How To Convert iTunes to MP3

Axel Nash

Written By Axel Nash |

Unsurprisingly, several situations might require you to convert iTunes music to MP3.

Yes, we all know that songs purchased on iTunes are usually in AAC format. So, if you wish to listen to your iTunes music on other streaming platforms, you need to convert them to a widely accepted format like MP3.

If you need to learn how to convert iTunes to MP3, don't fret! In this post, we'll guide you through different methods that you can utilize to get the job done quickly and easily.

convert itunes to mp3

Part 1: Convert songs in iTunes library to MP3 Officially

Fortunately, iTunes allows users to convert songs in their library from one format to another. So, you don't necessarily need a third-party tool to do the job. Just follow the following steps outlined below;

For Mac;

Step 1: Open the iTunes app on your Mac and click Music from the top bar. Then, select Preferences.

Step 2: Click the Files tab and choose Import Settings.

click the files tab

Step 3: Click the drop-down icon next to Import Using and select MP3 encoder from the options displayed on your screen.

click the drop down icon

Step 4: Use the Settings option to select the preferred audio quality.

Step 5: Select the Songs that you wish to convert to MP3.

Step 6: Click File from the top bar and select Convert > Create MP3 Version.

click file

Now, wait for the conversion process to complete. The newly converted songs in MP3 format should be located adjacent to the original songs in AAC format.

For Windows

Step 1: Open the iTunes app on your Windows computer and click Edit from the top bar. Then, select Preferences.

open the itunes app

Step 2: Select the General Tab and click Import Settings from the pop-up that appears. Then, follow similar steps mentioned above for Mac to convert iTunes songs to MP3.

select the general tab

How to find the converted MP3 songs quickly?

To easily find your converted MP3 songs, sort your iTunes Music Library by Date Added Column. It will allow the converted MP3 songs to be listed together.

  • Create a New Playlist and enter a preferred name for it. You can name it (MY SPECIAL MP3)
  • Now, add the converted MP3 songs to the playlist that you created. Doing this will enable you to locate your songs in MP3 format anytime easily you need them.

Audio quality reduced after converting iTunes songs to MP3

When you convert an iTunes song to MP3, the original file of the song remains unchanged, but the new MP3 file will lose some data, which causes a reduction in sound quality. Also, the newly created file will be smaller, thus allowing you to store more songs.

Why can't you download some songs from iTunes to MP3?

You can only convert music purchased from iTunes Store. If the songs are from Apple Music, you can't convert them to MP3 format. Apple Music songs also use the AAC format and are protected by DRM, preventing songs from being downloaded into MP3.

You can only rely on a third-party converter to break the DRM and download Apple Music songs into MP3.

Part 2: Convert iTunes music to MP3 with third-party tools

As mentioned earlier, you must utilize a third-party tool to convert all iTunes music to MP3. Thankfully, tech experts have innovated advanced software that can come in handy for you to get the job done swiftly. Just make sure you choose a reliable one.

These converters work alike:

  1. It will access your iTunes library and display them.
  2. You can choose the songs you need to convert to MP3.
  3. Now, wait for the converting process to finish.

Pros

  • These converters are easy to operate.

Cons

  • You need to pay to enjoy unlimited conversion.
  • Not all tools are trustworthy for accessing your iTunes data.

Final thoughts

Hopefully, the techniques introduced above will enable you to convert iTunes music to MP3. As you can see, you don't necessarily need a third-party tool to operate since iTunes supports the conversion of songs from one format to another. However, if you need to convert Apple Music songs, you must use a third-party tool.

Also, if your reason for converting Apple Music to MP3 is to transfer to another streaming app like Spotify, you can use MobileTrans to get the job done.

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Axel Nash

Axel Nash

staff Editor