topic Re: Local Files only play .mp3, not .m4a in Desktop (Windows)

Local Files only play .mp3, not .m4a

stuyvpc — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 13:23:27 GMT

Hi all, I am pretty new to Spotify and generally much prefer it to Itunes so decided to import my Itunes library. Under local files I see all the tracks but th eonly ones that I can hear are the mp3s - m4a appear to be playing but I can't hear them.

The solution that I have come across on thses boards is to install Quicktime - but I already have that installed and it plays m4a files perfectly.

Anyone got any ideas if I need something else to get them to play

Thanks, Paul

Re: Local Files only play .mp3, not .m4a

Sebasty — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 17:47:37 GMT

Hey @stuyvpc

I think you may need to reinstall Quicktime. Restart Spotify after you've reinstalled it.
Sometimes things may get a bit messy, and reinstalling often clears this up.
Let me know how it goes! 🙂

Re: Local Files only play .mp3, not .m4a

stuyvpc — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 21:35:11 GMT

Hi @SebastVAIO

Thanks for the suggestion but unfortunately it didn't make any difference. Uninstalled Quicktime, rebooted PC, reinstalled Quicktime but still only plays MP3.

Re: Local Files only play .mp3, not .m4a

Sebasty — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 21:29:54 GMT

@stuyvpc

I wonder if those M4A files of yours are lossless (ALAC) files or not. I found users with lossless media not being able to play them unless they reverted their Spotify back to 0.9.15...

You can try installing K-Lite Codec pack as well. Spotify needs just the codec to play the media, not an entire Quicktime. 🙂
This pack will not install codecs that you already have and what are not outdated or corrupt..

This thread in here has some useful information.

It's a peculiar issue... Keep me posted!

Re: Local Files only play .mp3, not .m4a

stuyvpc — Fri, 23 Jun 2017 10:22:53 GMT

I did try the codec but no luck again. I am just converting the M4a files to MP3 - I know when enough is enough! Thanks for your help though. Cheers, Paul

Re: Local Files only play .mp3, not .m4a

heriopl — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 21:12:56 GMT

I wonder if those M4A files of yours are lossless (ALAC) files or not. I found users with lossless media not being able to play them unless they reverted their Spotify back to 0.9.15... you can try https://converter.tips/convert/m4a-to-mp3