M4P files are Apple's DRM-protected music downloads, usually tied to an Apple Music subscription. They're meant to work within Apple's ecosystem, which can be frustrating: these files often only play in the Apple Music app and become inaccessible if your subscription ends. MP3, on the other hand, is universally supported and works on almost any device or audio player. That's why converting M4P to MP3 makes sense, and iTunes can even do it for eligible purchases, as long as they aren't DRM-protected streaming tracks from Apple Music.
Because M4P is protected, converting it usually involves removing DRM for personal use. And like converting from one lossy format to another (for example, AAC to MP3), a small amount of audio data may be lost. It's minor, and tools like ViWizard Apple Music Converter let you convert at the highest MP3 bit rate (usually 320 Kbps) to preserve quality. Here's how you can easily convert your M4P files to MP3.
All M4P files are restricted by Apple's DRM, which limits how they can be used. While this protects the music and works well for users fully invested in Apple's ecosystem, M4P files won't behave like open formats such as MP3 - they can't play on standard MP3 players or unauthorized devices. Apple's DRM system, FairPlay, isn't likely to change anytime soon.
Keep Apple Music songs forever by saving them in formats like MP3 to play anywhere.
Part 1. What Are M4P and MP3?
Converting M4P files to MP3 is fairly straightforward, but it helps to understand what's happening behind the scenes first. M4P files come with built-in restrictions, so they don't behave like regular audio files. MP3 files do. Nothing dramatic, just the basics, but it's worth keeping in mind as you move through the different methods.
What Is M4P?
M4P (short for MPEG-4 Protected audio) is Apple's format for DRM-protected music, typically from older iTunes purchases or Apple Music. With Apple's FairPlay DRM applied, M4P files are locked into Apple's ecosystem. This means they can only be played on authorized Apple devices signed in with the original Apple ID, such as iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, Apple Watch, Apple TV, and HomePod using Music or iTunes.
Non-Apple devices and even some older Apple models like iPod Shuffle or iPod Nano often cannot play M4P files unless they are converted to a DRM-free format like MP3 or unprotected M4A.
What Is MP3?
MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) is one of the most widely supported digital audio formats available. It works on nearly all devices and media players and has no DRM restrictions. Once you have an MP3 file, you can play it almost anywhere, including on Apple devices like iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, HomePod mini, and even discontinued iPod models.
While MP3 is a compressed, lossy format, it still meets the needs of most users for everyday listening.
Bottom Line: Why Convert M4P to MP3?
Both formats work well inside Apple's ecosystem, but outside of it, MP3 has the advantage. Load an M4P file onto a basic MP3 player or a non-Apple device and it simply will not play. If you want a format that works across phones, computers, car stereos, and nearly any media player, converting M4P to MP3 makes practical sense.
Part 2. How to Convert M4P to MP3 Using ViWizard Apple Music Converter (DRM Removal)
If you have a mixed music library with M4P files downloaded from either iTunes or Apple Music, along with DRM-free M4A files or Apple Music streaming tracks, ViWizard Apple Music Converter is often the most practical option. Originally built for Apple Music conversion, it specializes in removing DRM from songs, albums, and playlists, then re-encoding them as MP3 files.
Before converting, you can choose the output format and bit rate. Selecting a higher option, such as 320 kbps, helps preserve as much audio detail as possible. Once finished, the converted MP3 files are saved directly to your PC or Mac and behave like normal audio files, ready to be copied, backed up, played on any device, or even uploaded back to iTunes for iCloud Music Library syncing.
In addition to MP3, ViWizard Apple Music Converter supports DRM-free M4A and other formats like M4B, WAV, FLAC, and AIFF. To get started, install the software, open it, access your library through the built-in Apple Music Web Player, select the tracks you want, and choose MP3 as the output format. Overall, if you're stuck with M4P files, ViWizard Apple Music Converter offers a straightforward way to remove those restrictions and regain full control of your music library.
Key Features of ViWizard Apple Music Converter
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- Convert Apple Music songs, albums, playlists, and artists into MP3 for easy access
- Preserve lossless audio, high-resolution lossless, and Dolby Atmos quality
- Strip DRM from Apple Music for unrestricted offline listening
- Save converted audio files while retaining full ID3 tag details
Convert Apple Music to MP3 Using ViWizard Apple Music Converter:
Step 1 First, download and install ViWizard Apple Music Converter on your Windows PC or Mac. Once installed, launch the program. You'll notice it opens with a built-in Apple Music Web Player, which looks and feels very similar to using Apple Music in a browser.
Step 2 When prompted, sign in using the Apple ID linked to your Apple Music library. This step is essential, as ViWizard Apple Music Converter needs proper authorization to access and load your music.
Step 3 After signing in, browse your library directly inside ViWizard Apple Music Converter. You can select any songs, albums, or playlists you want to convert to MP3. When you open an album or playlist in the built-in Apple Music Web Player, click the "+" button. ViWizard will analyze the content and load all tracks for precise selection.
Step 4 Next, go to Menu > Preferences > Conversion to open the output settings. Choose MP3 as the output format. If audio quality matters to you, set the bit rate to 256 kbps or 320 kbps. These settings produce slightly larger files but keep the sound close to the original Apple Music quality.
Step 5 Once everything looks correct, click the Convert button. ViWizard Apple Music Converter will begin removing DRM and converting the tracks into standard MP3 files. The conversion process runs at up to 30× faster than real time, depending on your system.
Step 6 When the conversion finishes, open the output folder directly from within ViWizard Apple Music Converter. You'll now see regular MP3 files saved on your computer. ViWizard also preserves important metadata, including song details and album artwork, so the files are ready to use anywhere.
Part 3. How to Convert M4P to MP3 Using iTunes / Apple Music
For song remnants from older DRM-protected iTunes purchases made before 2009, you don't necessarily need ViWizard Apple Music Converter. iTunes or the Music app can still help by offering Import Settings that control how music files are converted into formats like MP3 or AAC. However, this doesn't work directly with M4P files.
To convert M4P to MP3 using iTunes, you must first authorize your Apple ID, burn the tracks to an audio CD, and then re-rip that CD using the MP3 encoder to create a non-protected file. In comparison, M4A files can be converted directly to MP3 without any CD ripping because they're already DRM-free. Keep in mind that this method works only for older iTunes purchases. For Apple Music streaming downloads, you'll still need a dedicated tool like ViWizard Apple Music Converter.
Convert M4P to MP3 Using iTunes
Step 1 Before doing anything else, open iTunes or the Music app and go to Account to confirm that the app is authorized with the Apple ID that originally purchased the M4P songs. If the account isn't authorized, the files won't play or burn correctly. Sign out and sign back in with the correct Apple ID if needed.
Step 2 Next, click File > New > Playlist. Create a new playlist and drag the M4P songs you want to convert into it.
Step 3 Insert a blank CD into your computer. Click File > Burn Playlist to Disc, then burn the playlist as an audio CD. This step effectively removes the DRM during the burning process.
Step 4 After the CD finishes burning, eject it and then insert it again.
Step 5 When prompted to import the CD, click Yes or Import from CD, and make sure MP3 Encoder is selected. iTunes will rip the CD and create DRM-free MP3 files in your library.
Step 6 Once the import is complete, you can safely delete the playlist and keep the newly created MP3 versions.
Part 4. How to Convert M4P to MP3 Using Free Online Tools
If you only have one or two files to convert, online M4P-to-MP3 converters may be worth checking first. You upload the M4P file, wait for it to process, and then download the MP3. Just note that convenience comes with trade-offs, though. File size limits, slower speeds, failed conversions, and privacy concerns are all common issues. And for larger libraries or 320 Kbps output, they're usually not as reliable or flexible as ViWizard Apple Music Converter.
Here are some of these tools:
1. FreeConvert.com
FreeConvert is a popular online tool that simplifies the process of converting M4P files to MP3 format.
Using FreeConvert.com for M4P to MP3:
- "From Device": Upload directly from your computer.
- "From Dropbox": Log in to access files in Dropbox.
- "From Google Drive": Log in to your Google account to access files.
- "From URL": Enter the online URL of the M4P file.
Step 1: Open your web browser and go to FreeConvert.com.
Step 2: Click on the "Choose File" button to select your M4P file.
Step 3: Navigate to where your M4P file is stored on your device and click Open to upload it.
Step 4: Under the "Convert to" dropdown, choose MP3 as the output format.
Step 5: Select your file source:
Step 6: Click "Convert to MP3" to start the conversion.
Step 7: Once the conversion is complete (status changes to "Done"), click "Download MP3" to save the file.
2. OnlineConvertFree.com
OnlineConvertFree.com provides a simple yet powerful online tool for M4P to MP3 conversion.
Using OnlineConvertFree for M4P to MP3:
Step 1: Open your web browser and go to OnlineConvertFree.com.
Step 2: You'll find an easy-to-use interface.
Step 3: Upload your M4P file by dragging and dorpping your M4P file into the desigate area. Or click "CHOOSE FILE" to select from your computer.
Step 4: After uploading, select MP3 under "Convert to".
Step 5: Click "CONVERT" to start.
Step 6: Once conversion is done, click "DOWNLOAD" to save the MP3.
3. M4PConvert.com
M4PConvert.com offers a straightforward online converter tool for M4P to MP3 conversion.
Using M4PConvert.com for M4P to MP3:
- "Add Files": Browse and select files from your computer.
- "Use Extension": Use the browser extension if available.
- "Add From URL": Enter the URL of an online M4P file.
- Drag and Drop: Drag files directly into the upload box.
Step 1: Open your web browser and go to M4PConvert.com.
Step 2: Upload your M4P file using one of these options:
Step 3: Click "Convert" to start the process.
Step 4: Wait until the conversion finishes, then download the MP3 file.
Part 5. M4P vs MP3: Which Format Is Better for You?
Want a clearer breakdown? Here's a comparison table to help you decide which format is better for your needs.
| Feature | M4P | MP3 |
| DRM Protection | Yes, restricted | No, fully free |
| Devices | Only Apple-authorized | Any device or app |
| Offline Use | Only in Apple Music | Anywhere, no limits |
| Transfer | Limited to Apple ecosystem | Easily transferable |
| Editing | Cannot edit | Can edit, use as ringtone, alarm, etc. |
| File Quality | High (AAC) | High if 256–320 kbps |
| Ownership | Access-based, tied to Apple ID | True ownership, permanent |
Conclusion:
These are two useful methods to convert M4P to MP3 online and offline. To sum it up, if your M4P songs are common music files, you can try the web-based tool. However, if your M4P files are DRM-encoded, then ViWizard Apple Music Converter can be a good assistant. Moreover, this smart program can help you convert other protected audio files like iTunes and Audible audiobooks with zero quality. If you need it, just get the free download below and have a shot.
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Adam Gorden, the digital media specialist at ViWizard, is dedicated to providing the best solutions for digital media management, including audio and video conversion, file optimization, and media workflow enhancements.
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