I had one of the original iphones and just got my itunes account restored a few days ago. I forgot how much music I had purchased on there. Thank you for this easy tutorial on getting my files to mp3. I had a few albums from some old school punk bands that can't be purchased anywhere anymore. Glad I was able to save them now. You are a lifesaver sir, thank you much.
Your video is very easy to understand. However I tried to follow the steps you showed and each time I want to convert to a mp3 it tells me I cannot because its protected. I didn't purchase the song. I have a yearly subscription with apple. Is there a way I can get past the protected file and convert the song to mp3. Most of the song I have are all protected.
Unknown error occurred (-50). I wonder if it’s because I already have the other version downloaded and need to remove first, or perhaps that I have it set up as lossless audio or something like that on download or streaming… maybe it has something to do with conflicting setups between phone and laptop… somebody figure it out please…
hi evertyhing worked well your instuctions were great however my song could not be converted because it is a prtected file. is there a work around this problem
Thanks for this - I am from July 2022 and this still works. I am taking all of MY PURCHASED MUSIC and saving it to MP3. Then I am going to play it with RUclips music and throwing iTunes in the trash where it belongs.
I just tried many times on my Mac but it doesn't work they said ; could not be converted because protected files cannot be converted to others formats. any idea please ??
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I spent three days trying to find a proper link for doing just this. I appreciate the fact that you took the time to share your knowledge. Much appreciated, Sir. It works perfectly. Now, I can add my purchased songs to my website. Thank you so much.
This does not work for me. After clicking "Convert" then MP3 version it pops up saying these songs are "protected" and cannot be converted. My original problem.
Has to be music downloads that you’ve paid for. Top tip - change your preferences as shown to MP3 before your purchase and then you won’t need to convert.
Absolutely fantastic! Thank you for this! I am not overly tech savvy. This was easy for me to follow and quickly solved my dilemma. Converting all my iTunes files, ditching the iPod and the locked down file world of apple and heading to the less greedy, more cost efficient and more user friendly world of Mp3, android and windows. The tasked of simply freeing the music I paid for seemed impossible until I ran across this. Again... Thanks!
Thanks for this assistance. I have an enormous I Tunes library which I want to convert. Is there a quicker way to convert the discs/files to MP3 a quicker way? Thanks
AWESOME !!!!! Thank you... I have a question. I have mp3 songs on my MacBook and I play them through iTunes. but on my iPhone I playtime mp3 song as file download. So how do I get them play as iTunes library on my iPhone. This songs are not purchased iTunes songs. It just music I download as mp3 ... Hope u can help me figure this one out... Thanks
I know that this video was made a long time ago but whenever I download a song it turns into a .m4p instead of .m4a and then doesn't allow me to convert the songs into .mp3
how come it allows me to put most songs in shared playlists of my computer and iPhone but not some? As in, it will allow me to download any songs into apple library on Mac but it only lets me add some of the songs to certain playlists that consist with my iPhone.
Hello...thank you for your video; however, you didn't say how to get the window to the right that shows if the files have been converted or not. And, when I followed the steps on the list that I had...it DIDN'T duplicate each selection with one copy being one file and a second an mp3 file. So, after I completed the conversion process...I didn't know how to find the mp3 versions of the files I just made. Thanks
I don't seem to have the selection "converting to mp3" files; it only offers me one selection to convert to: "Convert to ID3 tags" and mp3 selection is greyed out???
Strangely, for some reason, I convert sound music track previews in iTunes using the mp3 converter but it seems Safari browser doesn't play them very well. It takes hours for the audio player to start in the browser. For some reason the browser and my web design app Sparkle Pro doesn't like mp3's converted with iTunes. Developers messing it up and making it more and more complicated and more buggy with every new update.
Sorry, I did not think about that. Click and hold the mouse on the first track you want to select and then drag the mouse to the last track. When releasing the mouse all tracks should be highlighted.
So after converting, the original song file is still there And the mp3 version is a copy, it’s own separate file? And once I finished making copies, and import to my MP3 player, I can then delete the mp3 files from computer folder?
Did you convert the files in iTunes on a Mac or Windows PC? As I don't have the exact same display in Import Settings (Windows 10 PC). It states at the bottom. 'Note: These settings do not apply to songs downloaded from the iTunes Store'. Do you have a solution?
In this case this was on a Mac. Interestingly I was converting songs that I purchased from iTunes before. You comment makes me want to try it out in my Windows laptop now.
Awesome video! clear easy to follow instructions. Perfect! so glad I found this after spending a lot of time wasted trying to figure it out! I have one question, since I am not a techie, do you need to go back to your settings when finished converting the music you want to mp3 and change it back to the itunes standard import version, for future purchases etc. Thank you!
Hi, thank you for your feedback. After completing the conversion, the settings can stay as they are. The standard import format from iTunes is independent from this setting
Thank you !!! I did it thanks to you. But now i'm trying to export this mp3 songs to my Non apple mp3 device and I can't do it. How can I do it? Please
Thank you so much! I was having such trouble finding how to do it but you explained it so simply and it is easy once you know the workaround! Much appreciated.
Why can't I just select multiple albums and right-click "Convert to mp3" based on my import mp3 encoding settings I have set under preferences ... without the need to delete the double entries?
i'm trying to do this and when i click "create mp3 version" i get a message that says "could not be converted because protected files cannot be converted to other formats". do you know what i can do about this ?
Lauren's this video doesn't address the problem you and I have, so< I called tech support and they said those files are "protected" even though you like me, paid for them.....
This doesn't seem to work with Apple Music App. files. They remain MPEG no matter what you do. I tied converting them into WAV and MP3, but they remained MPEG. (Sun May 30, 2021) LATER:It's prbably because they apply to iTunes but iTunes has been replaced by Apple Music app;.
Thank you for your post! I have a couple of questions. Is the original AAC format permanently lost after conversion to mp3 format (I guess so). Is there any problem in burning the converted mp3 files on a CD for audio player? I am not familiar with iTune so that your comment is highly appreciated!
Hi, the original AAC files should still be present after the conversion. I personally haven’t burned mp3 CDs for a while. I remember having small gaps between tracks when playing them. Never found out what caused that.
@@MegaSafetyFirst Thank you so much! It is good to know. I do not want to alter the original music. Is the converted file stored at the same folder as the original? Again, many thanks for your help!
I got a old mpt player my son was the only one put music on it He passed away 7 years ago I couldn't want yo deal with this anymore Time pass now l really interested in load music on it but don't know how CA you please make a video step by step how sorry if l ask for too much Thank you very much!
G'day mate. In the old days I was able to edit song lengths and save them as ring tones. Is it still possible with iTunes 12? I can't find a way to save it, mate. Thanks.
I followed your instructions, and the song did convert to mp3. However, when I played it on Windows Media Player, it raced through the song and could not make anything out. Any suggestions?
I don't expect you will answer such a lengthy query, but I'll try. I'm 78 and totally lost with all this cyber stuff. I recently had someone move 300 of my compositions from cassette to my iMAC. Now I'm wanting to move these tunes from my iMAC to SanDisk Clip Jam MP3 device. I'm having zero luck. I went to SanDisk help desk, clicked on "live chat" and they connected me to a forum full of junk that was meaningless to me...in short, they don't really have a Live Chat. I found a very lengthy instruction on You Tube which requires that I start by opening my Playlist. I have no such thing and don't know what it is. Can you possible help me?
I follow steps that you are describing, but keep getting this message " Song could not be converted because protected files cannot be converted to other formats" . Is this because files were dowloaded from iTunes?
I’m changing iTunes to mp3 because Apple always seem to lose music during updates. I have an iPhone Max MS. Will my iPhone download the MP3 I switched to.
There's three things I could think of: 1. Check if the file ending is .m4a. 2. Make sure the file is downloaded from the cloud (I'm sure you did, but just for completeness sake, in case somebody else reads this) 3. There is a copy protection on the file
lol I did the same thing like the old vid and yours for the tenth time ( after getting a little pissed ) & it worked guess if I spent my days on a phone I'd know how to use software thank you for the help, sorry for the rant took over an hour for one song
I have grown to hate iTunes (and Apple products in general) and am looking to convert my entire library to MP3 so I can ditch my iPod. Is there a faster way to do that with thousands of songs?
Im new to itunes,I subscribed,How do i download itunes tracks to my pc free or do i have to pay for that in the store?i've downloaded tracks in the catalog but it does not allow me to download to my pc.
Are you converting these on an Apple device? I tried this in Win 10 and it wouldn't give me the convert to MP3 option. Not even listed all were gred out.
![HOW TO CONVERT M4A TO MP3 FREE With iTunes | Best M4A to MP3 Converter [Easy Windows Tutorial]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/XPNx-CNeQG4/mqdefault.jpg)
![HOW TO CONVERT M4A TO MP3 FREE With iTunes | Best M4A to MP3 Converter [Easy Windows Tutorial]](/img/tr.png)
I had one of the original iphones and just got my itunes account restored a few days ago. I forgot how much music I had purchased on there. Thank you for this easy tutorial on getting my files to mp3. I had a few albums from some old school punk bands that can't be purchased anywhere anymore. Glad I was able to save them now. You are a lifesaver sir, thank you much.
Glad to hear 👍.
Thank you for your feedback 🙂
I’ve been up for hours trying to figure out how to get music from the iTunes library to Windows Media Player. Your video saved me. THANKS!!
Your video is very easy to understand. However I tried to follow the steps you showed and each time I want to convert to a mp3 it tells me I cannot because its protected. I didn't purchase the song. I have a yearly subscription with apple. Is there a way I can get past the protected file and convert the song to mp3. Most of the song I have are all protected.
I have the same issue. No matter what I do I can’t figure out how to do it using Apple Music App.
Anyone figure this out, I have the same problem
@@erikcorrea2813 I have the same problem have you figured out how
Can I see the comments? My computer saying the same thing.
Unknown error occurred (-50).
I wonder if it’s because I already have the other version downloaded and need to remove first, or perhaps that I have it set up as lossless audio or something like that on download or streaming… maybe it has something to do with conflicting setups between phone and laptop… somebody figure it out please…
I was trying for 2 hrs until I watched this and within minutes I was rolling thank you so much 🙏🏼
hi evertyhing worked well your instuctions were great however my song could not be converted because it is a prtected file. is there a work around this problem
Thanks for this - I am from July 2022 and this still works. I am taking all of MY PURCHASED MUSIC and saving it to MP3. Then I am going to play it with RUclips music and throwing iTunes in the trash where it belongs.
Are you using a PC to do this?
I just tried many times on my Mac but it doesn't work they said ; could not be converted because protected files cannot be converted to others formats. any idea please ??
it's because DRM protection which prevents you from transferring iTunes media to another device, you have to download a DRM removal tool
What tool? And where can I download it
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I spent three days trying to find a proper link for doing just this. I appreciate the fact that you took the time to share your knowledge. Much appreciated, Sir. It works perfectly. Now, I can add my purchased songs to my website. Thank you so much.
It's a protected file, and you'll see a window that says it can't be replaced. What should I do?
I'm waiting for reply also lol
See my reply from 6 days ago but the solution is that you can't convert Protected Files. You need to purchase them.
same
Copy the file to cd, download the file back to iTunes
I’m on a free trial, ca I do that? Because from what I’ve seen there’s no option to buy
This does not work for me. After clicking "Convert" then MP3 version it pops up saying these songs are "protected" and cannot be converted. My original problem.
If you are doing it from Apple Music, those cannot be done that way
This is for songs purchased I assume
You dont have to convert. You can use VLC player and play them where you want.
Yes I totally have VLC on my iPod shuffle@@hipidipi20157max
Has to be music downloads that you’ve paid for. Top tip - change your preferences as shown to MP3 before your purchase and then you won’t need to convert.
This was SOOO helpful I have been watching videos non stop and this one worked super easy!
A window pops up saying it could not convert a protected file. Is there a way to change that protection status?
Yeah me too.
You don’t know how much I love you. You just don’t know. Thanks for this video
Awesome content! I'm glad I ran across this before I downloaded a questionable converter off the internet. Couldn't have been easier!
I feel like I’ve found the fountain of youth . Thanks for this simple breakdown.
Absolutely fantastic! Thank you for this! I am not overly tech savvy. This was easy for me to follow and quickly solved my dilemma. Converting all my iTunes files, ditching the iPod and the locked down file world of apple and heading to the less greedy, more cost efficient and more user friendly world of Mp3, android and windows. The tasked of simply freeing the music I paid for seemed impossible until I ran across this. Again... Thanks!
Love that it was explained so slowly and clearly and I could follow it easily
Thanks for this assistance. I have an enormous I Tunes library which I want to convert. Is there a quicker way to convert the discs/files to MP3 a quicker way? Thanks
doesn't work august 2022 says can not covert because protected files can not be converted
I tried this, but it says my files are protected and can’t be converted.
That same thing happened to me
Same thing here, Any fixes???
Same thing it says my files are protected and cant be converted
Any soltuions.!
@@mohamadnader9502 try going under account and then authorize your computer
@@jasmynj5065 i will try
Great directions! Thanks so much! I was able to easily follow your instructions and convert my file from iTunes to MP3 format!
Glad to hear! Thank you for your feedback 👍
@@MegaSafetyFirst i am having an issue its says that cant be converted because of protected files cant be converted
Please any solution.!
I have the same problem 😭
Doesn't work with protected files. And all files downloaded from iTunes are protected. Any way around it?
@Salwa Spir You can download them but they still belong to itunes. You have to purchase.
AWESOME !!!!! Thank you... I have a question. I have mp3 songs on my MacBook and I play them through iTunes. but on my iPhone I playtime mp3 song as file download. So how do I get them play as iTunes library on my iPhone. This songs are not purchased iTunes songs. It just music I download as mp3 ...
Hope u can help me figure this one out... Thanks
Thank you very much without your help I couldn't convert to mp3 very well explained 👏
I know that this video was made a long time ago but whenever I download a song it turns into a .m4p instead of .m4a and then doesn't allow me to convert the songs into .mp3
how come it allows me to put most songs in shared playlists of my computer and iPhone but not some? As in, it will allow me to download any songs into apple library on Mac but it only lets me add some of the songs to certain playlists that consist with my iPhone.
Hello...thank you for your video; however, you didn't say how to get the window to the right that shows if the files have been converted or not. And, when I followed the steps on the list that I had...it DIDN'T duplicate each selection with one copy being one file and a second an mp3 file. So, after I completed the conversion process...I didn't know how to find the mp3 versions of the files I just made. Thanks
3:33 bit fr me it isn't "Show in Finder' but "Show in Windows Explorer"
Mine says "protected files cannot be converted to other formats". This is strange because I've done this before.
I don't seem to have the selection "converting to mp3" files; it only offers me one selection to convert to: "Convert to ID3 tags" and mp3 selection is greyed out???
Strangely, for some reason, I convert sound music track previews in iTunes using the mp3 converter but it seems Safari browser doesn't play them very well. It takes hours for the audio player to start in the browser. For some reason the browser and my web design app Sparkle Pro doesn't like mp3's converted with iTunes. Developers messing it up and making it more and more complicated and more buggy with every new update.
Just saw your video but after I convert it and go to iTunes to find song I don’t get the same scroll down. I want to put song on flash drive.
I don’t get the choiceyou have can’t see the options but can I just click the cloud next to song, download and add to media centre?
How do you select multiple files instead of converting each song individually.
The video show how that works
@@MegaSafetyFirst no it doesn't. At 1:35 you select 3 files without saying how
Sorry, I did not think about that.
Click and hold the mouse on the first track you want to select and then drag the mouse to the last track. When releasing the mouse all tracks should be highlighted.
I got an error when i clicked on "Convert to MP3"
"Impossible convertion: protected files cannot be converted in other formats."
Thanks very much for this video clip. It's very useful and possibly helps to challenge the idea that itunes owns what we bought.
So after converting, the original song file is still there
And the mp3 version is a copy, it’s own separate file?
And once I finished making copies, and import to my MP3 player, I can then delete the mp3 files from computer folder?
Correct, The original files will still exist. The mo3 versions can be deleted again in case you don’t plan on using them again in the future.
They Removed this recently the option do not work anymore !
Any new way other than paying a third party App to do this?
Did you convert the files in iTunes on a Mac or Windows PC? As I don't have the exact same display in Import Settings (Windows 10 PC). It states at the bottom. 'Note: These settings do not apply to songs downloaded from the iTunes Store'. Do you have a solution?
In this case this was on a Mac. Interestingly I was converting songs that I purchased from iTunes before.
You comment makes me want to try it out in my Windows laptop now.
Works on windows!
Hmmm makes me wonder why I get that notification that it won't convert iTunes bought music.
can i convert apple music songs to mp3
When i go to convert, all the options including mp3 is disabled . Do you know how to troubleshoot this?
I won't say it was easy but your video was the only one that allowed me to get this done. Thank you from the bottom of my ❤️ heart.
I don’t see a Convert to MP3 under the Convert drop down !
How do i find where to change preferences. It is not obvious from your video
Awesome video! clear easy to follow instructions. Perfect! so glad I found this after spending a lot of time wasted trying to figure it out! I have one question, since I am not a techie, do you need to go back to your settings when finished converting the music you want to mp3 and change it back to the itunes standard import version, for future purchases etc. Thank you!
Hi, thank you for your feedback.
After completing the conversion, the settings can stay as they are.
The standard import format from iTunes is independent from this setting
Thank you !!! I did it thanks to you. But now i'm trying to export this mp3 songs to my Non apple mp3 device and I can't do it. How can I do it? Please
Thank you so much! I was having such trouble finding how to do it but you explained it so simply and it is easy once you know the workaround! Much appreciated.
i barely saw anything there. about three things i can switch on and on but it didnt show import settings...was this made on a macOS?
How do I input all my music and videos and pictures from my iPhone on my mp3 player from my laptop
Also - what's that window on the right? You call it finder? What did you use and where is it?
Why can't I just select multiple albums and right-click "Convert to mp3" based on my import mp3 encoding settings I have set under preferences ... without the need to delete the double entries?
i'm trying to do this and when i click "create mp3 version" i get a message that says "could not be converted because protected files cannot be converted to other formats". do you know what i can do about this ?
Lauren's this video doesn't address the problem you and I have, so< I called tech support and they said those files are "protected" even though you like me, paid for them.....
This doesn't seem to work with Apple Music App. files. They remain MPEG no matter what you do. I tied converting them into WAV and MP3, but they remained MPEG. (Sun May 30, 2021) LATER:It's prbably because they apply to iTunes but iTunes has been replaced by Apple Music app;.
Only for MAC? What about files made home on MP4 and converting to MP3 using Windows 7?
i did it once and i figured it out but with another song i was trying to do the same method and it wouldnt allow me to download it as a MP3 file
Thank you for your post! I have a couple of questions. Is the original AAC format permanently lost after conversion to mp3 format (I guess so). Is there any problem in burning the converted mp3 files on a CD for audio player? I am not familiar with iTune so that your comment is highly appreciated!
Hi, the original AAC files should still be present after the conversion.
I personally haven’t burned mp3 CDs for a while. I remember having small gaps between tracks when playing them. Never found out what caused that.
@@MegaSafetyFirst Thank you so much! It is good to know. I do not want to alter the original music. Is the converted file stored at the same folder as the original? Again, many thanks for your help!
What does it mean when it says Error occurred while converting the file, every time I try?
Thanks for this. Is there a way to capture the album artwork while you're at it?
Wow thank u so much this video helped me convert my music files to mp3. Thanks for this.
The mp3 convert option is not highlighted. So I can’t convert it . How can I fix this problem?
I got a old mpt player my son was the only one put music on it
He passed away 7 years ago
I couldn't want yo deal with this anymore
Time pass now l really interested in load music on it but don't know how
CA you please make a video step by step how sorry if l ask for too much
Thank you very much!
Can u erase old music on ur mp3 player and add new songs from a cell phone
(CJ) bro how am i supposed to get there is i don't even know what app your using?
do you have to buy the music off iTunes to download or could this work with the subscription
You have to buy it. Subscription does not allow one to convert the files to mp3.
Thanks! I had trouble finding it until now. This really helped.
it didnt work, it said "protected files can not be converted" is there any way around this?
I have 20,000 songs that would take forever! Am I better off rerecording these off cd to another type of file? I own all my music in cd form.
I figured it out. I will be 152 years old when the conversion completes. Thank god I kept my vinyl and CDs.
This video was PERFECT! Thank you so much!!
There is an option on file to do that but I don't have the MP3 option to convert, do you know if Apple took it out?
G'day mate. In the old days I was able to edit song lengths and save them as ring tones. Is it still possible with iTunes 12? I can't find a way to save it, mate. Thanks.
I followed your instructions, and the song did convert to mp3. However, when I played it on Windows Media Player, it raced through the song and could not make anything out. Any suggestions?
Thank you soo much!!! finally, this worked when the other videos i've been watching just didn't.
just go to documents then folder music and they're there
Hoping to help my daughter as apple couldn’t, Thank you,
Elizabeth
I don't expect you will answer such a lengthy query, but I'll try. I'm 78 and totally lost with all this cyber stuff. I recently had someone move 300 of my compositions from cassette to my iMAC. Now I'm wanting to move these tunes from my iMAC to SanDisk Clip Jam MP3 device. I'm having zero luck. I went to SanDisk help desk, clicked on "live chat" and they connected me to a forum full of junk that was meaningless to me...in short, they don't really have a Live Chat. I found a very lengthy instruction on You Tube which requires that I start by opening my Playlist. I have no such thing and don't know what it is. Can you possible help me?
went through the procedures but nothing happens even though I have the latest version of iTunes.
So it doubles up all the songs in ITunes?
does this work for m4b audio books? as it is really them that I would like to convert, but they seem to be such a pig to do anything with.
I follow steps that you are describing, but keep getting this message " Song could not be converted because protected files cannot be converted to other formats" . Is this because files were dowloaded from iTunes?
Same here. Struggling and frustrated!
may note about, apple music subscription files is out of your tut
You dont have to convert anything and can use VLC player on Mac, Windows or Linux. Not sure with Android
It is showing that the file cannot be converted because it is protected. so how do i solve it?
i get the jingle like its working but the file does not show up anywhere....?
It won’t download become it says it’s a protective file. Any help is appreciate it
Thank you very much! Such a clear and easy explanation. You are a great teacher ):
Thank you! Wanted to add more custom music to my game
I’m changing iTunes to mp3 because Apple always seem to lose music during updates. I have an iPhone Max MS. Will my iPhone download the MP3 I switched to.
I've done everything you've said and when I go to convert the mp3 option is not lit, any advice would be great
There's three things I could think of:
1. Check if the file ending is .m4a.
2. Make sure the file is downloaded from the cloud (I'm sure you did, but just for completeness sake, in case somebody else reads this)
3. There is a copy protection on the file
lol I did the same thing like the old vid and yours for the tenth time ( after getting a little pissed ) & it worked guess if I spent my days on a phone I'd know how to use software thank you for the help, sorry for the rant took over an hour for one song
Glad to hear that it worked out 😉👍
anyways to do the same with protected files like my payed audiobooks that I want to listen to on my phone ? :/
I want to put some.music from.my iTunes to my decanter mp3. Can you help me with it pls. Thank you
I have grown to hate iTunes (and Apple products in general) and am looking to convert my entire library to MP3 so I can ditch my iPod. Is there a faster way to do that with thousands of songs?
I tried your tip but it did not work. It came up with protected songs can not be converted?
It doesn't work for protected files, but this does : ruclips.net/video/_IwNBtg0kEQ/видео.html and you just need a subscription, no need to purchase.
Im new to itunes,I subscribed,How do i download itunes tracks to my pc free or do i have to pay for that in the store?i've downloaded tracks in the catalog but it does not allow me to download to my pc.
A subscription does not allow you to convert music to mp3s.
I can’t copy the songs like you do when they are highlighted blue to covert them. I know for a fact it’s making me do that
Why my drop menu doesn't show me "Show in finder" maybe my Itunes is a old version?
Are you using Windows or OSX operating system? ‘Show in findet’ is only an Option in Mac Computers.
MegaSafetyFirst using windows
is this convert only for songs purchased?
That correct
@@MegaSafetyFirst thanks.
Are you converting these on an Apple device? I tried this in Win 10 and it wouldn't give me the convert to MP3 option. Not even listed all were gred out.
This worked for me in win 10
ruclips.net/video/_IwNBtg0kEQ/видео.html
Protected files cannot be converted to other formats...
its giving me the error: "could not be converted because protected files cannot be converted to other formats"
Thank you so much, was really clueless until I watched this.
its not giving me the option to convert. its greyed out.... any tips ?
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! you should also index this with FINIS DUO (underwater headphones through the temples). Works perfectly!
Agree that is what brought me here too