As an Apple Music subscriber, you've likely enjoyed the convenience of downloading millions of tracks for offline listening. However, many users hit a frustrating wall when trying to transfer those songs to a standard MP3 player or a non-Apple device. This hurdle is caused by Digital Rights Management (DRM) - a technology designed to restrict playback to authorized Apple hardware. If you're looking to break free from Apple ecosystem limits and gain true ownership of your music, you're in the right place.
In this guide, we'll explore six proven solutions to remove DRM from Apple Music and iTunes tracks (older iTunes purchases), building a high-quality, unprotected Apple Music collection forever.
See also: How to Remove DRM from Tidal
Part 1. What Is Apple Music DRM and Why Do We Need to Remove It
DRM (Digital Rights Management) is the industry-standard technology used by Apple and other major platforms to restrict the usage of digital content - including music, movies, and TV shows - to prevent unauthorized copying and distributing. Specifically, Apple utilizes a proprietary DRM system known as FairPlay.
Because Apple Music tracks are encoded in a protected AAC format (specifically M4P files), they are locked to authorized devices within the Apple ecosystem. This is the main reason why you cannot freely play or transfer your Apple Music library across all devices or players.
Before Apple Music, the iTunes Store served as the primary hub for Apple's digital music. Although early iTunes purchases featured DRM protection, Apple shifted to a DRM-free model for all iTunes purchases after 2009. In contrast, tracks accessed through the modern Apple Music streaming service are DRM-protected to ensure they remain tied to an active subscription.
Limitations of Apple Music DRM-Protected Songs
1. Device Restriction: You can only play the downloaded Apple Music tracks on an Apple-authorized device logged into your Apple Music account.
2. Usage Limitations: You can't use Apple Music files in other programs like video editors, etc.
3. Subscription Lock: You will lose access to all the downloaded Apple Music songs in your library if you cancel Apple Music subscription.
Why We Need to Remove Apple Music DRM
From the above, we've known that DRM limits the number of devices on which a user can play Apple Music and restricts the ability to share or transfer files. Removing Apple Music DRM can bring several benefits, some of which are listed below:
📌 Free to play and use Apple Music on any device and platform.
📌 Listen to downloaded Apple Music offline without activating your subscription.
📌 Ability to share Apple Music songs with friends and family.
📌 Backup DRM-free music on Apple Music to any device or cloud storage service forever (a permanent offline library).
💡 Pro-Tip: Identifying Apple Music DRM-Protected vs Apple Music DRM-Free Tracks
Before utilizing an Apple Music DRM remover, you may want to verify which specific songs in your library are protected. Follow these simple steps to check the file status in your music library.
Step 1. Open the Apple Music or iTunes app on your device and locate the song you wish to inspect.
Step 2. Tap on the "..." button next to the song title, and select "Song Info" from the dropdown menu.
Step 3. Navigate to the "Kind" section in the pop-up window. If the file type is listed as "Protected AAC audio file", then the Apple song is encrypted with DRM. If it says "MPEG audio file", "AIFF audio file", etc., it is DRM-free to use.
Looking for DRM-free Apple Music? You'll need the right tools for the job. We've featured an industry-leading Apple Music DRM removal solution in next part that is perfectly suited for anyone wanting total control over their music collection.
Part 2. How to Remove DRM from Apple Music by AudFree Apple Music DRM Removal Tool
Are you tired of losing access to your Apple music the moment your subscription ends? Because of FairPlay DRM, you don't technically own the songs you download from Apple Music, but rather rent them. To gain full control of your library, you need a professional Apple Music DRM Removal tool like AudFree Apple Music Converter.
Specifically designed to strip DRM from Apple Music, this tool supports a wide range of formats, including Lossless, FLAC, WAV, and AIFF. It offers industry-leading performance with 17x conversion speeds, allowing you to batch-process entire playlists while keeping 100% of the original ID3 tags intact. Plus, with its built-in web player, you can browse and convert music in one clean interface. It helps stop paying for "rented" music and start building a permanent, high-quality collection that plays on any device for forever offline listening.
Best for: Users who prioritize lossless audio quality and efficiency and want a "one-click" solution for DRM-free music on Apple Music.
AudFree Apple Music Converter
- Remove DRM from Apple Music losslessly
- Convert Apple Music to MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, etc.
- Play DRM-free Apple Music on any device and media player freely
- Offer a 17X fast speed without touching original audio files
- Works perfectly on both Windows and Mac computer
Now, let's follow the steps below to learn how to get rid of DRM on Apple Music via AudFree Apple Music Converter.
- Step 1. Import Apple Music M4P Files to AudFree Audio Converter
- When you install and launch AudFree Apple Music Converter from your computer desktop (Windows 10, Windows 11, or Mac computer), you will see its main screen. Then, choose favorite Apple Music songs from the built-in Apple Music web player. Next, tap the '+' > 'Add to list' option to import Apple Music files to AudFree conversion list.
No need to download Apple Music in advance or pre-download. Our tool simultaneously downloads and converts your Apple Music tracks to a DRM-free version in one seamless step!
- Step 2. Customize Output Format and Other Parameters
- Apple Music files are encoded in M4P format, which is not compatible with many popular devices. Please click the Menu icon > Preferences > Conversion option to define output format as MP3, WAV, AIFF, M4A, and more. And you can personalize the sample rate, bit rate and audio channel as you like in this window.
- Step 3. Remove DRM from Apple Music M4P
- Once all settings are OK, please touch the 'Converting' > 'Convert' button at the bottom-right corner of the main interface to start to remove DRM from Apple Music M4P to MP3 with ease. After the conversion, you can locate unprotected DRM-free Apple Music on your computer's destination folder and transfer them to any other device for offline playback.
By the way, you can follow the video below to learn how to use this program to strip DRM from Apple Music.
Supports high-fidelity formats like FLAC, WAV, and AIFF (up to 24-bit);
Operates at up to 17x conversion speeds on Windows and Mac;
Easily converts entire playlists or albums in a single click;
Automatically saves 100% of ID3 tags, including album art and lyrics;
No need to install the Music app separately
Requires a one-time purchase (free trial has conversion length limit);
Requires a PC or Mac for the conversion process
Beyond Apple Music, you can also strip DRM protection from Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, SoundCloud, and YouTube Music using the AudFree Streaming Audio Recorder. This all-in-one, versatile solution allows you to capture local files in high quality from over 10 major streaming platforms with ease.
Part 3. How to Get Rid of DRM Protection on Apple Music via iTunes Match
Since iTunes Store purchases made before 2009 are DRM-protected, you can just use iTunes Match to unlock these old Apple songs. iTunes Match is a service provided by Apple that allows you to store your music library in iCloud, making it accessible on all of your Apple devices. It can match and upgrade up to 100,000 songs to a DRM-free AAC format at 256kbps and then transfer them to the iCloud library. Then you are enabled to stream or download Apple Music to any authorized hardware.
Best for: Users looking to remove DRM from legacy iTunes purchases (pre-2009) using an official Apple subscription.
Not all older M4P files are eligible for matching; if a song is no longer in the iTunes Store database, it cannot be replaced with a DRM-free version on Apple Music.
Step 1. Sign up and subscribe for iTunes Match on your computer or iOS device.
[On Windows PC or macOS Mojave 10.14 and Older]
- Open iTunes and click on the middle Store button at the top of the window.
- Select 'iTunes Match' from the 'Features' section.
- Fill in your billing information and click the 'Subscribe' button.
[On macOS Catalina 10.15 to macOS Sequoia 15]
- On the Apple Music app, click on 'iTunes Store' in the sidebar.
- Under 'Features', select 'iTunes Match'.
- Then confirm billing information and select the 'Subscribe' button.
Step 2. After subscribing, wait for iTunes Match to scan your music library and match your songs with its database.
Step 3. Once your music library is matched, go to the iTunes library, find and delete the DRM-protected iTunes/Apple Music songs. Then you can click the iCloud Download icon to download DRM-free music of your Apple songs from iTunes Match.
Step 4. Your library will now contain unprotected AAC files instead of the restricted M4P format, allowing you to play them on any non-Apple device.
See also: Apple Music vs iTunes Match
Native Apple service with no third-party software required;
Automatically replaces old purchases with DRM-free versions;
Syncs your entire library across all authorized Apple devices;
Once downloaded, you keep the DRM-free files even if you cancel
Requires a $24.99/year recurring payment;
Does not always recognize rare or modified tracks;
Only works for songs currently available in the iTunes Store;
Does not work for Apple Music streaming tracks
Part 4. How to Remove Apple Music DRM Free by iTunes/Apple Music App
Another traditional (though more manual) official method for removing Apple Music DRM is to burn your music to an Audio CD using the iTunes or Apple Music app. When you burn an Apple Music song to a CD, the DRM protection is removed in the process (only suitable for early iTunes Store purchases from before 2009). This allows you to rip the CD back into your computer as unprotected MP3s, making them compatible with any playback device.
It's important to note that burning Apple Music songs to a CD and then ripping them back to your computer can result in a loss of audio quality. Additionally, this process can be time-consuming and cumbersome, and may not be practical if you have a large music library.
Best for: Users with small Apple libraries of purchased M4P files and a functioning CD-R drive.
Please note that this method is strictly for legacy iTunes Store purchases (older M4P files) that still carry DRM. It is incompatible with the modern Apple Music streaming service. If you attempt to burn tracks downloaded via an Apple Music subscription, the 'Burn Playlist to Disc' option in iTunes will be greyed out. Should you proceed with a mixed playlist, a warning will appear stating: 'Some of the items in this playlist are Apple Music songs and cannot be burned to a disc'.
This "analog loop" method is a traditional workaround for old iTunes purchases. Follow these steps to convert your protected Apple tracks into a universal format:
Step 1. Open iTunes or Apple Music app on your computer and create a new playlist.
Step 2. Add the specific purchased Apple Music tracks you wish to unprotect into this new playlist.
Step 3. Insert a blank CD discs into your computer's internal drive or an external USB CD burner.
Step 4. Select your new playlist in the sidebar, then naviagte to "File" > "Burn Playlist to Disc".
Step 5. In the pop-up window, select "Audio CD" as the disc format and click "Burn".
Step 6. Once the burning process is complete, eject the CD from your computer.
Step 7. Re-insert the CD into your computer's CD drive.
Step 8. When the CD appears in the app, click the "Import CD" button in the top-right corner.
Step 9. Select your preferred format (such as MP3 or AAC) to rip the now DRM-free Apple Music tracks back into your permanent library.
No additional software purchases are required if you already own a burner;
Uses built-in Apple features without bypassing encryption via third-party tools
This will not work for modern Apple Music streaming tracks content (subscription-based);
Generates lossy audio due to the "double-compression" process (digital to analog to digital);
Requires a physical CD burner and blank CD discs;
A very slow, real-time process that is impractical for large music libraries
Part 5. How to Remove DRM from Apple Music for Free via Audacity
If you're interested in a free Apple Music DRM removal option, or a universal way to remove Apple Music DRM or iTunes music DRM, you can't go wrong with Audacity. It is a powerful audio recorder with additional features. It is specifically designed to capture and record sound playing on your computer, including streaming audio from Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Tidal, and more.
With this iTunes/Apple Music DRM removal free software, you can rip music tracks as unprotected MP3, FLAC, or other audio formats in high quality, bypassing the annoying copyright restrictions to play Apple Music songs on any device. However, if you are a beginner, you may find the tutorial for this software a bit complicated. Here are the steps for this tool.
Best for: Users who want a free, manual recording method and don't mind a real-time conversion process.
Step 1. Install and launch Audacity on your computer.
Step 2. Click on 'Edit' from the top toolbar and pick 'Preferences' from the dropdown menu.
Step 3. On the new pop-up window, tap the 'Audio Settings' option from the left sidebar. Then select 'Windows WASAPI' from the 'Audio Host Box' section. This ensures the digital audio is captured directly from your sound card without background noise.
Step 4. From the left panel on the Preferences window, choose 'Recording' and uncheck the 'Software playthrough of input' option.
Step 5. Go to the home screen. Then tap on the top 'Record' button and then start playing the iTunes or Apple Music song you want to record. Click the 'Stop' button to end the recording process and save the DRM-free Apple Music as FLAC or MP3 to your computer.
Open-source software with no hidden costs or subscriptions;
Can export to Lossless FLAC and WAV for better audio fidelity;
Works with any streaming service, not just Apple Music
You must play each song in its entirety;
You must manually start/stop each recording and type in the ID3 tag info (Title, Artist, Album) yourself;
The steep learning curve may be intimidating for casual users;
Any system notification (email pings, alerts) during recording will be captured in the audio file
Part 6. How to Get Rid of DRM Protection on Apple Music Free by GitHub Tool
If you are tech-savvy user who familiar with JavaScript, then you can try the Apple Music DRM removal GitHub tool to remove DRM from Apple Music. This tool is Manzana-Apple-Music-Downloader.
Unlike recorders or burn-and-rip methods, this program interacts directly with the Apple Music API to fetch and decrypt tracks. While it is entirely free, it requires a high level of technical proficiency to set up the necessary decryption keys and dependencies. It is an open-source Python program on GitHub, which can help strip Apple Music DRM and download Apple Music songs and albums.
Best for: Developers and advanced users who prefer a command-line interface and are familiar with Python environments.
Step 1. First, you need to install MP4Box, mp4decrypt (bento4) and ccextractor on your computer.
Step 2. Go to GitHub to find and download Manzana-Apple-Music-Downloader package on your computer.
Step 3. Next, install it using git command git clone https://github.com/dropcreations/Manzana-Apple-Music-Downloader.git. Or do that via Python. Please install Python first (Python v3.9 is better) via command pip install -r requirements.txt. NOTE: Try using python3 or pip3 if python or pip doesn't work for you.
Step 4. After that, run the program. You will be asked to put your Widevine device files into the device directory. Please copy your widevine device directory to it.
Step 5. Next, you need to get mediaUserToken from cookies and add it to your program.
Step 6. Now, you can use command to enter Apple Music link address to remove DRM from Apple Music and download Apple Music songs locally.
Completely free to use;
Downloads the original digital stream directly from Apple's servers;
The open-source nature of the project allows users to customize the code for a more personalized automation or download process
Requires manual installation of multiple third-party libraries and Python scripts;
GitHub projects can become outdated once Apple updates its encryption protocols;
There is no customer service or guarantee;
Requires handling sensitive browser cookies and Widevine device files manually
Part 7. How to Remove DRM from Apple Music Free via Requiem 4.1
Requiem 4.1 is a classic, open-source free Apple Music DRM removal utility that was once the gold standard for bypassing Apple's encryption. It is designed to strip protection from various media types, including music, movies, and eBooks, without re-encoding the files - meaning it preserves the original audio quality.
However, because the project has been abandoned for years, it is incompatible with modern versions of macOS, Windows, and iTunes. To use it today, you must maintain a highly specific, outdated environment.
Best for: User who has an old computer and an older version of iTunes app to remove DRM from Apple Music and iTunes music (v10.7 or earlier).
Step 1. Download and install Requiem 4.1 on your computer.
Ensure you are downloading from a reputable archive, as the official site is no longer active.
Step 2. Open iTunes 10.7 (or older) and play the Apple Music songs you want to remove DRM from.
Step 3. Close iTunes and open Requiem 4.1.
Step 4. Requiem 4.1 will automatically detect the Apple Music songs you played in iTunes.
Step 5. Click on the "Remove DRM" button to start to remove DRM from Apple Music for free.
It strips the DRM without re-encoding, preserving the original bit-perfect quality;
Open-source and unrestricted for personal use;
Capable of handling video and eBook DRM in addition to audio
Does not work with modern streaming versions of Apple Music or any iTunes version released after 2012;
Requires running ancient, unpatched versions of iTunes and Java, which may leave your system vulnerable;
Finding a safe download and configuring a downgraded environment is extremely challenging for average users
Part 8. Compare Ways to Remove Apple Music DRM
Here are 6 Apple Music remover for you to remove DRM from Apple Music and iTunes music. But which one is better? Now, please check the comarison table below to a general comparison.
| Features/Ways | Via AudFree Apple Music Converter | Via iTunes Match | Via iTunes/Apple Music | Via Audacity | Via GitHub Tool | Via Requiem |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compatible OS | Mac/Windows | Mac/Windows | Mac/Windows | Mac/Windows/Linux | Mac/Windows/Linux | Windows |
| Supported Output Format |
MP3, AIFF, Lossless, WAV, FLAC, M4A, M4B |
M4A (AAC) | MP3, FLAC | MP3, FLAC, etc. | M4A (AAC) | M4A (AAC) |
| Apple Music App/Web Required | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Conversion Speed | 17X | 1X | 1X | 1X | 1X | 1X |
| Output Quality | Lossless/High | High (256kbps) | Lossy | Lossy (High) | High | High |
| Batch Conversion | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Keep ID3 Tags | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Ease of Use | Very easy | Easy | Medium | Medium | Very difficult | Difficult |
| Success Rate | 100% | Medium | High | High | Medium | Low |
| Price | $14.95/month | $24.99/year | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Ratings | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️ |
Part 9. FAQs about Removing Apple Music DRM
Is It Legal to Remove DRM from Apple Music?
Removing DRM from Apple Music exists in a legal gray area. While it may be allowed for personal use in some regions, it can violate Apple's terms of service. Distributing or sharing DRM-free content is generally illegal. Always check your local laws before proceeding.
How to Choose an Apple Music DRM Removal Software?
Look for software that offers lossless audio output, fast conversion speed, batch processing, and support for multiple formats like MP3 or FLAC. A built-in Apple Music player, stable performance, and full ID3 tag preservation are also key factors. As demonstrated, AudFree Auditior is the reliable software for those seeking a robust, high-speed Apple Music DRM removal tool.
Is There a Free Apple Music DRM Removal?
Yes, but there are limited, such as open-source tools, recording software, or Apple Music app to burn a playlist to CD to remove DRM protection. They often lack speed, quality, or convenience. Most reliable DRM removal tools offer free trials with restrictions, while full features typically require payment.
How Can I Get Rid of DRM Protection on iTunes Purchases?
For older iTunes purchases with DRM, you can use a DRM removal tool or re-download upgraded DRM-free versions via iTunes Match if available through Apple. Alternatively, burning to CD and re-importing can remove DRM, though it reduces quality and is time-consuming.
Will Apple Ban My Account for Removing DRM?
Apple typically does not actively monitor or ban accounts for personal DRM removal. However, using such tools may violate Apple's terms of service. To minimize potential risks, it's advisable to choose a reputable and secure solution, such as AudFree Apple Music Converter, to ensure a safer and more stable downloading experience.
How to Remove DRM from Apple Music on iPhone?
There is no direct way to remove Apple Music DRM on an iPhone. You'll need to use DRM removal software on a Mac or Windows computer first, then transfer the converted DRM-free files back to your iPhone for playback.
Part 10. In Conclusion
In summary, there are multiple ways to remove DRM from Apple Music, each with its own advantages and limitations. While free options like Requiem 4.1 or GitHub-based tools may appeal to advanced users, they often suffer from compatibility issues or require technical setup. Alternatives such as iTunes Match, Audacity, or iTunes itself can also work, but they tend to involve more complex and time-consuming steps.
For most users, a professional solution like AudFree Apple Music Converter stands out as the most efficient and reliable choice. It offers a user-friendly experience, fast batch conversion, and the ability to preserve audio quality while saving Apple Music tracks as permanent local files. Ultimately, the best method depends on your needs and technical comfort level - but choosing a stable and high-quality Apple Music tool will ensure a smoother DRM removal process and a better listening experience.
James Blair
Staff Editor
