There you see an icon that looks like a Wrench, next to the drop-down menu. It enables you to adjust the file’s output. With it, you can change the bitrate, trim your audio file, and much more. Once you are finished applying all your desired settings, click on the red Okay button on the button found on the bottom-right corner.
Step 3. Convert your files
Now, all that is left is to convert the format of your music files. Click on the red button on the right-hand side to finish the task. When the conversion process is complete, your files will be available to download.
Step 4. Download your files
You can listen to a preview of your new MP3 files, which runs automatically at the finish of the transformation process. Nevertheless, a green download button will appear to indicate that your MP3 files are ready to use. Clicking on that green button automatically downloads and saves the music files in your default downloads folder.
Apple Music on Mac
Another option, you’d like to know about is, converting your music files with Apple Music on your Mac.
To begin, open the preferences menu and select the import settings to use the MP3 encoder. Then, select the files you wish to convert via your music library. Click on the File menu, then convert, followed by creating an MP3 version. And after that, Apple music will convert all the selected files in the improved MP3 format.
In Conclusion
If you are facing many issues while playing M4A files on your music devices. The fixes mentioned above can help you considerably. Anyone with a basic to intermediate level of knowledge can apply these fixes and listen to their favorite songs wherever they want.
In case you own a Mac, the fix to convert your audio files in MP3 is already at your disposal. Just make sure that you follow the steps religiously and you are already done with the music files conversion process. So, now you don’t have to worry about the M4A file format which is incompatible with your music player or app. Use these methods and regain your freedom to play your music on any music device you own.
