M4A File Extension

Programs that support M4A files

• Windows ²⁹
• Mac OS ¹⁵
• Linux ¹
• Android ²
• Apple iOS ¹

Windows

• Apple iTunes
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• QuickTime
• WMAConvert Platinum
• Helium Music Manager
• Awave Studio
• VLC media player
• Nero SoundTrax
• Zune
• Windows Media
• MediaMonkey
• Winamp
• Camtasia Studio
• Freemake Video Converter
• ImTOO DPG Converter
• Freemake Audio Converter
• Adobe Media Encoder
• Nero Vision Express
• Fre:ac
• Nero Multimedia Suite
• dBpoweramp family suite
• iPad Video Converter Factory Pro
• Any Audio Converter
• Nero Recode
• Aimersoft DRM Media Converter
• Xrecode
• Xilisoft iPod Rip
• CrazyTalk
• SUPER 3D Video Converter

Mac OS

• iTunes
• VLC media player
• Elmedia Player
• Wondershare Video Converter
• Narrator
• djay Pro
• FLV Crunch
• Compressor
• Tiny Audio Converter
• Max
• EasyWMA
• Xilisoft iPhone Ringtone Maker
• Camtasia
• Aimersoft Video Converter
• X Lossless Decoder (XLD)

Linux

• VLC media player

Android

• VLC media player
• PowerAMP

Apple iOS

• Ringtone Maker

How to open a M4A file?

If you cannot open a M4A file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.

Apple iTunes, iTunes and Adobe Premiere Pro are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with M4A files. To set up the newest version of MediaMonkey on your device, simply go to the official Ventis Media website. There you can download the edition compatible with every operating system.

Once setup is done, your operating system should assign MediaMonkey as the default app for M4A files.

Set MediaMonkey as the default M4A handler

Setting a default program by file type in Windows

1. Right click on your M4A file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
2. In the pop-up window, find and select the MediaMonkey application from the available options;
3. Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening M4A files.

Choose an app to open a file on Mac

1. Right click or use Control + left click on the desired M4A file to launch the file options menu;
2. Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
4. In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to MediaMonkey. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.

How to edit a M4A file?

Editing M4A files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit audio files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated MPEG-4 Audio Format programs.

List of Top M4A editors 2026

Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended M4A editors.

Convert to and from M4A

If you struggle with a M4A file, consider converting it to alternative formats such as MOV, WAV, MP3, WMV, WMA or other similar file types.

Converting a M4A file may not fully retain all functionality, but it is generally possible to return it to the original format.

iTunes, Apple iTunes and Wondershare Video Converter are offline tools that convert M4A files to other formats seamlessly and without quality loss.

Convert M4A to other file formats

• M4A to APE
• M4A to AC3
• M4A to AMR
• M4A to CAF
• M4A to VOX
• M4A to AAC

Converting Files to M4A Format

• MP4 to M4A
• APE to M4A
• AIFF to M4A
• FLAC to M4A
• TREC to M4A
• 3GP to M4A

Effective solutions for M4A file problems

If you encounter issues with M4A files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.