How to use the M4A converter
- Choose a file. Drop an M4A file to convert it to something else, or any other audio file to convert it to M4A.
- Check "Convert to". The converter picks MP3 for M4A files and M4A for everything else; change it if you need something different.
- Adjust quality if you want a smaller or higher-quality file.
- Click Convert and download the result.
What is an M4A file?
M4A is an audio-only MP4 file, usually holding AAC sound. It is the default for iTunes, Apple Music downloads, iPhone voice memos and many Android recorders. AAC sounds slightly better than MP3 at the same bitrate.
M4A is mainly used for iTunes music, voice memos and phone recordings. It plays on iPhone, Mac, Android, Windows 10 and later, and browsers.
M4A at a glance
| Full name | MPEG-4 Audio |
|---|---|
| Type | Audio |
| Created by | Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) and Apple, 2001 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Codec | AAC (or ALAC) |
| Can be created here | Yes |
Pros and cons of M4A
Good
- Better quality than MP3 at the same size
- Native on Apple devices
Not so good
- Some car stereos and older MP3 players do not support it
Common M4A problems and fixes
An M4A will not play in a car or old MP3 player
Convert M4A to MP3.
Popular M4A conversions
Frequently asked questions
How do I open an M4A file?
M4A files play on iPhone, Mac, Android, Windows 10 and later, and browsers. If yours will not open, convert it to MP3 on this page; that format plays on any device.
How do I convert a file to M4A?
Drop any audio file on this page. "Convert to" is set to M4A automatically for files that are not M4A already.
Is the M4A converter free?
Yes, completely free, with no sign-up and no watermark. Files up to 1 GB each can be converted, and there is no daily limit.
Do you keep a copy of my files?
We never receive them. All processing happens on your device, so there is nothing for us to store or delete.
Is M4A lossy?
Yes, M4A normally uses lossy compression, which removes detail you are unlikely to notice to keep files small.