Extract text from M4P files
To convert your M4P file to another format, you need Apple_Music or other Audio software.
To convert other file formats to the "DRM-Protected AAC Audio" file type, you need software like Apple_Music or a similar tool.
The .M4P format is an MPEG-4 container designed with one specific purpose: to restrict how and where you listen to audio. It holds AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) audio data, but unlike standard files, it is encrypted with Apple's proprietary FairPlay DRM (Digital Rights Management). This format was the standard for songs purchased from the iTunes Store prior to 2009 and is currently used for offline tracks downloaded via the Apple Music subscription service.
The main limitation with .M4P files is the "digital handcuff" effect. You cannot play these files on non-Apple devices (like Android phones or generic MP3 players) or even on unauthorized computers without logging in with the original purchasing Apple ID. If you lose access to that account or stop your subscription, the files become useless digital paperweights. Additionally, older .M4P purchases are often encoded at a lower bitrate (128 kbps) compared to modern standards.
To liberate your library for use on any device or media player (like VLC), the standard workflow is converting .M4P to MP3 for maximum compatibility or M4A for better quality without the DRM lock. While direct conversion often requires removing the encryption (which can be legally complex), drag and drop your files to convert.guru to analyze the container, check metadata, and explore your conversion options.
Use Convert.Guru to open and convert your M4P file.
Users also converted DRM, MPEG4, MOVPKG, VLC, M4A, DMR, APPLE, HLS, MP4, ZIP, TSX, INDD and M4B files.
If you want to convert M4P file to MP3, FLAC, WAV, AIFF, MOV, M4R, AAC, OGG, WMA, M4A, OPUS or ALAC, you can use Apple_Music or similar software from the "Protected Audio Container" category. In the File menu, look for Save As… or Export….
To convert MIDI, AAC, TTA, AU, WV, DTS, MID, FLAC, RA, MP3, PCM or WAV files to M4P, try Apple_Music or another comparable tool in the "Protected Audio Container" category.
The history of Convert.Guru began over 25 years ago in California with Tom Simondi’s file-format database. A former contributor to Space Shuttle development and a software pioneer of the 1980s, Simondi established a trusted resource for file type analysis that was even referenced by Microsoft Windows XP. Today, we use modern technology to process and convert thousands of file formats while continually improving our M4P converter.