“How can I convert my purchased iTunes M4P songs to M4A files? I want to put them to my old iPod nano for listening, please help.”

For most iTunes music lovers, what disappoints them is that they cannot transfer or copy purchased iTunes M4P music to their devices. Because all the songs you purchased from iTunes between 2003-2009 are in M4P format with DRM protection. To break through this limitation, you need to convert iTunes M4P to unprotected M4A for playback on any music player. In this article, we will further explain the difference between M4P and M4A formats, and show you how to convert protected M4P tracks to M4A, so that you can enjoy your favourite iTunes music on MP3 player, iPod nano, etc.

Part 1. M4P vs M4A – What’s the Difference?

Both the M4P file format and the M4A file format are developed by Apple Inc. The biggest difference between them is whether to use DRM encoding. The M4P format comes with FairPlay DRM protection, while M4A is the audio extension of unprotected AAC files. To be precise, iTunes music purchased before 2009 is in M4P format with DRM protection and can only be played in the iTunes application. After mid-2009, Apple abandoned the encryption of iTunes songs for sale, the songs users purchased and downloaded from the iTunes Store were all in M4A format.

If you want to enjoy the purchased iTunes M4P songs on any device or other player without the iTunes application, you need to convert iTunes M4P music to M4A. Being that case a powerful iTunes music converter will give you a leg up. Let’s turn to the next part.

Part 2. Tool: Best iTunes M4P to M4A Converter

TunesBank Apple Music Converter is also a great TunesBank iTunes Music Converter and DRM Removal tool. It not only supports to remove DRM from iTunes music , but also lets you convert the iTunes M4P music to unprotected M4A, MP3, AAC, FLAC to be playable on your iPod nano, MP3 player, iPhone, Android, PSP, etc. Moreover, it will keep lossless audio quality, all ID 3 tags and metadata in output M4A, MP3 files. Another powerful feature of this software is that it also allows you to convert Apple Music, iTunes Audiobook and Audible Audiobook to plain audios. In this way, you can enjoy your purchased iTunes music, Apple Music on your portable device anytime, anywhere.

Main Features of TunesBank iTunes Music Converter:

• Unlock DRM from iTunes purchased M4P music, Apple Music M4P songs.
• Convert iTunes M4P music to M4A, MP3, AAC, FLAC audios losslessly.
• Convert Apple Music to unprotected M4A, MP3, AAC, FLAC audios.
• Convert iTunes M4A, M4B & Audible AA, AAX audiobooks to pure audios.
• Remain 100% lossless quality, ID3 tags, metadata in output M4A/MP3 files.
• Burn iTunes M4P songs to CD by one-click on Mac/Windows computer.
• 5X conversion speed on macOS, 10X conversion speed on WindowsOS.

The earlier edition of TunesBank Apple Music Converter serves as a user-friendly iTunes Music Converter with the ability to convert iTunes M4P music to M4A. Moreover, it facilitates the conversion of Apple Music, iTunes audiobooks, and Audible files to M4A format, enabling seamless playback of iTunes music on various devices. Additionally, the latest version of TunesBank Apple Music Converter offers the option to convert Apple Music to M4A, allowing you to preserve your Apple Music collection indefinitely and enjoy it on any compatible device.

Part 3. Guide: How to Convert iTunes M4P to M4A?

Follow the detailed guide to learn how to convert iTune M4P files to M4A with using TunesBank iTunes Music Converter.

Step 1. Run TunesBank iTunes Music Converter
Download and install TunesBank iTunes Music Converter on the Mac or Windows computer. When you launch the program, the program will automatically launch the official iTunes app along with it. After that, it will load all the iTunes library including the iTunes M4P songs, Audiobooks, Apple Music, iTunes music videos, etc.

Step 2. Add iTunes M4P Songs to TunesBank
Now add the M4P songs to TunesBank iTunes Music Converter, please make sure you have added the M4P songs to iTunes library. You can pick a “Playlist”, “Music” or “My Song” from the left column, then select the desired M4P songs in the right section. Or find the songs in the Search Box by typing the song name.

Step 3. Select M4A as Output Format
Go to bottom on the main interface, here you can adjust the output settings for your preference. Select M4A format in the “Output Format” section, and change the Bitrate(320kbps), SampleRate, Channels, etc.

Step 4. Start Converting iTunes M4P to M4A
Now it’s time to convert iTunes M4P songs to M4A, press on the “Convert” button the start the process. During the process, TunesBank allows you to turn back to the “Library” to add more songs.

After conversion, you can go to the “Finished” section to locate the converted M4P songs.

Download Apple Music Converter for Mac and Windows:

Thanks to TunesBank iTunes Music Converter, you can easily convert iTunes M4P files to M4A without quality loss. In addition, it also lets you convert Apple Music M4P songs to M4A, MP3 and more other popular audio formats to make it playable on any device. Now you can freely enjoy iTunes music on your MP3 player, iPod nano, iPad, iPhone, Android, PSP, Xbox and more devices anytime, anywhere.