Free | Top 5 Easy Ways to Convert MP4 to M4A

If you want to learn how to convert MP4 files to M4A so that you have a better compatibility with Apple devices, then keep on reading to learn some easy and interesting methods.

You are probably aware that MP4 is a multimedia format commonly used to store audio and video within a single file. However, it does have its limitations, mainly to Apple users. It is challenging to listen to MP4 audio tracks on iOS devices. In that case, you will need to extract the audio part out of the MP4.

To this end, it is highly recommended that you convert MP4 to M4A, which Apple develops. It is popular with users for its lossless sound quality and low storage consumption. So, if you want to convert MP4 files into M4A for future listening on Apple devices, stick around to learn different video to audio converter software to get it done. 

Part 1. Change the Filename Extension

One of the easiest ways to do this is by changing the file name extension. This is another great method for anyone who wants to convert MP4 to M4A for free. Also, there is no need to install a third-party program. You can convert it to M4A, and it will play on your iOS device. 

How to change filename extension on Windows: 

Step 1. Open file explorer, and locate the MP4 file. Click on "File name extensions" located in the "View" panel at the top.

Step 2. Click on "File Name Extensions." You will see the MP4 file showing the extension. You only have to click rename and change it to M4A. 

How to change filename extension on Mac:

Step 1. Open the finder, locate the MP4 file. 

Step 2. Click on "Show all filename extensions" located in "Finder Preferences." Proceed to rename the MP4 to M4A.

Part 2. Convert MP4 to M4A on Windows

If you are going to convert MP4 files to M4A with ease, try this Windows converting software, EaseUS Video Converter. It supports 1000+ media formats for conversions. Besides converting MP4 to M4A, you can also convert MP4 to audio formats like MP3, WAV, WMA, M4A, etc. 

Also, you can apply the batch converting function to increase efficiency. After conversion, it's easy to apply more features such as playing it without losing quality. 

Main Features:

• Simple and easy interface for common users
• Batch converting function to deal with more than one file
• Merge different media files at the same time
• 30X faster converting speed to save time

Now, click the button below to download it on your PC.

How to convert MP4 file to M4A with this tool:

Step 1. Launch this software on your computer, select the "Audio Extractor" option from the left sidebar, then click "Choose Files" to import your target video files.

Step 2. Once imported, click the gear icon to select your desired output audio format.

Additionally, you are able to click the "Edit" icon to change some parameters for your output music files, including channel, sample rate, bitrate, etc.

Step 3. (Optional) If you want to change the location for saving the output files, click the down arrow to choose a new folder at the bottom. Besides, you can enable high-speed conversion, and GPU acceleration features here if needed.

Step 4. At last, click "Extract All" to start the conversion. Once done, you can find the converted files in the "Finished" tab.

 

Part 3. Convert MP4 to M4A on Mac Without Quality Loss

Suppose you want a more professional method to convert MP4 to M4A. In that case, you need to install an audio converter on your Mac computer. A great choice is "To M4A Converter Lite". 

With this app, you can easily change MP4 into M4A without sacrificing compatibility or quality. Another great feature of M4A Converter Lite is the possibility to encode more than 200 audio and video formats to M4A or MP4 audio format in seconds. Last but not least, this converter has a very high conversion speed.  

How to export MP4 as M4A with M4A Converter Lite:

Step 1. Install M4A Converter Lite and import the MP4 files that you want to convert to M4A. You can either add the files through dragging & dropping or by clicking on "Open...". 

Step 2. Once you add the files, the conversion will begin automatically. It will be finished in a couple of minutes. You can find your converted files in the output folder.

Part 4. Save MP4 in M4A Format Online

If you are not a fan of installing third-party software on your computer, you can also use an online site to start MP4 to MA4 conversion task. This is a fast and straightforward method to carry out this conversion. All that you need is a fast internet connection, and you are set to go. Here you have 3 excellent online converters:

1. Online-Convert

It is a great online tool that lets you convert MP4 files to several video and audio formats in seconds. Since this is free-to-use software, it does has its limitations. For instance, it cannot convert encrypted files. 

2. Online Audio Converter 

Online Audio Converter is another good choice for MP4 to M4A conversion. It lets you upload any MP4 regardless of the size, and you can choose which file you want to convert. It doesn't have a large variety of output formats, but you can pick the quality of the output converted file. That way, you can manage the size. 

3. Cloud Convert 

Cloud Convert is more widely known when compared to the previous two sites. It can support conversion for over 200+ formats. Likewise, it has great site security, which can deliver more protection for your files. It has API integration making it smoother to link it. 

How to change MP4 into M4A online:

Step 1. Open the Online Convert site. Click on "Choose File" and find the MP4 file that you want to convert. You can also paste the URL of an MP4 video. 

Step 2. Click on the "Convert" to start the conversion. Then, save the file on your computer.

FAQs About Converting MP4 to M4A

1. Are MP4 and m4a the same?

You may be familiar with MP4. But if you are not accustomed to M4A, know that it is precisely the same as MP4 but without the video part.

2. How do I convert MP4 to audio?

MP4 is a multimedia format most commonly used for storing and sharing audio and video. Therefore, extracting the audio track from the MP4 material can be done by converting it to another exclusive audio format like M4A or FLAC. All you need to use is an online or offline converter. This way, you are removing the video portion from the MP4 and maintaining the audio. 

3. Which is the best MP4 or M4A?

The M4A file format is known for its excellent file quality. MP4 is not known for its audio quality. But M4A doesn't have video support. So, it all depends on what you need the files for. If it is for music, then use M4A. If you need video as well, then use MP4. 

The Bottom Line

As you just learned, there are several ways to convert MP4 files to M4A. If you don't pay much attention to the quality of the file, you can quickly try to rename the file. If you don't want to install anything on your PC, there are free online converters that you can try. But if you wish for an incredible conversion, then you need to use an offline converter. EaseUS Video Converter is a great converter that you can use.