How to Remove DRM from Apple Music with/Without iTunes

DRM, abbreviated as Digital Rights Management, is a technology designed to protect digital content. Apple Music applies FairPlay DRM to prevent users from playing downloaded songs on non-Apple devices, such as Android phones, MP3 Players, etc. This is inconvenient. For better offline playback on any device, you need a powerful tool to help you remove DRM from Apple Music.

This post will introduce various methods to solve this problem. Both iTunes and non-iTunes solutions are provided. Read more and find the most appropriate method to enjoy Apple Music freely!

Part 1. Check If Your Apple Music is DRM-Protected

Not all music is protected by DRM. Actually, songs released between 2003 and 2009 in iTunes were protected by DRM technology, while those after 2009 were DRM-free. Meanwhile, Apple Music songs are always DRM-protected. Therefore, you need to figure out whether a song is protected by DRM or not before the conversion. Follow the steps below:

1. Open Apple Music on your device and click the three-dot icon next to the song's name.

2. In the pop-up window, find the "Kind" section.

3. If the file type is "Protected AAC audio file", then this song is DRM-protected. Otherwise, it is free from DRM protection.

Now you've checked the song's information. How do you remove DRM from Apple Music if the song is protected? Keep reading.

Part 2. Best Software to Remove Apple Music DRM 🔥

First, I'll introduce the best Apple Music DRM Removal tool, StreamByte for Music. StreamByte for Music is a professional music converter able to remove DRM and download songs from Apple Music and other streaming music platforms. It helps you bypass DRM protection effortlessly and convert Apple Music to MP3, WAV, M4A, and other common audio formats. The removal process is quick without waiting long, thanks to StreamByte's 35× faster conversion speed. Let's see how to use this excellent DRM remover.

Step 1. Click the buttons above to download StreamByte for Music. It is available for both Windows and Mac computers. Install and launch it. Choose "Apple Music" on the interface.

Step 2. Log in to your Apple Music account.

Step 3. Find the song you want to download and add it to the conversion list. You can add multiple songs together since StreamByte for Music supports batch downloading.

Step 4. You can change the song's output format to MP3, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, M4A (AAC), and M4A (ALAC).

Step 5. After selection, you can click the "Convert" button to start downloading. StreamByte for Music will automatically remove the songs' DRM from Apple Music.

Wait for a moment, and you will have these Apple Music songs downloaded successfully. Now, you can enjoy them on any of your non-Apple devices without restriction!

Part 3. Remove DRM from Apple Music via iTunes Match

If you are an iTunes Match subscriber, things can be easier. iTunes Match allows users to upgrade their DRM-protected Apple Music files to DRM-free versions. It scans your music library and matches those songs' DRM-free versions in the iTunes Store. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove DRM from Apple Music via iTunes.

Before starting, make sure that you have subscribed to iTunes Match. If not, you need to make a subscription first.

Step 1. Open Apple Music software on your computer, and find "iTunes Store" on the left sidebar. Subscribe to iTunes Match.

Step 2. Tap "File" and find "Library", choose "Update iCloud Music Library" to match your songs with DRM-free versions.

Step 3. Delete these songs from your Library but not from iCloud.

Step 4. Re-download the songs from iCloud as DRM-free versions.

Part 4. Remove DRM from Apple Music Files with Requiem

Requiem might be the answer if you're searching for freeware to get rid of DRM from Apple Music. It is an open-source, free tool that works with Linux, macOS, and Windows to assist you in removing DRM from previous iTunes purchases. Nevertheless, I had to mention that it has been terminated and Requiem 4.1 is the final version. To use Requiem, you must downgrade your iTunes to 10.7 or earlier versions. Besides, Requiem is only compatible with older iTunes music—not Apple Music subscriptions.

Step 1. Download and install Requiem 4.1 on your computer from a reliable source.

Step 2. Make sure your iTunes is 10.7 or lower version, and disable automatic updates.

Step 3. Open iTunes 10.7 and download the songs you want to remove DRM in your iTunes Library.

Step 4. Close iTunes and run Requiem 4.1. This program will automatically recognize those songs in the iTunes Library and remove DRM from them.

Part 5. FAQs About Removing DRM from Apple Music

Is it legal to remove DRM from Apple Music?

In general, if you remove Apple Music DRM for commercial use or profit, it is against copyright laws. In contrast, if you remove DRM for personal use and do not distribute it to others, it is allowed.

Can I keep Apple Music songs after cancelling my subscription?

No, you can't keep any Apple Music songs without a subscription unless you've removed their DRM protection before and saved them locally. StreamByte for Music is a reliable tool to help you remove DRM from Apple Music easily.

Will removing DRM affect audio quality?

Yes, most methods of removing DRM can damage audio quality, but professional DRM removal tools like StreamByte for Music can retain the songs' quality.

Final Words

This article has introduced three ways to remove DRM from Apple Music via iTunes Match, Requiem, and StreamByte for Music. iTunes Match needs subscribing. Requiem is free to use but not convenient. Overall, we recommend StreamByte for Music as the best Apple Music Removal tool. Try it and enjoy your DRM-free music anytime!