What M4A and WAV files are, and why you might need to switch

An M4A file is an audio file that Apple created, usually compressed to save space on your device. A WAV file is an older audio format that takes up more storage but works on almost every device and program without any conversion step. You might need to convert M4A to WAV if you're sending audio to someone with older equipment, uploading to a website that only accepts WAV, or working with audio editing software that won't open M4A files.

The conversion itself is straightforward — you're not losing the sound quality in any meaningful way, just changing the container the audio lives in. Most conversions take less than a minute, and you keep your original M4A file untouched.

Key Takeaways

  • M4A files are compressed audio that Apple devices create; WAV files are larger but compatible with almost all devices and software.
  • You can convert M4A to WAV using free software on Windows (MediaInfo, VLC), Mac (iTunes, QuickTime), or online converters.
  • The conversion keeps your audio quality the same and takes just a few minutes from start to finish.
  • After conversion, you'll have both your original M4A file and a new WAV file in the same folder.
  • Online converters work without installing anything, but uploading audio files to a website carries privacy considerations you should weigh first.

Converting on Windows using VLC Media Player

VLC is free software that most Windows computers can use to convert M4A to WAV. Open VLC, then click the Media menu at the top left and select Convert / Save. A window will open asking you to pick a file.

Click the Add button, find your M4A file on your computer, select it, and click Open. Back in the Convert window, click Convert / Save again at the bottom right. A new window appears with a dropdown menu that says Profile. Click that dropdown and look for Audio - WAV. Select it, then click the folder icon next to the bottom field to choose where you want to save your new WAV file. Give it a name, click Save, then click Start in the Convert window. The conversion runs in the background — you'll see a progress bar.

When it finishes, your new WAV file will be in the folder you chose. The original M4A stays where it was.

Converting on Mac using iTunes or QuickTime

On a Mac, iTunes (on older systems) or the Music app (on newer ones) can convert M4A to WAV, but the process requires an extra step. Open iTunes or Music, find your M4A file in the library, right-click it, and select Song Info. Click the Options tab and note the bit rate and sample rate — you'll need these to match the quality.

Close that window and go to iTunes Preferences (or Music Preferences on newer Macs). Click General, then Import Settings. Change the dropdown from AAC Encoder to WAV Encoder. Click OK twice to save. Now right-click your M4A file again and select Create WAV Version. The app creates a new WAV file in the same folder as your original.

After conversion, go back to Preferences, switch the encoder back to AAC Encoder, and click OK. This prevents iTunes from converting all future imports to WAV by accident.

Using a free online converter

If you don't want to install software, websites like CloudConvert, Online-Convert, or Zamzar let you upload an M4A file and read a WAV file without any installation. Go to the website, click the button to choose your M4A file, select WAV as the output format, and click Convert. read the WAV file when it's ready.

Online converters are fast and straightforward, but they do require you to upload your audio file to someone else's server. If the file contains private recordings or sensitive content, consider using software on your own computer instead. Most online converters delete files after a few hours, but there's no may provide.

What to do if your software won't open the WAV file

WAV files are nearly universal, but occasionally older devices or very specialized software won't recognize them. If this happens, check whether the device or program has a manual or help page listing supported formats — sometimes it needs a specific sample rate (like 44.1 kHz instead of 48 kHz) or bit depth (like 16-bit instead of 24-bit).

If you know what format the device actually needs, you can re-convert your original M4A file using those specific settings. Most conversion software lets you choose these details before you start. If you're unsure what settings to use, contact the device maker or software publisher — they can tell you exactly what format they accept.

Keeping your files organized after conversion

After conversion, you now have two files: your original M4A and your new WAV. The WAV file is usually 5 to 10 times larger than the M4A, so if storage space matters on your device, you might delete the WAV after you've confirmed it works where you need it. Keep the M4A as your original.

If you're converting many files, create a new folder called "WAV Conversions" or similar and save all your converted files there. This keeps your original M4A files separate and makes it straightforward to find what you converted and when.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does converting M4A to WAV change the sound quality?

No. Both M4A and WAV store the same audio information — the only difference is how they package it. Converting between them doesn't add or remove any sound data, so you hear the same thing.

Can I convert WAV back to M4A if I change my mind?

Yes, using the same software or online converters. The process is identical, just in reverse — choose WAV as your input file and M4A as the output format. You'll end up with a new M4A file.

Why is my WAV file so much bigger than the M4A?

M4A files are compressed, which shrinks them down like a ZIP file. WAV files are uncompressed, so they take up more space. A 5-minute song might be 5 MB as M4A but 50 MB as WAV. Both contain the same audio — WAV just doesn't squeeze it down.

What if the conversion fails or gets stuck?

Close the software and try again. If it keeps failing, check that your M4A file isn't corrupted by trying to play it first. If it plays fine but won't convert, try a different converter — sometimes one tool works better than another with certain files.

Do I need to convert every M4A file I own, or just specific ones?

Only convert the ones you actually need in WAV format. Most modern devices and software read M4A files without any problem, so conversion is only necessary when something specifically won't open M4A.