Trouble with iTunes library and DRM

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Level 1

4 points

Trouble with iTunes library and DRM

I have a 2019 MacBook Pro that houses my iTunes library. I mostly use the library for playing certain playlists, especially a playlist of holiday songs. It's quite old and includes songs purchased back in the 20th century (!!).

I'd noticed here and there that some songs were deemed "unplayable" due to DRM issues which is annoying because I legally purchased all of them but I just let it slide.

Recently I started using a WiiM Ultra to stream music to the speakers. I'm now getting many more issues with songs not playing due to DRM issues. The exact message is, "This song is protected by Digital Rights Management and can't be played." I can play the songs on my laptop or on my phone, but not via the WiiM. Streaming the iTunes library directly to the WiiM would be the better way to do it in terms of music quality (as opposed to bluetooth from the laptop or phone), but the constant song skips are very irritating.

Any advice on how to get rid of the DRM protections which are completely outdated at this point? I have tried a few of the most popular apps recommended online (eg TuneFab), but they all seem to work with Apple Music but not a personal iTunes library. (I don't have an Apple Music subscription.)

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.6

Posted on Dec 19, 2025 1:24 PM

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Answer 1

turingtest2

Level 10

278,179 points

Dec 19, 2025 1:34 PM in response to harash

Apple sold DRM protected music up until 2009. There was an upgrade program for a while that allowed you to replace 128k DRM tracks with 256k DRM-free versions. The iTunes Match service can also allow you to remove 128 DRM downloads you have and then download 256k DRM-free matched copies that will continue to play after you terminate a subscription. Such methods rely on continued availability in the iTunes Store. Lastly you should have burn rights to your 128k DRM purchases. You can burn to audio CD then rip back to the format of your choice.

tt2

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Answer 2

harash Author

Level 1

4 points

Dec 19, 2025 1:59 PM in response to turingtest2

Thanks. My understanding of iTunes Match was it matched to a cloud-based song but I would not actually own the song anymore. Is that wrong? As far as burning to an audio CD that's not a good option for me for multiple reasons. I'm looking for a way to strip the songs of the DRM protection which should be possible technically but I can't seem to find something that works for an iTunes library as opposed to Apple Music.

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