Open M4A files

  • Full name
    MPEG-4 Compressed Audio Format
  • Developer
    Apple
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a M4A file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a M4A file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your M4A file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is M4A file?

M4A refers to mp4 files that contain only audio data.

More info

iTunes and Apple's iPod have made this format popular. Your M4A files are encoded exclusively in either the lossy AAC or the lossless Apple Lossless.

In general, M4A files can also contain audio data encoded with other compression methods. However, this is rare.

The contents of the file may also be protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management). Then you need a corresponding, possibly paid license to view the content.

Most audio players can play this format.

MP3 and MP4 hardware player only in exceptional cases.

Programs which can open a M4A file

How to open file with M4A extension?

In order to open a file with M4A extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening M4A file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with M4A files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install iTunes or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening M4A files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support M4A files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of M4A files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set iTunes as the default program for opening M4A files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate M4A files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the iTunes applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where iTunes has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with M4A files

Sometimes problems with opening M4A files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • M4A files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open M4A files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • M4A file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

Possible conversions of M4A file

Similar extensions