Recover .M4A Files: Solutions for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .M4A file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Recover .M4A Files: Solutions for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .M4A file?

An M4A file is an audio file created in the MPEG-4 format, a multimedia container format used to store compressed audio and video data. It contains audio encoded with either the Advanced Audio Coding (AAC) codec or the Apple Lossless Audio Codec (ALAC).

What Are Common Causes of ".M4A" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".M4A" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".M4A" files while organizing or cleaning up their devices or storage media.
  2. Formatting or corruption: Formatting a storage device without proper backup can result in the loss of all data, including ".M4A" files. Corruption of the storage media can also lead to file loss or failure.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect ".M4A" files or the storage media containing them, leading to file corruption or loss.
  4. Hardware or software issues: Problems with the storage device, such as a hard drive failure or a faulty memory card, can cause ".M4A" files to become inaccessible or lost. Software conflicts or crashes can also result in file failure.
  5. Interruptions during file transfer: If the transfer of ".M4A" files from one device to another is interrupted due to power failure, system crash, or disconnection, the files may become incomplete or corrupted.
  6. Operating system or application errors: Errors or bugs in the operating system or media player applications can cause ".M4A" files to fail or become inaccessible.
  7. User error: Users may accidentally overwrite ".M4A" files, save them in the wrong location, or improperly handle storage media, leading to file loss.

It is important to regularly back up ".M4A" files to prevent loss and use reliable data recovery tools or services if file failure or loss occurs.

How to recover lost ".M4A" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".M4A" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".M4A" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".M4A" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".M4A" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".M4A" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".M4A" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo mPEG-4 Audio File image file file?

Programs that open ".M4A" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Apple iTunes Apple iTunes
Microsoft Windows Media Player Microsoft Windows Media Player
Nullsoft Winamp Nullsoft Winamp
Media Player Classic Media Player Classic
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
Mac
Apple iTunes Apple iTunes
Apple QuickTime Player Apple QuickTime Player
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
Eltima Elmedia Player Eltima Elmedia Player
Linux
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
iOS
VideoLAN VLC for Mobile VideoLAN VLC for Mobile
Android
File Viewer for Android File Viewer for Android
Videolabs VLC for Android Videolabs VLC for Android

Additional Information

  • File type: MPEG-4 Audio File

  • File extension: .M4A

  • Developer: Apple

  • Category: Audio Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 00 00 00

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:48 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .M4A files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the process of recovering .M4A files and restoring them to their original format?

    To recover and restore .M4A files to their original format, you can follow these steps:

    1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash: If you recently deleted the .M4A files, they might still be in the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). Simply locate the files and restore them to their original location.
    2. Use File Recovery Software: If the files are permanently deleted or not in the Recycle Bin/Trash, you can utilize file recovery software such as Recuva (Windows), Disk Drill (Mac), or EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard (both Windows and Mac). These tools scan your storage device for deleted files and attempt to recover them. Install the software, select the storage location where the .M4A files were stored, and initiate the scanning process. Once the scan is complete, review the recovered files and restore the .M4A files to a safe location.
    3. Restore from Backup: If you have a backup of your files, you can restore the .M4A files from there. This could be a cloud backup service, an external hard drive, or any other backup solution you use. Locate the backup files, extract the .M4A files, and copy them back to their original location.
    4. Use iTunes or Other Media Management Software: If you have previously synced your .M4A files with iTunes or any other media management software, you can restore them by syncing your device again. Connect your device to the computer, open the media management software, and follow the steps to sync your files back to your device.

    Note: It is important to stop using the storage device immediately after realizing the files are lost or deleted to prevent overwriting the deleted data. The chances of successful recovery decrease if new data is written to the same storage location.

  • Are there any specific software or tools available for .M4A recovery, and which ones are recommended for the best results?

    Yes, there are several software and tools available for .M4A recovery. Here are some recommended ones:

    1. Wondershare Recoverit: This is a powerful data recovery tool that supports the recovery of various file formats, including .M4A. It has a user-friendly interface and can recover files from various storage devices.
    2. Stellar Data Recovery: Stellar offers a specialized audio file recovery feature that can help recover .M4A files. It supports both Windows and Mac systems and has a simple interface.
    3. Disk Drill: Disk Drill is another popular data recovery software that supports the recovery of .M4A files. It has a deep scan feature that can search for deleted or lost files on your storage device.
    4. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: EaseUS is known for its reliable data recovery solutions. It supports the recovery of various file formats, including .M4A, and offers a straightforward recovery process.
    5. R-Studio: R-Studio is a comprehensive data recovery tool that supports a wide range of file formats, including .M4A. It has advanced features and is suitable for more complex data recovery scenarios.

    It's important to note that the success of recovery depends on various factors like the condition of the storage device, the time elapsed since the file was deleted, and the extent of data fragmentation. It's recommended to try multiple software options and avoid further usage of the storage device to increase the chances of successful recovery.

  • Can .M4A files be recovered from various storage devices such as hard drives, memory cards, or smartphones, and are there any limitations or compatibility issues to consider?

    Yes, .M4A files can be recovered from various storage devices such as hard drives, memory cards, or smartphones, as long as the data has not been overwritten or the storage device is not physically damaged. However, there are a few limitations and compatibility issues to consider:

    1. File System: The storage device should be using a compatible file system that supports the .M4A format. Common file systems like NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, or HFS+ are usually compatible.
    2. Operating System Compatibility: Ensure that the recovery software you use is compatible with the operating system of the device you are recovering data from. Different recovery tools may have different compatibility requirements.
    3. File Fragmentation: If the .M4A file is fragmented, it may be more challenging to recover it completely. Fragmentation occurs when a file is divided into multiple parts and stored in different locations on the storage device. Fragmented files may require additional effort to recover and may not be fully intact.
    4. Overwritten Data: If the storage device has been used after the deletion or loss of .M4A files, there is a higher chance that the data has been overwritten. In such cases, recovery becomes more difficult or even impossible.
    5. Physical Damage: If the storage device is physically damaged, it may require specialized data recovery services to retrieve the .M4A files. Physical damage can make the recovery process more complex and expensive.

    It is important to note that data recovery is not always guaranteed, and it is recommended to stop using the storage device immediately after data loss to minimize the chances of data being overwritten. Additionally, regularly backing up your .M4A files can help prevent data loss situations.
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