Easy Methods for Recovering .M4B Files on 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 .M4B file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Easy Methods for Recovering .M4B Files on Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS

What is a .M4B file?

Audiobook file based on the MPEG-4 container format; typically compressed with .AAC encoding; nearly identical to an .M4A file, but denoted as an audiobook and can be "bookmarked" by supporting audio players.

What Are Common Causes of ".M4B" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".M4B" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Human error, such as mistakenly deleting the ".M4B" files, is one of the most common causes of file loss.
  2. File system corruption: If the file system on the storage device where the ".M4B" files are stored gets corrupted, it can result in file loss or failure.
  3. Virus or malware attack: Malicious software can infect and damage files, including ".M4B" files, leading to loss or failure.
  4. Hardware failure: Issues with the storage device, such as a hard drive failure or a faulty memory card, can cause ".M4B" files to become inaccessible or lost.
  5. Software or application malfunction: Problems with the software or application used to play or manage ".M4B" files can result in file corruption or loss.
  6. Power outage or system crash: Sudden power outages or system crashes while working with ".M4B" files can lead to file corruption or loss.
  7. Improper file transfer: If ".M4B" files are not transferred properly, such as interrupted or incomplete transfers, it can cause file corruption or loss.
  8. Formatting or partitioning errors: Mistakes made during formatting or partitioning a storage device can result in the loss of ".M4B" files.
  9. Overwriting or modification: Accidentally overwriting or modifying ".M4B" files can lead to their loss or failure.
  10. Physical damage: Physical damage to the storage device, such as dropping a hard drive or exposing it to extreme conditions, can result in the loss of ".M4B" files.

How to recover lost ".M4B" 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 ".M4B" 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 ".M4B" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".M4B" 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 ".M4B" 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 ".M4B" 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 ".M4B" extension?

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

Programs that open ".M4B" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Apple iTunes Apple iTunes
Microsoft Windows Media Player Microsoft Windows Media Player
Nullsoft Winamp Nullsoft Winamp
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
Ventis Media MediaMonkey Ventis Media MediaMonkey
Roxio Creator NXT Pro 7 Roxio Creator NXT Pro 7
Mac
Apple iTunes Apple iTunes
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
Linux
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player

Additional Information

  • File type: MPEG-4 Audio Book File

  • File extension: .M4B

  • Developer: Apple

  • Category: Audio Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:46 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .M4B 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 file format .M4B commonly used for, and what sets it apart from other audio file formats?

    The .M4B file format is commonly used for audiobooks. It is a file format developed by Apple and is based on the MPEG-4 Part 14 standard, which is also used for .M4A (audio) and .MP4 (video) files.

    What sets .M4B apart from other audio file formats is its ability to support bookmarking, chapter markers, and other metadata specifically designed for audiobooks. This allows users to easily resume playback from where they left off, navigate through chapters, and view additional information about the audiobook. Additionally, .M4B files can contain both audio and images, enabling the inclusion of cover art or other visual elements related to the audiobook.

  • How can I open and play a .M4B file on different devices and operating systems?

    To open and play a .M4B file on different devices and operating systems, you can follow these steps:

    Windows:

    • Use iTunes: iTunes is available for Windows and supports .M4B files. Install iTunes on your Windows computer, then add the .M4B file to your iTunes library. You can play it using the iTunes player.
    • Use VLC Media Player: VLC is a free and open-source media player that can play various file formats, including .M4B. Install VLC on your Windows computer, then open the .M4B file using VLC.

    macOS:

    • Use iTunes: iTunes is the default media player on macOS and supports .M4B files. Add the .M4B file to your iTunes library, then play it using iTunes.
    • Use VLC Media Player: VLC is also available for macOS. Install VLC on your Mac and open the .M4B file using VLC.

    iOS:

    • Use Apple Books: Transfer the .M4B file to your iOS device using iTunes or AirDrop. Open the Apple Books app, go to the Library tab, and find the .M4B file. Tap on it to start playing.
    • Use VLC for Mobile: Install the VLC for Mobile app from the App Store. Transfer the .M4B file to your iOS device, open the VLC app, and browse for the file to play it.

    Android:

    • Use VLC for Android: Install the VLC for Android app from the Google Play Store. Transfer the .M4B file to your Android device, open the VLC app, and browse for the file to play it.
    • Use Smart Audiobook Player: Install a third-party app like Smart Audiobook Player from the Google Play Store. Transfer the .M4B file to your Android device, open the app, and use it to play the file.

    Linux:

    • Use VLC Media Player: VLC is available for Linux distributions. Install VLC on your Linux system, then open the .M4B file using VLC.

    Remember, .M4B files are typically used for audiobooks, so using dedicated audiobook players like Apple Books or Smart Audiobook Player may provide additional features specifically designed for audiobook playback.

  • Are there any specific software or applications that are recommended for opening and managing .M4B files effectively?

    Yes, there are several software and applications that are recommended for opening and managing .M4B files effectively. Some popular options include:

    1. iTunes: iTunes is a media player and management software developed by Apple. It is capable of opening and managing .M4B files. Simply add the files to your iTunes library, and you can organize and play them.
    2. VLC Media Player: VLC is a versatile media player that supports a wide range of file formats, including .M4B. It offers a user-friendly interface and allows you to manage and play your .M4B files easily.
    3. Audible Manager: If your .M4B files are audiobooks from Audible, you can use Audible Manager to open and manage them. Audible Manager is a dedicated application for managing Audible audiobooks, allowing you to download, organize, and play your audiobooks.
    4. Windows Media Player: Windows Media Player, built into Microsoft Windows, can also handle .M4B files. You can add the files to your library and use the player to manage and play them.
    5. QuickTime Player: QuickTime Player is a multimedia player developed by Apple. It is capable of opening .M4B files and offers basic management features.
    6. foobar2000: foobar2000 is a lightweight and customizable audio player that supports various file formats, including .M4B. It provides advanced library management features and can handle large collections of audiobooks.

    These are just a few examples of software and applications that can effectively open and manage .M4B files. There may be other options available depending on your specific needs and preferences.

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