Apple Music songs downloaded through a subscription do not work in VLC like normal local audio files. To play them in VLC, you usually need to first save them in a VLC-supported format, such as MP3, M4A, FLAC, or WAV.
Below, we will explain why Apple Music does not open in VLC directly, how to convert the songs, and how to play them on Windows, Mac, Android, and iPhone.
Part 1. Can You Play Apple Music on VLC Media Player Directly?
No. VLC cannot directly play Apple Music songs downloaded through an active subscription. Although these songs may appear to be saved offline, they are not provided as regular local audio files that you can freely open in other media players.
So, the issue is not VLC itself. VLC supports many common audio formats, but Apple Music subscription downloads are protected rather than standard local files. Because of that, VLC cannot read or play them normally.
If you want to listen to Apple Music in VLC, you first need to turn the songs into a VLC-supported format, such as MP3, M4A, FLAC, or WAV. Once you have a standard audio file, VLC can play it like any other song.
Need a standard audio file first? Check these guides:
Part 2. How to Convert Apple Music to MP3 for VLC Media Player?
To play Apple Music in VLC, you first need standard audio files that VLC can play. One practical way is to use a converter that saves Apple Music tracks in formats like MP3, M4A, WAV, or FLAC. TuneFab Apple Music Converter is a practical tool for this task.
It also includes a built-in Apple Music web player, so you can sign in, choose songs, and prepare them for conversion in one place. It is also useful when you want to convert full albums or playlists, not just single songs.
Why TuneFab Apple Music Converter is useful for this task
- Save Apple Music as MP3, M4A, WAV, or FLAC
- Keep song info like title, artist, album, and cover art
- Convert single songs, albums, or playlists
- Choose output settings like bitrate and sample rate
- Use the built-in Apple Music web player to select and convert songs in one place
How to Convert Apple Music to MP3 for VLC
Step 1. Open TuneFab and sign in to Apple Music
Install and open TuneFab Apple Music Converter. Choose Apple Music to enter the built-in web player, then sign in with your Apple ID that has an active Apple Music subscription.
Step 2. Add the songs you want to use in VLC
Browse Apple Music and choose the songs, albums, or playlists you want to convert. Drag them to the conversion list on the right. You can also click the Add button on the song cover.
Step 3. Choose an output format
Open Preferences from the top-right menu. Then choose the output format, bitrate, sample rate, and output folder. For VLC, MP3 is the easiest option for most users. If you want better sound quality or a different file type, you can also choose M4A, WAV, or FLAC.
Step 4. Convert Apple Music songs
Click Convert to start. The time depends on how many songs you add and how long they are. When the process is done, click View Output File to find your exported songs on your computer.
Part 3. How to Add Apple Music to VLC on Windows/Mac/Android/iPhone
Play Apple Music on VLC on Windows
Once your songs are saved as local audio files, open VLC on your Windows computer. Click Media > Open File, then choose the converted Apple Music files. You can also drag and drop the files directly into the VLC window to start playing.
For better control, you can add multiple converted songs to a VLC playlist for longer playback.
Play Apple Music on VLC on Mac
Open VLC on your Mac and choose File > Open File to import the converted Apple Music tracks. You can also drag the files into the VLC window directly. If you want to play several songs, create a playlist in VLC to keep them organized.
Play Apple Music on VLC on Android
First, transfer the converted Apple Music files from your computer to your Android phone. You can do this with a USB cable or another file transfer method.
Then open the VLC app on your phone and go to the Audio section. Find the transferred songs and tap one to play it. If you want, you can also add the songs to a playlist inside VLC for easier listening later. VLC for Android is built for local media playback and includes an audio library, which makes it easier to find and manage transferred songs.
Play Apple Music on VLC on iPhone
On iPhone, you first need to import the converted songs into the VLC app as local files. After the files are transferred, open VLC and go to its audio library to find and play them.
VLC for iPhone and iPad can work with files imported through iCloud Drive, iTunes File Sharing, Wi-Fi Sharing, and several cloud storage services, which gives you different ways to move music into the app.
Conclusion
VLC cannot play Apple Music subscription downloads directly because they are not regular local audio files. If you want to use Apple Music in VLC, you first need to convert the songs to a VLC-supported format like MP3, M4A, FLAC, or WAV.
Once that is done, you can add the files to VLC on Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android like any other local music. If you want a simpler way to prepare Apple Music for VLC playback, TuneFab Apple Music Converter can help you export songs in compatible formats and make the process easier.
