How to convert MP4 to MP3: complete guide to 4 solutions

This guide will explain how to extract audio from MP4 videos and convert it into MP3 files, a useful operation to save music tracks on your smartphone or portable media players. This process is particularly advantageous for those who want to listen only to the audio track of videos, thus reducing space occupancy on mobile devices.

Converting from MP4 to MP3 is a simple and quick operation, suitable for users of all levels of technical competence. You can perform this operation on PC, Mac, or directly from mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

There are numerous tools, both software and online, that allow you to convert MP4 to MP3 for free. These tools offer various options to customize the quality of the output file, such as choosing the bitrate, sampling frequency, and audio channels.

• PC and Mac users: If you need to convert MP4 videos into MP3 audio files to listen to music without the video part, this guide will provide you with detailed instructions on how to use specific software such as fre:ac, VLC, Audacity, and MediaHuman Audio Converter.
• Smartphone and tablet users: If you prefer to convert your videos directly from your mobile device, this guide will show you how to use specific applications for Android and iOS.
• Users who prefer online solutions: If you don't want to install new programs on your computer, this guide will illustrate how to use online services to convert MP4 to MP3 directly from the browser.

Prerequisites

To convert your MP4 videos into MP3 files, you will need the following tools:

• A computer with Windows, macOS, or Linux operating system
• An updated web browser
• Conversion software from those listed (fre:ac, VLC, Audacity, MediaHuman Audio Converter)
• The MP4 files to convert
• Possibly, an account on online services if required

Convert MP4 to MP3 for free with fre:ac

By the end of this guide, you will be able to convert MP4 video files into MP3 audio files using the fre:ac software.

• If you are using Windows 11, go to the Microsoft Store section dedicated to fre:ac and click on the Get button.
• If you use a previous edition of Windows, go to the program's website, select the Downloads option from the left sidebar, and reach the section fre:ac is also available as a binary .zip package.
• Choose the link corresponding to the x86 (64-bit) or x86 (32-bit) option, depending on your operating system.
• Extract the ZIP file obtained in a folder of your choice and run the EXE file inside it.
• If you use macOS, from the fre:ac download page, select the link next to the option Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, macOS 11.0 or later or Intel and PowerPC Macs, macOS 10.5 or later, depending on your Mac.
• Open the DMG file obtained and drag the program icon into the Mac's Applications folder.
• Right-click on the program icon, select the Open option from the contextual menu, and press the Open button again in the window that appears.
• Close any introductory message that you see appear.
• Drag the MP4 file you want to convert into the fre:ac window or click on the white sheet icon at the top and manually select the item of interest.
• Press the ▼ button next to the ▶ button at the top of the window and select the LAME MP3 Encoder option from the proposed menu.
• If you want to modify the output location, click on the Browse button at the bottom right and choose the preferred folder.
• If you want to change the audio codec parameters, click on the wrench icon and adjust the available options in the following screen.
• Start the conversion procedure and, once completed, you will find the obtained files in the computer's Music folder or in the folder you have set.

VERIFICATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING: How to test if it works and what to do if it fails

After converting your MP4 files to MP3, it is important to verify that the process was successful and that the resulting files are correct. Here's how to proceed:

MP3 file verification

• Duration check: Open the MP3 file with a media player and verify that the duration matches that of the original video.
• Audio quality: Listen carefully to the MP3 file to ensure there are no distortions, noises, or interruptions.
• Format and size: Check that the file has the .mp3 extension and that the size is consistent with the duration of the original video.

Solving common problems

If the MP3 file is not correct, here are some steps to follow to solve the most common problems:

• Conversion error: If the software fails to convert the file, make sure the MP4 file is compatible and not damaged. Try converting another file to check if the problem persists.
• Poor audio quality: If the MP3 file has lower audio quality than the original video, check the audio codec settings and adjust the bitrate, sampling frequency, and audio channels.
• Output file not found: If the MP3 file is not generated, verify that the destination folder is correct and that you have the necessary permissions to write in that directory.

Use of alternative tools

If the problem persists, try using one of the other software mentioned in the guide, such as VLC, Audacity, or MediaHuman Audio Converter, following the same procedures described for fre:ac.

If none of the software works correctly, it may be helpful to consult the specific support forums for the software used or search for solutions online.

You have learned how to convert your MP4 videos into MP3 audio files using different tools, both for computers and mobile devices. Now you can extract the audio tracks of your favorite videos and save them in MP3 format to listen to them anywhere.

Remember to choose the tool most suitable for your needs, considering the quality of the result and ease of use. If you need further details, consult the specific guides for each software mentioned.

Don't waste any more time, start converting your videos to MP3 right away and enjoy your favorite music!