Convert to MP3 on a Chromebook
In Chrome, with no extension, no Linux and no upload.
The Short Answer
Open a converter that runs in Chrome, choose the file, and download an MP3. It works for M4A voice memos, WebM screen and browser recordings, and MP4 or MOV videos, where it keeps just the sound. There's no extension to install, no Linux to set up, and the file isn't uploaded anywhere.
Convert to MP3 →Convert a File to MP3
- Open the Audio to MP3 Converter in Chrome.
- Click the file picker and choose your file in the Files app.
- Leave the bitrate at 128 kbps, or choose 64 kbps for a smaller file of spoken word.
- Click Convert to MP3, play it back, then click Download MP3. It's saved to your Downloads folder.
For a video, only the sound is saved. The MP3 keeps the file's original name, so Meeting.mp4 becomes Meeting.mp3.
What Works
| File | Usually from | Converts? |
|---|---|---|
| .m4a | iPhone or Android voice recordings | Yes |
| .webm | Chromebook screen recordings, recordings made in Chrome | Yes |
| .mp4, .mov | Phone videos, Zoom or Teams recordings | Yes, sound only |
| .ogg, .opus, .flac, .wav | Voice notes, music | Yes |
| .wma | Old Windows Media files | No, browsers can't read it |
| Music from streaming apps | Spotify, Apple Music downloads | No, it's copy-protected |
We tested each of these formats in Chrome, including a 5.1 surround video track, which is mixed down to stereo so dialogue isn't lost.
Why Not an Extension or Linux?
Most answers to this question point to a Chrome extension or tell you to turn on Linux and install ffmpeg. Extensions often need broad permissions and are blocked on school and work Chromebooks. Linux works, but it's a lot of setup for one file, and managed Chromebooks often can't turn it on. A converter that runs in a normal web page needs neither, and the file stays on your Chromebook.
After Converting
- Too long? Cut it down with the Audio Splitter.
- Too quiet? Raise it with the Audio Volume Booster.
- For a presentation? See how to add a recording to Google Slides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert M4A to MP3 on a Chromebook?
Open the Fair Toolbox Audio to MP3 Converter in Chrome, choose the M4A file from the Files app, and click Convert to MP3. Play it back, then click Download MP3 to save it to your Downloads folder. It runs in Chrome, so there's no extension, Android app or Linux setup.
Can I get the audio out of a video on a Chromebook?
Yes. Choose the MP4 or MOV video in the same converter. It keeps only the sound and saves it as an MP3. This works for phone videos and for Zoom or Teams recordings you're allowed to download.
Why are my Chromebook recordings WebM files?
The Chromebook's screen recorder saves WebM, and recordings made in Chrome on websites are usually WebM too. Many apps and sites only accept MP3, so convert the WebM file to MP3 first.
Do I need Linux or ffmpeg?
No. Guides that tell you to turn on Linux and install ffmpeg work, but it's a lot of setup for one file, and school or work Chromebooks often can't turn Linux on at all. The browser converter needs nothing installed.
What can't be converted?
WMA files, which browsers can't decode, and protected (DRM) music from streaming services. Very long recordings may also be too much for a Chromebook's memory: up to about an hour usually works.