Lots of Audible users reported that all Audible books downloaded from the Audible app for Android are saved in the extension of AAXC. Inevitably, the change in audio file format from Audible breaks the playback of Audible books for some Audible listeners.
Don't worry! Here we'll show you the best way to convert Audible AAXC to MP3 or other plain formats to make it possible to play Audible books on devices that don't support the Audible app. In case you are looking for converting Audible AAXC to AAX, we also provide methods to do so. Just keep reading!
Part 1. What Is a AAXC File?
An AAXC file is an audiobook file used by Audible, Amazon's audiobook platform. It is the default download format for Audible's mobile apps. This means all audiobooks you download on your phone are in AAXC. You can play them offline in the Audible app.
AAXC files contain high-quality audio and metadata like chapter markers, cover art, and other details. This makes them perfect for offline listening, keeping the same quality as streaming online.
Audible used the AAX format in the past. Since mid-2019, it has switched to the newer, more secure AAXC format. The "C" stands for the updated DRM encryption.
However, this AAX to AAXC transformation also makes it hard to play AAXC files on other media players or apps or convert them to more universal formats like MP3.
Part 2. How to Find the Audible AAXC File on Android
You can get AAXC audiobooks from Audible on your phone, whether it's Android or iPhone. But on iPhones, finding these files is tricky due to iOS's rules, which make it hard to access certain file locations without making changes to your device. Even if you stop using Audible, you can still listen to the AAXC audiobooks you've got.
To find AAXC files on Android:
Go to: Files\Internal storage\Android\data\com.Audible.application\files.
Part 3. How to Convert AAXC to MP3 on Linux
If you're on Linux and looking to convert AAXC files to MP3, you can use a free and open-source called "aaxtomp3." This tool leverages the audible-cli package, which handles the decryption of both AAX and AAXC files by storing the necessary keys when downloading the audiobooks. Here's how you can use it:
Step 1Install Requirements
Before you begin, ensure you have the necessary tools and packages installed:
- bash (version 3.2.57 or later)
- ffmpeg (version 4.4 or later if the input file is .aaxc)
- libmp3lame (typically 'lame' in your system's package manager)
- GNU grep, sed, find
- jq (only if using --use-audible-cli-data)
- mp4art (optional, for adding cover art to m4a and m4b files)
- mediainfo (optional, for adding additional media tags like narrator)
Step 2Download aaxtomp3
You can obtain the aaxtomp3 tool from its source repository or through package management systems like apt or yum. Follow the installation instructions provided with the tool.
Step 3Convert AAXC to MP3
Once installed, you can use the aaxtomp3 tool to convert AAXC files to MP3. Here's a basic usage example:
Replace <AAX/AAXC INPUT_FILES> with the path to your AAX or AAXC files.
If you want guided assistance through the conversion process, you can use the interactive mode:
Part 4. How to Convert AAXC to MP3 on PC/Mac
Converting AAXC to MP3 on a Windows or Mac computer is much easier than you might think. But let's be clear: there is no AAXC to MP3 converter online, and it's not possible on Android either. If a website claims it can do this, be very careful. Many of these sites are scams or may contain malware. Technically, AAXC's DRM makes it extremely difficult to handle without proper software.
Therefore, we recommend using ViWizard Audible Converter , which allows you to directly download any titles from your Audible library into MP3, as well as other formats such as M4A, M4B, AIFF, WAV, and FLAC. There's no need to first convert your AAXC files to AAX and then to MP3. ViWizard can handle the entire process in just a few clicks. And, boom, you get DRM-free MP3 Audible files, ready to play on any device without restrictions.
Convert any protected Audible audiobook to lossless audio, MP3, FLAC, M4A, M4B, WAV, and AIFF formats with full ID3 tags, up to 100 times faster.
Step 1 Access the Audible Web Player in ViWizard
Download and install ViWizard Audible Converter on your Windows or Mac. Open the program. The built-in Audible web player will start automatically. Log in with your Audible account. Your library will appear. You are now ready to select audiobooks for conversion.
Step 2Adjust Download Settings
Go to Preferences in the menu bar. Switch to the Conversion tab. Open the Format dropdown and pick your desired output (like MP3). You can also adjust the bitrate and sample rate. Choose a folder for the converted files.
Step 3 Add Your Audible Books
Browse your Audible library in the built-in web player. Click the plus (+) button next to each audiobook you want. Then click Add to List to queue them for conversion. You can add multiple titles at once.
Step 4Convert the Audiobooks
Click the Convert button to start. ViWizard will remove DRM and export the audiobooks in your chosen format. All chapter markers and metadata will be preserved. When done, click the folder icon to open your output folder. Your audiobooks are now ready to play on any device.
Part 5. How to Transfer Converted MP3 to iOS/Android
After converting AAX or AAXC files to MP3 using either the aaxtomp3 program or the ViWizard software on your computer, you'll want to transfer the converted MP3 files to your iOS or Android device for convenient listening. Here's how you can do it:
How to Transfer MP3 to iOS Devices (iPhone/iPad):
- Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open iTunes on your computer. If you're using macOS Catalina or later, use Finder instead.
- Click on your device icon in iTunes or Finder.
- Navigate to the "Music" tab.
- Drag and drop the converted MP3 files from your computer's folder into the iTunes or Finder window.
- Alternatively, you can go to the "File" menu in iTunes or Finder, select "Add to Library," and choose the converted MP3 files.
- Once the files are added, click "Sync" or "Apply" to transfer the MP3 files to your iOS device.
- Once the sync is complete, you can disconnect your device and enjoy listening to the MP3 files using the Music app on your iOS device.
How to Transfer MP3 to Android Devices:
- Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.
- Open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac) on your computer.
- Navigate to the folder on your computer where the converted MP3 files are located.
- Locate your Android device in File Explorer or Finder and open it.
- Copy and paste or drag and drop the converted MP3 files from your computer into the Music folder on your Android device.
- Once the transfer is complete, safely disconnect your Android device from your computer.
- Open the Music app or any other media player on your Android device to access and play the transferred MP3 files.
Part 6. FAQs about AAXC to MP3
What is the difference between AAX and AAXC?
AAX is the older, less secure format. It uses a simpler form of copy protection that many apps and programs can bypass. Audible mainly uses AAX for audiobooks downloaded on desktop devices.
AAXC is the newer, more secure format. It has stronger copy protection, which makes it harder to use the files outside the Audible app. Audible uses AAXC for audiobooks downloaded on mobile devices.
Where can I find my downloaded AAXC file?
You can't easily access the AAXC file on your phone or tablet because it is hidden within the Audible app.
- On iPhone or iPad: The file is stored only inside the Audible app. It is not saved anywhere else on your device.
- On Android: The file is stored in a protected, hard-to-find folder within the Audible app. If you want to locate it, you can try this path: Files\Internal storage\Android\data\com.Audible.application\files
How do I get my audiobook in AAX format instead of AAXC?
You can get the older AAX format by downloading the file from Audible's website on a computer.
- Go to audible.com using a browser.
- Log in.
- Go to your Library.
- Click Download next to the audiobook you want. Then you'll have the AAX file instead of AAXC.
Can I convert AAXC files for free?
Yes, there are two ways.
One is to use the AAX version, which you can download from the Audible official website on your computer. This version also has DRM protection and can only be played within the Audible app.
If you want to play Audible audiobooks on more devices and apps (without needing the Audible app), you can use conversion tools like ViWizard Audible Converter. This tool converts Audible audiobooks to MP3 or other DRM-free formats, offering a more flexible and unrestricted listening experience. However, it requires a paid license after the free trial period ends.
Will converting my file affect my Audible account?
Converting your files does not affect your Audible account. Changing the format is only a personal choice. Your Audible library stays online with your account. It will not change.
After you get the MP3 version, use it for personal listening only. Do not share or distribute the converted files. That is illegal and breaks Audible's rules.
Conclusion
There is no direct way to convert Audible AAXC to MP3. But there are alternatives. You can use the aaxtomp3 open-source tool. Or you can use ViWizard Audible Converter to download and convert your books to MP3.
After conversion, transfer the MP3 files to your Android or iPhone for listening. If you are not comfortable with GitHub tools, use ViWizard instead. It works in just a few clicks and converts audiobooks at 100x faster speed.
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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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