How to Convert iTunes Music to MP3 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Part 1. What Format Is iTunes Music Stored In?

Most current iTunes Store purchases use the iTunes Plus format: DRM-free AAC at 256 kbps, stored as AAC audio files with the .m4a extension. Older purchases made before April 2009 may use Protected AAC encoding with Apple's FairPlay DRM. These protected files commonly use the .m4p extension, although the extension alone does not confirm their protection status.

Other audio files in your iTunes library may use different formats, such as .mp3 for MP3, .wav for WAV, .aiff or .aif for AIFF, and .m4a for AAC or Apple Lossless (ALAC). Files imported from CDs use the format selected in your import settings.

Part 2. Can You Convert iTunes Music to MP3?

Yes. Depending on their format and protection status, audio files can be converted to MP3 using Apple's built-in converter.

You can convert eligible iTunes Store purchases to MP3 using iTunes for Windows or the Music app on Mac. However, not all purchases can be converted. Apple states: "You can convert iTunes Store purchases only if they're iTunes Plus songs." DRM-free iTunes Store purchases, compatible audio files, and CD imports can be converted to MP3. Older DRM-protected purchases and Apple Music subscription downloads cannot be converted directly using Apple's built-in converter.

Eligible iTunes Store purchases can be downloaded and converted, while Apple Music subscription downloads are subject to subscription terms. To convert subscription downloads to MP3, users may consider a third-party tool such as ViWizard Apple Music Converter. This tool is separate from Apple's built-in converter and does not change the rights associated with the music.

Pro Tip: How to Check If iTunes Music Can Be Converted to MP3

Check the file's format and protection status before converting. Select the song and open its information window. On a Mac, choose Song > Get Info in Apple Music. In iTunes for Windows, right-click the track and select Song Info or Get Info, depending on your version. Check the file details for its format and location.

01Open iTunes on Windows or Music on Mac, then find the song you want to check.

02Right-click the song and choose Song Info or Get Info, then open the File tab.

03Look at the Kind field to see the file format. It may show MP3, AAC, or Protected AAC. If the song is a Protected AAC file or an Apple Music subscription download, Apple's built-in converter can't convert it to MP3. Check where the song came from if you're unsure.

Part 3. How to Convert iTunes Music to MP3 Using the Built-in Converter

Apple's built-in converter creates MP3 copies of eligible audio files while preserving the originals. On a Mac, use the Apple Music app; on Windows, use iTunes. Select MP3 as the import format, then use the conversion command. The new MP3 file appears alongside the original.

To convert files while importing a folder or disk, hold Option on Mac or Shift in iTunes for Windows while selecting File > Convert, then choose the folder or disk. Protected tracks remain ineligible.

3.1How to Convert iTunes Music to MP3 on Windows

On Windows, open iTunes and select Edit > Preferences > General > Import Settings. Choose MP3 Encoder, choose a bit rate, and click OK. Select the eligible tracks, then choose File > Convert > Create MP3 Version.

01Open iTunes and go to Edit > Preferences > General > Import Settings....

02Under Import Using, select MP3 Encoder. Open Setting if you want to adjust the bit rate. 128 to 192 kbps is a practical range for stereo MP3 files.

03Return to your library and select the song you want to convert.

04Choose File > Convert > Create MP3 Version. iTunes will add the new MP3 alongside the original.

05If the conversion option is unavailable, right-click the song and select Song Info or Get Info. Open the File tab and check the Kind field to see whether the file is protected.

06To locate the converted file, open its information window and check the file location.

3.2How to Convert iTunes Music to MP3 on Mac

On Mac, open Apple Music and select Music > Settings > Files > Import Settings. Choose MP3 Encoder from the Import Using menu, select a bit rate, and click OK. Select the songs, then choose File > Convert > Create MP3 Version. The converted files appear alongside the originals.

01Open the Music app and select Music > Settings from the menu bar.

02Under Files, click Import Settings... and set Import Using to MP3 Encoder. Adjust the bit rate setting if needed, then click OK.

03Select the song in your library and choose File > Convert > Create MP3 Version. Music will create a separate MP3 copy while keeping the original.

04If conversion is unavailable, select the song and choose Song > Get Info. Open the File tab and check the Kind field for information about the file format and protection status.

05To access the converted file, select the new track and choose File > Show in Finder.

Part 4. How to Convert Apple Music Subscription Downloads to MP3 with Apple Music Converter

Unlike eligible iTunes Store purchases, Apple Music subscription downloads cannot be converted directly to MP3 using Apple's built-in converter. ViWizard Apple Music Converter offers an alternative, allowing subscribers to select songs, albums, or playlists through its built-in Apple Music Web Player, which provides access to both their library and the Apple Music catalog.

To convert tracks, open the web player, select the songs, albums, or playlists you want, and choose your preferred output format. ViWizard supports MP3, WAV, M4A (AAC), M4B, AIFF, and FLAC; MP3 bitrates can reach 320 kbps, and the software advertises conversion speeds of up to 30 times real time. Under Preferences > Output, you can customize file names, folder structure, and save locations. ViWizard also preserves metadata, including track titles, artists, albums, genres, and artwork, to keep converted files organized.

Key Features of ViWizard Apple Music Converter

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• Convert Apple Music songs, playlists, albums, and artists
• Export Apple Music in 6 formats for different devices and players
• Preserve metadata and lyrics when creating music collections
• Organize converted music by artist and album
• Batch download large Apple Music collections

Step 1: Download and Install ViWizard Apple Music Converter

Visit the ViWizard website and download Apple Music Converter for Windows or Mac. Install and launch the application, then access the built-in Apple Music web player to sign in to your Apple Music account and browse your library, including songs, albums, and playlists.

Step 2: Choose MP3 or Another Output Format

Click the gear icon in the top-right corner to open the settings. Select MP3 as the output format, or choose another supported format if needed. You can also adjust the sample rate, bit rate, and channel settings to balance audio quality and file size. Click OK to save your settings.

Step 3: Select Apple Music Tracks to Convert

Browse your Apple Music library in the built-in web player and select the songs, albums, or playlists you want to convert. Click the "+" button, then select "Add to Conversion List" to queue your selections. When ready, click "Convert" to begin processing the selected tracks into your chosen audio format.

Step 4: Find Your Converted Music Files

When conversion finishes, click "History" to view the converted tracks. Click the folder icon beside a file to open its location on your computer. You can then manage the resulting audio files locally or transfer compatible files to supported devices for playback.

Part 5. How to Fix iTunes Music Conversion Problems

If you cannot convert iTunes music to MP3, check the import settings, file protection, and output location first. The following fixes address the most common problems.

• 

  The MP3 conversion option is missing:

  Make sure MP3 is selected as the import format. On a Mac, open Music > Settings > Files > Import Settings; in iTunes for Windows, go to Edit > Preferences > General > Import Settings. Choose MP3 Encoder, then select the song and choose File > Convert > Create MP3 Version.

• 

  The song is protected and cannot be converted:

  Older iTunes Store purchases may contain FairPlay DRM, which prevents direct conversion. Apple's built-in converter supports eligible iTunes Plus purchases, but not older protected tracks or Apple Music subscription downloads. For subscription downloads, see Part 4.

• 

  The converted file is still in the original format:

  Changing the import settings alone does not convert an existing song. After selecting MP3 as the import format, choose File > Convert > Create MP3 Version. The new MP3 should appear alongside the original in your library.

• 

  The converted audio sounds worse:

  Converting between compressed formats such as AAC and MP3 can reduce sound quality. Converting a compressed file to WAV or AIFF will not restore lost audio data. For the best results, use the highest-quality original available and choose an appropriate MP3 bitrate.

• 

  You cannot find the converted file:

  The new version should appear alongside the original in your library. To check its location, select the converted song and open its information window. On a Mac, choose Song > Get Info; in iTunes for Windows, right-click the track and select Song Info or Get Info, depending on your version.

Part 6. Conclusion

Converting iTunes music to MP3 depends on the file format and protection status. First, check whether your tracks are DRM-free iTunes Store purchases or Apple Music subscription downloads. Use Apple's built-in converter for eligible purchases and compatible audio files. If you want to convert Apple Music subscription downloads, consider ViWizard Apple Music Converter, which supports MP3 and other output formats, customizable audio settings, and metadata preservation.

Choose the method that fits your music, check the output settings, and convert a few tracks first to confirm the results. Before converting subscription music, make sure your use complies with applicable laws and service terms.