File Extension Database

Open M4P File

M4P file extension is most commonly associated with Apple iTunes audio files. M4P files are similar to both the M4A and M4B file format in that they are MPEG-4 containers capable of storing an audio stream. However, M4P files have one key difference in that they are protected by a Digital Rights Management (DRM) scheme, which prevents them being played by unauthorised users.

The vast majority of M4P files are audio tracks purchased online from Apple's iTunes music store, and are commonly encoded using AAC (Advanced Audio Coding), which is a follow-on format to MP3 offering superior sound quality at similar file sizes. M4P files incorporate Apple's FairPlay DRM copy protection, which prevents the distribution of purchased audio tracks by limiting the number of machines that the file will play on. In order to open M4P file and play it, the computer must be authorized via iTunes, which is done by entering the username and password of the account from which the file was downloaded. A maximum of five computers can be associated with an account at any one time, which prevents users illegally distributing content purchased from iTunes.

Files downloaded from the iTunes store are generally in M4P format, though the File extension M4A and File extension M4B extensions are also used. These are essentially the same MPEG-4 container format, albeit without DRM protection. M4A files are usually used to signify music tracks, whereas M4B files also have support for bookmarking, which allows users to record the point at which they stopped playing the file. This format is used more commonly for audio books.

You can open M4P files on the Windows and Mac platforms using either Apple iTunes or QuickTime Player, though Apple's proprietary FairPlay DRM encryption prevents widespread support by other media playing software. Utilities make it possible to convert protected M4P files into other, more widely supported formats such as File extension MP3 or File extension WMA, though there are questions about the legality of circumventing Apple's FairPlay DRM protection system.

Typical M4P application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe /open "%L"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\iTunes\iTunes.exe" /play "%L"
C:\Program Files (x86)\QuickTime\QuickTimePlayer.exe "%1"

Typical M4P mime types:

audio/m4p

Frequently used application names to open M4P files:

iTunes
QuickTime

Frequently associated Windows objects:

iTunes.m4p
QuickTime.m4p

How Can I Open M4P File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open M4P file is to find a M4P file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a M4P file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open M4P file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as M4P file opener then try to search online for "M4P viewer", "application to open M4P file" or "open M4P file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open M4P file

How Can I Open M4P File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a M4P file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a M4P file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with M4P file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as M4P file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open M4P file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open M4P file then try to search for "M4P viewer", "application to open M4P file" or "read M4P file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read M4P file

How Can I Open M4P File on Android

If you downloaded a M4P file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded M4P file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "M4P".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "M4P viewer", "M4P file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open M4P File on iPhone or iPad

To open M4P File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the M4P file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "M4P". This way you can find apps which can open M4P files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "M4P viewer" or "M4P file" online in your favorite search engine.