Convert M4A to MP3 Online
xFormat converts M4A audio, such as iPhone Voice Memos and Apple Music rips, to MP3 in your browser, with no upload and a choice of bitrate.
Runs in your browser — files never leave your device.
How it works
M4A is what Apple's Voice Memos, GarageBand and iTunes produce, but Windows apps, older players and some web forms prefer MP3. Convert it here and keep the recording on your own device.
- 1
Select your M4A file, for example a voice memo you exported.
- 2
Choose MP3 and a bitrate.
- 3
Click Convert and download the MP3.
Where M4A files come from
M4A is an audio-only MP4 file, almost always containing AAC audio. It is the default for iPhone Voice Memos, songs bought or ripped through Apple software, and many recordings made on Macs. The format is perfectly good, but not every transcription service, editing tool, or older car stereo accepts it, and MP3 is the safe common denominator.
Lossy to lossy: choose your bitrate carefully
Both AAC and MP3 are lossy, so this conversion decodes the audio and compresses it a second time. You will not hear much change if you choose a bitrate at least as high as the original, but avoid going lower than needed. For voice memos, 128 kbps is plenty. For music, pick 192 or 320 kbps. Choosing more than the source had will make the file bigger without improving it.
If a track was bought with old DRM protection, it cannot be converted, because the browser cannot decode protected audio.
Moving voice memos off your iPhone
Share the memo to Files or AirDrop it first, then open it here. Keep each file under about 200 MB on a phone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert an iPhone voice memo to MP3?
Save or share the memo to the Files app, open this page, select the M4A file, choose MP3 and convert. It is processed on your device.
Does M4A to MP3 reduce quality?
Slightly, because it is a second lossy compression. Use 192 or 320 kbps for music to keep it hard to notice.
Why won't my M4A play on my device?
Some older players and editors do not support M4A. MP3 plays practically everywhere.
Is my voice memo uploaded?
No. The recording is converted locally and never leaves your device.
Can I convert protected iTunes songs?
Files with DRM protection cannot be converted. Unprotected M4A files work normally.