Play Apple Audiobooks on Android? Yes, Here's How

Part 1. Why You Can't Play iTunes Audiobooks on Android Directly

Before jumping into the solution, it's helpful to understand why this problem exists. The issue stems from two key factors: the file format and Digital Rights Management (DRM). Audiobooks from Apple are typically in the .m4b format, which is a variation of MPEG-4. More importantly, they are protected by Apple's FairPlay DRM technology.

This DRM acts as a digital lock, restricting playback to authorized devices like iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. It's the reason you can't simply copy the file to your Android phone and press play. The Apple Music app available on Android is designed for their music streaming service and unfortunately does not offer a way to access your purchased audiobooks.

To listen on Android, you must first remove the DRM and convert the .m4b file into a universally compatible format like MP3.

Part 2. How to Play iTunes Audiobooks on Anroid through Recording

Since direct conversion of these protected files is no longer a viable option, the most reliable method is to record the audiobook as it plays on your computer. The principle is simple: if you can hear it, you can record it. This process captures the audio output directly, bypassing the DRM and creating a brand-new audio file that you can use anywhere.

This method requires playing the audiobook in real-time, but it results in a high-quality, flexible MP3 file that you can truly own and transfer to any device.

For this recording task, the perfect tool is DRmare Audio Capture. It's a smart audio recorder designed to capture any sound playing on your computer with high fidelity. It can automatically grab metadata, allows for basic editing, and saves the recordings in common formats.

Step 1Launch the Software and Select Your Audio Source

First, open DRmare Audio Capture on your computer. You will see a list of applications like Chrome, Spotify, and iTunes. Make sure that the program you use for audiobooks (either iTunes for Windows and older Macs, or the Books app for newer Macs) is on this list. If it isn't, simply click the "+" button to add it. Before you record, you can also click the "Format" icon in the bottom-right corner to set your output preference to MP3, ensuring the file will work on your Android device.

Step 2Play Your Audiobook to Begin Recording

From inside the DRmare Audio Capture window, click the icon for iTunes or Books to open it. Navigate to your audiobook library and press play on the title you wish to capture. DRmare will automatically detect the audio and begin recording immediately. A new track will appear in the DRmare window, showing the recording in progress.

Step 3Stop, Edit, and Save Your New Audio File

Once the audiobook (or a chapter) has finished playing, simply stop the playback or close the iTunes/Books app to end the recording process. You can then hover over the recorded track and click the "Edit Tag" icon to update the title, author, and cover art, or the "Trim" icon to cut any unwanted silence from the beginning or end. When you're finished, click the "Save" button to export the recording as a DRM-free MP3 file onto your computer, ready to be transferred to your Android device.

Step 4Transfer the Recorded Audiobook to Android

With your audiobooks now in MP3 format, the final part is simple. Connect your Android phone or tablet to your computer using a USB cable. Your device should appear as a drive in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). We recommend creating a new folder on your Android device named "Audiobooks" and copying your newly recorded MP3 files into it.

Part 3. Pro-Tip: Convert MP3 to M4B for an Enhanced Experience

While MP3 files are universally playable, the M4B format is specifically designed for audiobooks. Converting your recorded MP3s to M4B offers a key advantage: bookmarking. M4B files are treated as a single "book" by dedicated players, which will remember your exact playback position even if you close the app or listen to other media. This is ideal for long-form content.

You can use a free tool like fre:ac (a free audio converter) or various online converters to merge and convert your MP3 files into a single M4B file.

Step 1. Find a free audio converter and add your recorded MP3 files. Add your recorded iTunes audiobooks mp3 files into it.

Step 2. Begin the conversion process.

Step 3. Start the conversion. The tool will process and combine your files into one convenient, bookmark-able M4B audiobook file.

Part 4. How to Play Your M4B Audiobooks on Android

Now that you have your DRM-free audiobook file—either as an MP3 or a more convenient M4B—it's time to enjoy it on your Android device.

Step 1Transfer the Audiobook to Your Android Phone

Connect your Android phone to your computer with a USB cable. Open your phone's storage and create a folder named "Audiobooks." Copy your new MP3 or M4B file into this folder.

Step 2Use a Dedicated Audiobook Player

While any music player can handle an MP3, a specialized audiobook player app will provide the best listening experience for both MP3 and M4B files. We highly recommend downloading an app from the Google Play Store like Smart AudioBook Player or Listen Audiobook Player.

These apps offer crucial features that standard music players lack:

• Playback Position Memory: They automatically save your place in the book.
• Variable Speed Control: You can speed up or slow down the narration.
• Sleep Timer: Fall asleep to your book without draining your battery.

Once installed, simply open the app, point it to your "Audiobooks" folder, and your entire library will be ready for you to enjoy.

Part 5. FAQs about Listening to iTunes Audiobooks on Android

Part 6. Conclusion

While Apple doesn't offer a direct way to listen to its audiobooks on Android, a simple recording process can set your library free. By using a tool like DRmare Audio Capture to create a personal, DRM-free copy, you gain the flexibility to enjoy your purchased stories on any device you own. This straightforward method ensures that your investment in your audiobook collection is not tied to a single brand. Now you can transfer your favorite titles to your Android phone or tablet and listen to them anytime and anywhere, with the full-featured experience a dedicated audiobook player provides.