Why is my Android not playing M4A?

M4A is an audio file format that was developed by Apple as part of their QuickTime framework. It is sometimes considered the “audio version” of the MP4 video format. M4A files combine audio encoded using advanced audio coding (AAC) compression with various metadata and DRM features.

M4A has become a common format used by many media applications and services. On Android devices, M4A files can be played through apps like Google Play Music, Spotify, Apple Music, and many other audio players. However, support varies across different versions of Android.

Overall, M4A offers good audio quality comparable to MP3 but at smaller file sizes. Its widespread use across platforms like iTunes and YouTube means that many users will encounter M4A files they want to play on their Android device.

Common Causes of M4A Playback Issues

There are several common reasons why M4A files may not play properly on Android devices:

Missing codec support – The AAC audio codec used in M4A files may not be supported natively on some Android devices, especially older models. Without the proper codec, the audio data cannot be decoded and played back correctly (https://www.startupguys.net/play-m4a-music-on-android/).

Outdated OS/apps – If your Android OS or media apps are outdated, they may lack support for playing M4A files. Keeping your system and apps updated can help ensure compatibility with more file formats (https://www.factorytwofour.com/how-to-play-your-m4a-files-on-an-android-device/).

Corrupted files – Sometimes M4A files can become corrupted, preventing them from playing properly. Trying a different M4A file can help determine if it’s an issue with that specific file.

Incompatible devices – Certain Android devices, especially older models or those without much internal storage, may simply lack the capability to play M4A files. Getting a newer device may be necessary for full M4A support.

Updating/Reinstalling Apps

One common cause of M4A files not playing on Android is having outdated media apps. Audio apps like music players and media libraries are frequently updated by developers to add new features and improve compatibility with different file formats like M4A.

Ensure your Android music player app and other media apps are fully up-to-date by checking for updates in the Google Play Store. The latest versions of apps like BlackPlayer, MX Player, and Musixmatch have improved M4A playback support.

You can also try uninstalling media apps completely and reinstalling fresh copies. This will ensure all components are up-to-date and can help resolve software issues that may be preventing M4A playback.

Keeping your Android’s media apps like music players fully updated is an easy first step to troubleshoot M4A playback problems.

Installing Codec Packs

One potential reason an Android device may not be able to play M4A files is because it is missing the proper audio codecs. M4A is an audio compression format that uses Advanced Audio Coding (AAC), which is patented technology. Android devices do not come with AAC codecs pre-installed due to licensing restrictions.

To enable AAC playback on Android, you need to manually download and install AAC codec packs. Some popular options include AAC Pack, AAC Encoder, and Mega Codec Pack. These apps provide codecs that allow Android devices to properly decode AAC audio in M4A files.

To install a codec pack:

1. Download the codec app from the Play Store or APK download site.
2. Open the app and grant root permissions if prompted.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to install or move the codecs into place.
4. Reboot your device after the install.

Once finished, your Android device will be able to play back M4A files. If you are still having issues, try uninstalling and reinstalling the codec app or use a different one. With the proper codecs installed, you should have native M4A support.

Converting M4A to MP3

One of the most common solutions for playing M4A files on Android is to convert the M4A files to the more compatible MP3 format. There are many free tools and apps that can convert M4A to MP3 quickly and easily.

Some recommended options include:

• The free online converter at FreeConvert. This allows you to upload M4A files and download them as MP3s.
• The M4A to MP3 Converter app on the Google Play Store. This has options to convert multiple M4A files at once.
• The M4a to MP3 Converter app, also on the Google Play Store, which is free and easy to use.

Converting to the common MP3 format can allow the audio files to be played back properly on Android. Just be aware that converting can cause some loss of audio quality. But for most playback purposes, the MP3 version will work fine.

Clearing App Cache/Data

One potential fix is to clear the app cache and data for apps that are having trouble playing M4A files. Over time, temporary app files and settings can become corrupted or outdated, which can prevent apps from working properly.

To clear the cache and data for an app on Android:

1. Open Settings and go to Apps or Application Manager.
2. Find the app you want to clear data for, such as your music player app.
3. Tap Storage or Storage & Cache.
4. Tap Clear Cache to delete temporary files or Clear Data to delete app data and settings.

Clearing this data forces the app to re-download temporary files and resets any corrupted settings, which can often resolve playback issues. According to Android Police, clearing app cache is important for freeing up space and keeping apps running smoothly.

Just be aware that clearing app data will log you out and remove any customized settings for that app. But it’s often worth it to fix playback problems. Try clearing data and cache for apps one-by-one to isolate the issue.

Checking File Integrity

One way to check if an M4A file is corrupted on Android is to scan it with an antivirus app or file integrity checker. Many Android antivirus apps like AVG Antivirus or Avast Mobile Security can scan for corrupted media files and attempt to repair them. There are also dedicated utilities like Dexter and L Speed that can verify file integrity and notify you of any corrupted files.

To check an M4A file, first install one of these apps. Then navigate to the file location in your Android’s file manager. Select the M4A file and choose the scan or verify option in the antivirus or utility app. It will analyze the file and alert you if any corruption is detected. This can help determine if the playback issue stems from a damaged or incomplete file.

If corruption is found, the app may offer options to repair or restore the M4A file. However, results can vary. For best results, consider using a dedicated M4A repair tool on a computer to fix the corrupted file before transferring it back to your Android device.

Trying Alternate Apps

Some apps may handle M4A files better than others on Android. If your default music player is having trouble with M4A playback, it’s worth trying a different app and seeing if that resolves the issue.

Some popular Android apps that support playing M4A files include VLC, Lark Player, Music Player, and BlackPlayer. These apps have codecs built-in to handle M4A and other audio formats.

Try installing a couple of these apps, import your M4A files or folders, and see if playback works properly. If an alternate music app can play M4As without issue, then the problem likely lies with your default app and not the files themselves.

An app like VLC is a good option since it supports virtually all audio and video formats. If VLC can play the M4A but your main music app cannot, then you know your files are not corrupted and an alternate app may provide the compatibility needed.

Updating Android OS

One solution for getting M4A files to play properly is to update your Android OS to a newer version. Newer versions of Android tend to include improved support for various media formats like M4A.

For example, Android 9.0 Pie introduced upgraded media codecs that allow playback of emerging formats like M4A. So upgrading from an older OS like Android 8.0 Oreo to Android 9.0 Pie can potentially fix M4A playback issues.

Similarly, the latest Android 13 update includes additional enhancements and optimizations for media playback. Upgrading to the newest OS available for your device gives you the best chance of being able to play M4A files without problems.

Just make sure to check that a newer Android OS version is actually available for your specific device. And as always, be sure to backup your data first before initiating any major system software update.

Getting a Compatible Device

If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps mentioned above and are still unable to play M4A files on your Android device, the underlying issue may be that your device lacks the proper codec support needed to play M4A files.

M4A is an audio compression format that uses Advanced Audio Coding (AAC). AAC is a standardized audio compression algorithm, but device manufacturers need to pay to license the codec in order to decode AAC audio and play M4A files. Some Android devices may lack an AAC codec entirely, or may have issues with their codec implementations.

In this case, the only surefire solution is to get an Android device that contains licensed and properly implemented AAC codec support. Top Android manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Motorola, and Google Pixel phones generally have excellent compatibility for playing common audio codecs like AAC and M4A. So purchasing one of their newer flagship device models is a good way to ensure M4A playback works properly.

You can also check for phones that advertise “Hi-Res Audio” support. These devices aim for optimal audio playback quality and almost always include well-implemented AAC/M4A codec support. While getting a new device just for M4A playback may seem extreme, it’s the only guaranteed fix if all else fails on an incompatible Android.