How do I convert an M4A file to MP3?
To convert M4A to MP3, open FixDoks's M4A to MP3 tool, select the .m4a or .aac file, such as an iPhone voice memo, choose a bitrate, then click Convert to MP3. The tool re-encodes the AAC audio to MP3 inside your browser, so the file is never uploaded, and the result plays on virtually any device or app.
M4A to MP3 at a glance
| Input | M4A / AAC |
|---|---|
| Output | MP3, 96-320 kbps |
| Processing | In your browser; your files are not uploaded |
| Price | Free, no watermark |
| Download | Free Google sign-in |
| Works on | Chrome, Edge, Safari and Firefox on Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone |
How to use M4A to MP3
- Click Select M4A file and choose an .m4a or .aac file.
- Pick a quality. Keep 192 kbps for music; 96 or 128 kbps is plenty for voice memos.
- Click Convert to MP3 and download.
What is M4A?
M4A is an MPEG-4 audio file, usually containing AAC audio. It is the default format for iPhone Voice Memos, many Android recorder apps, iTunes purchases without DRM, and audio exported from GarageBand. AAC is a very good codec, often better than MP3 at the same bitrate, but some devices and programs still do not accept it: older car stereos, some Windows apps, certain web upload forms and transcription services.
Converting to MP3 gives you a file that plays on practically anything.
Converting iPhone Voice Memos
In the Voice Memos app, tap a recording, tap the three dots and choose Save to Files. Then open this page in Safari, tap Select M4A file, pick the memo from Files and convert. On a Mac, drag the memo from the Voice Memos app to your desktop, then drop it onto this page.
Choosing a bitrate
Converting from AAC to MP3 is a lossy to lossy conversion, so the MP3 should use a bitrate at least as high as the source to avoid audible loss. Voice memos are usually around 64 kbps mono, so 96 kbps mono is more than enough. Music bought from iTunes is 256 kbps AAC, so choose 256 or 320 kbps to keep it sounding the same.
DRM protected files
Older iTunes purchases with the .m4p extension and Apple Music downloads are protected by DRM and cannot be converted by any browser tool. Only unprotected M4A files work.
Other options
- Need WAV for an editor, or FLAC for archiving? Use the Audio Converter.
- Want only part of the memo? Cut it in Audio Cutter before or after converting.
- Have a video instead of audio? Use MP4 to MP3.
Your recordings stay private
Voice memos are often personal: meeting notes, ideas, conversations. The conversion runs entirely in your browser and nothing is uploaded to a server.
WhatsApp and Android recordings
Some Android recorder apps also save M4A, and audio shared through messaging apps is sometimes re-wrapped as M4A or AAC. All of these convert the same way. If your file ends in .opus or .ogg instead, which is typical for WhatsApp voice notes, use the Audio Converter, which accepts those formats as well.
The converted MP3 keeps the full length of the original recording, and its file name matches the original with a new extension, so it is easy to find next to the M4A.