How to convert DRM protected iTunes M4P music songs to MP3

The music files you purchased from iTunes store are under DRM protection. You cannot play them on your own mobile devices other than iPod and iPhone. You cannot directly convert the DRM protected M4P music to MP3 with iTunes, either. However, you can burn the protected music to CD-R or CD-RW disc to make an audio CD and then use some CD ripper software to convert the audio CD track back to MP3. iTunes allows you to burn the protected iTunes music to CD-R or CD-RW disc to make a standard audio CD:

1. Insert a CD-R or CD-RW disc into your CD-ROM drive. You’d better use CD-RW disc as it can be used for more than once.
2. Burn your playlist to make an audio CD. You cannot select the “MP3 CD” option since it requires the protected M4P music be converted to unprotected MP3 files.
3. After the audio CD is successfully burned, insert the disc into your CD-ROM drive again. Then you can use iTunes to import the music tracks on the burned disc to MP3 files.

The steps seem very simple, however, it is a time consuming process if you have a library of iTunes M4P files ready to be converted. Moreover, the music metadata information like title, artist and album will be lost after burning and ripping back to MP3 files.

TuneClone is the software you are looking for if you have a big collection of iTunes music to be converted. It automatically generates a virtual CD drive and simulates the burning and ripping process. All you need to do is install TuneClone and then burn your playlist to TuneClone’s virtual CD drive. TuneClone will directly convert the protected iTunes music playlist to MP3 for you. It is very fast and the information about artist, album and title will be well preserved.

Attention please: If you are using iTunes 8.0 or above, please skip to How to convert iTunes 8 protected AAC (M4P) music to MP3 with TuneClone.

1. Download TuneClone from http://www.tuneclone.com/ and install it.

TuneClone is fully compatible with Windows XP and Windows Vista. A virtual CD drive will be installed. This virtual CD-RW will be used to convert music files.

2. Set the default CD burner to TuneClone virtual CD-RW at iTunes.

Click menu “Edit”, select menu item “Preferences…”, and then select “Advanced” tab.

In order to keep the music metadata information, the “Include CD Text” option should be checked.

3. Create a playlist, and then add to the playlist the files you want to convert.

4. Click “Burn Disc” button at the bottom right of iTunes. 

While the burning gets started, TuneClone will automatically convert the music file to MP3. You can open the manager screen to show all the converted music files.

The most important step is to choose the CD burner. Then TuneClone will convert the music automatically. It is exceedingly easy when you want to batch convert lots of songs.

Apart from TuneClone, you can also use other DRM removal software to help you convert DRM protected iTunes M4P to MP3. Here is the detailed review for other four M4P to MP3 converters for your reference.

Articles you may have interest in:

TuneClone Audio Converter – Quickly Convert iTunes M4P to MP3