CloudConverter

M4A to WAV Converter

Convert M4A to WAV online. Free, no sign-up.

Click to choose a file or drag and drop it here

M4A files only

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How it works

1

Add your M4A

Choose the M4A file (most come from iPhone Voice Memos and iTunes), up to 200 MB.

2

Convert to WAV

One press gives you uncompressed 16-bit WAV at the original sample rate. Long files take a little longer; keep the page open.

3

Save the WAV

iPhone voice memos and iTunes audio as WAV. Download it straight to your phone or computer.

M4A vs WAV at a glance

M4AWAV
Full nameMPEG-4 Audio (usually AAC inside)Waveform Audio File
CompressionLossy (AAC) or lossless (ALAC)None (uncompressed)
Typical file sizeAbout 1 MB per minuteAbout 10 MB per minute (CD quality)
Opens oniPhone, Mac, iTunes, most modern playersEvery computer and editor
Best forApple Music, voice memos, ringtonesEditing, recording, studio work

Convert M4A files, such as iPhone voice memos, GarageBand exports and iTunes tracks, to WAV for editing or for software that only accepts WAV. The sound is decoded to uncompressed audio with no further loss.

M4A vs WAV: what changes

M4A usually contains AAC, a compressed format that keeps files small. WAV is uncompressed and opens in every audio editor, transcription tool, broadcast system and older program. Expect the WAV to be several times larger than the M4A.

When to convert M4A to WAV

Use it before editing a voice memo in Audacity or a DAW, for transcription and subtitle tools that need WAV, for older hardware samplers, or when a radio station or client asks for WAV.

Before you convert

Converting to WAV does not improve quality; it unpacks the existing sound. Apple Music downloads protected by DRM cannot be converted. The WAV is 16-bit PCM at the original sample rate.

Common problems and fixes

I need my voice memo in an editor that only takes WAV

Converting an iPhone Voice Memo to WAV makes it ready for most audio and video editors, transcription tools and broadcast software.

The WAV file is huge

Uncompressed audio needs about 10 MB per minute in stereo. That is expected and avoids further quality loss while editing.

Will it sound better than the M4A?

No. It is an exact uncompressed copy of the M4A sound, not an upgrade.

M4A to WAV: output details

You uploadM4A (.m4a), usually from iPhone Voice Memos and iTunes
You getuncompressed 16-bit WAV at the original sample rate
Keptfull length; one stereo or mono track
Size limit200 MB per file

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a voice memo off my iPhone?

In the Voice Memos app, tap the recording, tap the three dots, choose Share, then Save to Files. Open this page in Safari and choose the file from Files.

Will WAV work in Audacity?

Yes. WAV opens in Audacity and every other audio editor without any plug-ins.

Related converters

MP4 to WAVFLAC to WAVM4A to MP3MP3 to WAVAAC to MP3AMR to MP3MP4 to MP3WMA to MP3