How to Play Apple Music on Winamp [Easy Guide]

By James Blair Posted on 2025-11-05 / Post for Apple Music Tips

"Can you play Apple Music on Winamp media player?" You can't use Apple Music with Winamp player directly. That is because Apple Music files are protected by FairPlay DRM. These files can only be played on Apple-authorized devices.

So, is there any way to use Winamp to play Apple Music? Yes. In this article, we will walk you through the best solution to add Apple Music library to Winamp player for playback without any limits. Let's start.

play apple music on winamp

Part 1. How to Convert Apple Music for Winamp Media Player

It is noted that Apple Music files are protected and encoded in M4P format, while Winamp media player supports to play audio files in MP3, FLAC, WMA, WAV, M4A, etc. formats. In this case, you need to convert Apple Music to Winamp-supported audio format via a third-party Apple Music converter in advance.

To do that, you can find and use reputable tools like AudFree Apple Music Downloader. It can convert Apple Music songs, playlists, albums, etc. to MP3, WAV, M4A, AIFF, FLAC and more audio formats. Besides, it can remove DRM from Apple Music songs during the conversion. So, you can get local Apple Music to Winamp-compatible audio files.

What's more, AudFree Apple Music Converter will retain 100% lossless quality of Apple Music tracks. Also, it will save original ID3 tags of Apple Music audio content, including title, album, artist, etc. In this case, you can manage and organize your Apple Music library easily. After using this tool, you can keep Apple Music songs locally on your computer for playback. Also, you can transfer or import Apple Music to Winamp or other devices or platforms for offline playback.

AudFree Apple Music Converter

audfree apple music converter
  • Convert Apple Music to MP3, FLAC, WAV, M4A for Winamp
  • Download Apple Music songs at 30X speed
  • Preserve the original audio quality and ID3 tags
  • Download Apple Music tracks in batches and save them locally forever

Now, let's follow the detailed tutorial below to start to convert Apple Music files for Winamp media player via AudFree Apple Music Converter.

Step 1. Install AudFree Apple Music Downloader on Windows or Mac Computer

First, download and install the AudFree Apple Music Converter software on your Windows or Mac computer via the Download button above. Once installed, open the tool from your computer desktop. Later, you will see its main screen with the built-in Apple Music web player. Next, you need to log in to your Apple Music account to access your music library.

launch audfree apple music converter on computer

Step 2. Import Apple Music Songs to AudFree Auditior

After signing in to Apple Music web player in AudFree tool, now you can start to find any music you like to convert for Winamp. Once you find the track, tap it, then tap the big '+' icon and tap "Add to list" in the pop-up window to load the music file into AudFree tool.

import apple music songs to audfree auditior for converting

Step 3. Adjust Apple Music Output Format for Winamp

To convert Apple Music to Winamp-supported audio format, you need to choose the audio format before converting. Please click the menu icon at the top-right corner in AudFree tool and then choose Preferences to open the settings window. From here, click the Conversion section and you can start to select an output audio format supported by Winamp, such as M4A, MP3, WAV or else.

By the way, you can adjust other audio parameters like bit rate, sample rate, and audio channels to get better quality of Apple Music for playback. After that, tap OK.

select apple music output format compatible with winamp

Step 4. Convert Apple Music for Winamp Media Player

After the settings, navigate to the Converting list window and press the "Convert" button to start to download Apple Music for Winamp. Once done, the converted Apple Music files will be saved in the target folder on your computer. To find them, just tap the Converted section and tap the folder icon next to the converted track in AudFree tool.

convert apple music for winamp

Part 2. How to Play Apple Music on Winamp on Computer and Mobile

With AudFree Apple Music Converter, now you get the common and compatible Apple Music files for Winamp. Here, let's learn how to add Apple Music library to Winamp for playback on your computer and your mobile device.

On Windows or Mac Computer:

Step 1. Open the Winamp media player on your computer.

Step 2. Tap File at the top menu bar on the Winamp screen.

Step 3. Choose 'Add media to Library...' from the list.

add apple music to winamp on computer

Step 4. Now, you can browse and locate the folder that contains the converted Apple Music files on your computer. Then choose the target folder and tap OK.

After that, Winamp will scan the chosen folder automatically and add the local Apple Music files to your media library.

Tips: You can also directly drag and drop the converted Apple Music files into Winamp main screen.

On Android Phone or Tablet:

Step 1. Connect your Android device to your computer via a USB cable.

Step 2. Next, set the USB connection mode to file transfer mode on your mobile device.

Step 3. Later, locate the converted Apple Music files on your computer and move them to your mobile device.

Step 4. Once moved, disconnect your device from your computer safely.

Step 5. Now, start the Winamp app on your Android device. It will scan for new media automatically and your converted Apple Music tracks will display in the library.

View also: How to Transfer Apple Music to Android

On iOS (iPhone/iPad):

Step 1. Open the Apple Music or iTunes app on your computer. Then add the converted Apple Music files to the program.

Step 2. Connect your iPhone or iPad to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 3. In the Apple Music or iTunes app on your desktop, find and tap your iOS device under 'Devices' on the screen.

Step 4. Go to the Music section and choose Sync Music to transfer local Apple Music songs to your Apple Music or iTunes app.

Step 5. Once synced, the converted Apple Music files will be in the Apple Music app on your iOS device.

Step 6. Launch the Winamp app for iOS, it will detect the converted files on your device.

View also: How to Sync Apple Music to iPhone

After adding Apple Music files to Winamp media library, you can start to listen to Apple Music on Winamp player offline on your computer or mobile device without any limits.

Part 3. FAQs about Apple Music on Winamp

Is There an Apple Music Plugin for Winamp?

No. Winamp cannot stream Apple Music, as there's no official or third-party plugin to enable it. Apple doesn't offer a public API for developers to integrate Apple Music into other players. Any older plugins you might find online (such as M4P decoders) are outdated and only work with pre-2009 iTunes purchases, not the current Apple Music subscription platform.

What Is the Best Audio Format to Use When Converting Apple Music for Winamp?

This depends on your priorities. Winamp supports all the major audio formats:

MP3 (320 kbps): The best all-around choice, offering wide compatibility and a solid balance between quality and file size.

FLAC (Lossless): Ideal for audiophiles who want full and uncompressed quality. Keep in mind, FLAC files can be 5 - 10 times larger than MP3s.

Are There Any Other Players Like Winamp That Can Stream Apple Music?

No. Due to Apple's closed ecosystem, third-party media players like Foobar2000, MusicBee, or AIMP cannot stream Apple Music's subscription catalog. The only official ways to listen on a computer are through the official Apple Music app or the Apple Music web player.

Can I Sync My Winamp Playlist Back to Apple Music?

No, not directly. Winamp playlists (such as M3U files) are local files that reference songs stored on your computer, while Apple Music playlists exist in the cloud. To transfer them, you'd need to manually recreate the playlist in the Apple Music app by searching and adding each track individually.

Part 4. Conclusion

With the steps above, now you can easily stream Apple Music on Winamp media player on your device. You just need to convert Apple Music to Winamp-compatible audio files via AudFree Apple Music Converter. After that, you can add Apple Music files to Winamp for offline playback anytime.


James Blair

James Blair

Staff Editor

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James Blair is an experienced writer and music lover. Reviews and tips on using popular music, like Apple Music, can be found in his articles.