File Extension Database

Open M4R File

M4R files are more technically known as MPEG-4 type ringtones. It is a proprietary extension of sound files mainly associated with Apple's iPhone.

It is a unique file extension created by Apple to be used as a ringtone on its iPhone devices.

The M4R format is a high-quality compressed audio file, which uses only AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) as its default compression standard.

Note that the AAC is justly known for its incredible audio quality and significantly reduced file size.

Belonging to the MPEG-4 standard group, this audio file contains numerical representations, audio files and text in ASCII format.

Technically, M4R is equivalent to the popular M4A format except that M4R files could be protected by copyright based on Digital Rights Management (DRM).

Technicians can assert that M4R is a version of M4A, due to the lossy compression algorithm that characterizes the file.

Some features of M4R

The length of M4R files is up to 40 seconds, ideal for ringtones.
Apple created M4R to differentiate the tones of songs on the iPhone.
In the iTunes store, the M4Rs are for sale, so they are not free.
M4R files are created solely from a song purchased from iTunes as long as the file itself supports the creation of tones.
When you buy an M4R file, it is automatically transferred to your iPhone after syncing.

To open an M4R file you can use any of the following programs:

Typical M4R application file locations:

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

Typical M4R mime types:

audio/x-m4r

Frequently used application names to open M4R files:

iTunes

Frequently associated Windows objects:

iTunes.m4r

How Can I Open M4R File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open M4R file is to find a M4R file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a M4R 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 M4R 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 M4R file opener then try to search online for "M4R viewer", "application to open M4R file" or "open M4R file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open M4R file

How Can I Open M4R File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a M4R file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a M4R 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 M4R file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as M4R file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open M4R file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open M4R file then try to search for "M4R viewer", "application to open M4R file" or "read M4R file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read M4R file

How Can I Open M4R File on Android

If you downloaded a M4R 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 M4R 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 "M4R".
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 "M4R viewer", "M4R 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 M4R File on iPhone or iPad

To open M4R 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 M4R 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 "M4R". This way you can find apps which can open M4R 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 "M4R viewer" or "M4R file" online in your favorite search engine.

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