How to get DRM-free versions of pre 2009 purchases

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Level 1

8 points

How to get DRM-free versions of pre 2009 purchases

Hi,

I have been searching all day for how to get versions of songs I purchased before 2009 without DRM so that I can listen to them on a non-apple devices.

It appears the only way this is possible at this time is to use iTunes Match. (Removing DRM protection from purchased AAC music files)

Can someone please confirm if this is correct? I do not want to purchase iTunes Match for $25 if it is not going to allow me to redownload my music in the DRM-free format.

Thanks.

Gregg

Posted on Nov 25, 2018 9:46 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jimzgoldfinch

Level 7

28,633 points

Nov 26, 2018 12:32 AM in response to malibu43

Hi,

You need to subscribe to iTunes Match.

Most tracks will be converted to 256 Kbps purchased AAC. You will need to delete the original and download the upgraded tracks. iCloud status will remain “Purchased”.

There will be some that will be matched and become 256 Kbps matched AAC. Again delete original and download matched version.

There May be some tracks that will not be uploaded and will be uploaded and remain protected AAC. You can burn them to CD and reimport. They could be matched or upload but to will be able to play on other devices.

Make sure you make a back up the tracks.

Jim

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Answer 2

Nov 28, 2018 12:08 AM in response to malibu43

Hi,

Firstly, ITunes Match and Apple Music are not backup services. You should Keep a separate backup on an external hard drive.

If you get iTunes Match, you will be able to upgrade pre 2009 purchases as described in my previous post. Any track that was matched then updated using Apple Music will still have DRM. In fact, you would not be able to play them without AM. If you have any such files, you will need to restore the original from your back up.

Jim

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Answer 3

malibu43 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 27, 2018 10:00 PM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

Thanks for the reply.

I just want to clarify one item - I signed up for the free trail of Apple Music, as I read that it more or less includes all the same features of iTunes Match. However, when I removed a download, and then clicked the cloud with arrow to redownload it, it was still downloaded as a protected file.

What I think I'm getting now is that only iTunes Match (and not the iCloud service that comes with Apple Music) backs up your songs with the unprotected file types. And that by paying for iTunes Match, I'll be able to get what I didn't get from the free trial of Apple Music (unprotected files to download).

Is this correct?

Thanks!

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Answer 4

malibu43 Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 28, 2018 8:39 AM in response to Jimzgoldfinch

OK. Thanks.

I do have a back up of all my music on a hard drive that I can revert to for these older songs if needed.

I'll reply back here once I go through the process just to update on how it went!

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How to get DRM-free versions of pre 2009 purchases

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