Apple Music has revolutionized the way we listen to music, offering a vast collection of over 100 million songs. However, one of its biggest limitations is that you can’t directly download songs in MP3 format—even after purchasing or subscribing. These tracks are encoded in DRM-protected M4P or AAC formats, which means they are not compatible with regular MP3 players or usable outside the Apple ecosystem.
Whether you’re trying to enjoy music on a basic MP3 player, share a playlist with a friend, or want your songs to be available offline without restrictions, this guide is your ultimate solution.
In this article, you’ll learn:
How to convert Apple Music songs to MP3 for free
How to remove Apple Music DRM protection
How to transfer Apple Music to MP3 players
The easiest tools to use—especially Apl Music Downloader
Step-by-step guides for Mac, Windows, and mobile users
Let’s dive right in.
Why Apple Music Songs Can’t Be Downloaded as MP3s Directly
Apple Music songs are protected by a technology called FairPlay DRM (Digital Rights Management). DRM encrypts audio files so that only authorized devices and users can play them. This protection:
Prevents copying or transferring songs to unauthorized devices
Disallows conversions into formats like MP3
Ties the music to your Apple ID and device
Even if you’re a paid subscriber, Apple doesn’t let you “own” the music. You’re renting it for offline play—within the app only.
To get true control over your music files, you need to remove DRM and convert your tracks to MP3.
Is It Legal to Convert Apple Music to MP3?
Yes, it is generally legal for personal use, as long as:
You’ve paid for the music or have an active subscription
You’re not sharing or selling the converted files
You use them strictly for private listening
Just remember: distributing or uploading DRM-free files to the internet is illegal and against Apple’s terms.
Best Way to Convert Apple Music Songs to MP3 for Free
✅ Use Apl Music Downloader
The fastest and easiest method is by using Apl Music Downloader—a free online tool that lets you convert any Apple Music song, album, or playlist to MP3 instantly.
Key Features:
Download music in high-quality MP3 (320kbps)
No software installation required
Completely free with no ads or watermarks
Supports bulk playlist downloading
Works on Windows, Mac, and mobile
Whether you want one song or an entire album, Apl Music Downloader gives you clean MP3 files in minutes.
How to Convert Apple Music Songs to MP3 (Step-by-Step Guide)
🔧 Method 1: Using Apl Music Downloader (No Software)
Step 1: Open the Apple Music app or website
Step 2: Copy the URL of the song/album/playlist you want
Step 3: Go to Apl Music Downloader
Step 4: Paste the link and click “Download”
Step 5: Choose MP3 format and download
That’s it—no DRM, no subscription, no problem.
🔧 Method 2: Convert Protected Apple Music to MP3 via Software
Some software tools are built to remove DRM and convert M4P/AAC files to MP3. Here are two popular options:
▶ 1. NoteBurner Apple Music Converter
Available for Windows and Mac
Removes DRM automatically
Maintains original quality and ID3 tags
Steps:
Download and install NoteBurner
Import your Apple Music tracks
Set output format as MP3
Click “Convert”
▶ 2. TuneFab Apple Music Converter
Converts DRM-protected M4P files to MP3
Supports batch conversion
Easy drag-and-drop interface
Both tools offer free trials but may limit full playlist downloads unless upgraded.
How to Convert Apple Music on iPhone/Android
Apple doesn’t allow third-party apps to access Apple Music files directly. However, here’s a workaround:
On iPhone
Download music on iTunes using your Apple ID
Use iTunes on a PC or Mac to access the downloaded songs
Then use a tool like Apl Music Downloader or NoteBurner to convert them
On Android
Apple Music doesn’t store offline files in readable formats
You must use a PC to download, convert, and then transfer MP3s back to your Android
How Do I Transfer Music from Apple Music to an MP3 Player?
Traditional MP3 players do not support Apple Music files due to DRM. But once you’ve converted songs to MP3, you can transfer them easily.
Steps to Transfer Music to an MP3 Player
Connect your MP3 player to your PC via USB
Open the device in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac)
Drag and drop your converted MP3 songs into the “Music” folder
Eject the player safely
Enjoy your music offline and DRM-free!
💡 TIP: Create folders for playlists to keep your music organized on the MP3 player.
Convert Apple Music Playlists in Bulk
If you’re trying to convert hundreds of songs, doing it one by one is exhausting.
Instead, use Apl Music Downloader to:
Paste a whole playlist link
Instantly fetch all tracks
Choose MP3 as the output format
Download them in bulk with one click
This is ideal for:
Road trips
Gym playlists
Classroom or work music libraries
Creating offline backups
What About iTunes Songs?
If you purchased music through iTunes (not an Apple Music subscription), those tracks may already be DRM-free depending on when they were bought.
To check:
Right-click on a song in iTunes > Get Info > File
Look for “Kind” – if it says Protected AAC, it’s DRM-protected
If it says Purchased AAC or MP3, you can copy it directly
If DRM-protected, use one of the methods above to convert it.
Offline Listening Without Limits
Once converted to MP3:
You can listen using VLC, Windows Media Player, Android music apps, car stereos, and more
You don’t need Apple ID verification
Files are fully portable and shareable (within legal limits)
No need to worry about subscription expiry
MP3 is still the most compatible and flexible audio format today.
Troubleshooting Conversion Issues
❌ “Invalid Link” Error
Make sure the Apple Music link is public and not from a personal playlist set to private.
❌ “Cannot convert DRM Files”
Use a dedicated converter like NoteBurner to remove DRM first.
❌ Audio Quality is Low
Choose “High” or “320kbps” settings in the output format during download.
❌ Converted Files Not Playing
Try playing the MP3s in VLC or re-downloading. Make sure the conversion was complete.
Top Alternatives to Apl Music Downloader
While Apl Music Downloader is the best free option, here are other tools you can consider:
AudFree Apple Music Converter – Powerful but not free
Sidify Music Converter – Excellent batch support
FreeYourMusic – Focused on playlist transfer
Soundiiz – Web-based, but may not support full conversion
Most free tools have limited downloads or inject audio ads—unlike Apl Music Downloader.
Conclusion
Apple Music offers a world of musical possibilities, but its DRM limitations often hold users back. Whether you’re trying to own your songs, use them on an MP3 player, or just enjoy offline playback without limitations, converting Apple Music to MP3 is the solution.
With Apl Music Downloader, you don’t need to pay a cent. No subscriptions. No restrictions. Just pure, high-quality MP3 music that you can use anytime, anywhere.
So the next time you build your Apple Music playlist, remember: you don’t have to keep it locked in Apple’s garden. Convert it, save it, and enjoy it your way.
